President update, April 2025

We are less than two weeks away from the highly anticipated Joint Congress of ESPE and ESE 2025! If you have registered to join us on 10-13 May in Copenhagen, or @HOME, take a look at the scientific and industry programmes to make sure you don’t miss a session that’s important to you. If you are yet to register, there is still time!

We are also delighted to be holding an important event on the latest research and policy efforts related to the health and environmental impacts of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). This free event will take place on Wednesday 14 May 2025 at the Bella Sky Hotel Copenhagen, directly following the Joint Congress of ESPE and ESE, as well as online. Leading European scientists and high-level national and European policymakers will discuss the latest scientific findings in the field of EDCs and how these should be taken into account in the ongoing and upcoming EU and national legislative debates around this topic. Also, the impact that exposure to EDCs has the health risks and on families and local communities will be discussed. You can find out more about this legacy event on the website.

We are also looking forward to presenting the latest joint project we have been working on with the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE). The EndoCompass project covers eight areas of (paediatric) endocrinology, and five that cut transversally across these areas, delineating a direction for future research and needed investments for better endocrine health for all. EndoCompass is the first ambitious effort to articulate a common vision on research priorities in the coming years. You can find more details on the website, and you very welcome to visit the EndoCompass stand at the Joint Congress in Copenhagen.

We have recently published an updated ESPE statement on the adoption of the Toy Safety Regulation, which outlines the provisional agreement between the European Council and European Parliament. This provisional agreement between the two institutions is an important step forward for children’s health in Europe. ESPE has been actively working on this by sharing their views at different stages of the legislative cycle with EU and national policymakers and ensure the voice of paediatric endocrinology is being taken into account. Now that the Regulation has been adopted, ESPE will continue to monitor its implementation and ensure the legislation indeed actively tackles children’s EDC exposure through toy products. We will also work with the EU institutions on the correct implementation of the legislation and to make sure the regulation continues to reflect the latest scientific developments in the field. Read the full statement on the website.

The vacancy for the Co-ordinator of ESPE Winter School is open until 09 May. This important position will have overall responsibility for the organisation of the School, output of the Steering Committee, and chairing the annual face-to-face meeting during the ESPE Annual Meeting. Please find out more, including how to apply, on the website.

You can now apply for the ESPE Early Career Scientific Development Grant. This grant offers financial support to paediatric endocrinologists and basic scientists to gain experience on a specific research issue, or on a laboratory technique in the field of paediatric endocrinology. Applications close on 31 May, so make sure to get your application together soon.

We are looking forward to the ESPE-OSCAR Science Symposium 2025 on 18 September in Paris, France. This year, the event will focus on mineralization of bone and growth plate, towards the development of new therapies. The deadline for abstracts is 04 May so make sure to submit your abstract soon! Registration is also now open – be sure to register before the early bird deadline of 15 June. We look forward to seeing you in Copenhagen!

All the very best,

Anita Hokken-Koelega
ESPE President