President update, February 2026

It is with great sadness we announce that Professor Martin Savage, Emeritus Professor of Paediatric Endocrinology, passed away this week. Martin was a truly inspirational, hugely respected leading light and innovator in the field of paediatric endocrinology, both nationally and internationally. A past ESPE Secretary-General, he worked tirelessly for the Society for nearly 30 years. He leaves a lasting legacy in paediatric endocrinology. You can read more about his legacy on the website.

This month saw the launch of the landmark Joint Clinical Practice Guidance launched by ESPE and the European Society of Endocrinology. This pan‑European consensus directly addresses the long‑standing lack of evidence‑based guidance for healthcare transition in endocrine conditions. By setting a shared framework for best practice, this guidance represents a major step forward in supporting young Europeans with lifelong endocrine conditions and reinforcing collaboration across the paediatric and adult endocrine communities. I thank the authors and everyone involved in this important piece of work and urge you all to read the joint guidance.

We are also celebrating the outstanding success of the ESPE Bone Academy in person meeting, which marked an exciting milestone for our community. This event officially launched the specialised two year programme, designed to strengthen clinical expertise, share the latest scientific insights and equip participants with practical strategies that can be directly applied to improve patient outcomes. The energy and engagement at the meeting set a fantastic tone for what promises to be a transformative educational journey.

Momentum continues to build as preparations for ESPE 2026 progress at pace. Registration is now open, and we warmly encourage you to submit your abstract and share your latest research with the international paediatric endocrinology community. We are also delighted to share the scientific programme with you.

If you’re planning to attend ESPE 2026, remember that ESPE offers Travel Grants to support the participation of junior delegates attending the Annual Meeting. These grants are awarded to applicants who have submitted a high‑quality abstract, helping to ensure that promising early‑career researchers can actively contribute to and benefit from the scientific programme.

The ESPE Undergraduate Achievement Award continues to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievement in paediatric endocrinology at undergraduate level. Award recipients will receive free registration to ESPE 2026, as well as a €750 grant to support travel and accommodation.

Travel Grant and Undergraduate Achievement Award applications close with abstracts on 24 March.

Whether you are advancing your clinical expertise, sharing new research, or taking your first steps into paediatric endocrinology, ESPE offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, connect and grow. We look forward to welcoming you to Marseille this September and to supporting the continued success of our vibrant global community.

We are also calling for applications to host the 2027 ESPE Science Symposium – a flagship scientific event designed to bring together paediatricians and basic researchers working in paediatric endocrinology. Hosting this educational event offers a unique opportunity to shape the scientific programme around an emerging or high impact topic, stimulate meaningful exchange between clinicians and researchers, and contribute to the advancement of paediatric endocrine care across Europe. Applications close on 01 March – please take a look at the website for more information.

We are also inviting applications for the first ever ESPE Ethiopia School on Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, taking place in Addis Ababa, 15–18 May 2026, marking an important step in expanding educational opportunities and regional collaboration in East Africa. The programme will place a specific focus on thyroid disorders, including congenital hypothyroidism and paediatric diabetes. Find full details on the website.

Finally, we have four Council positions open for applications: Chair of Communications Committee, Chair of Corporate Liaison Board, Chair of Programme Organising Committee, and Chair of Strategic and Finance Committee. These roles play a vital part in shaping ESPE’s activities, priorities and long‑term strategy. By joining Council, you will collaborate across the paediatric endocrinology community, help guide key initiatives and contribute directly to the continued growth and impact of the Society. Full details of each vacancy, including role descriptions and application information, are available on the ESPE website the deadline for all Council vacancies are 20 March.

All the very best,

Mehul Dattani
ESPE President