President update, July 2025

We have had a busy month and I am pleased to share with you some updates from ESPE.

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Kay Miller, FCMI, CMgr has been appointed as ESPE Chief Executive Officer. Her appointment marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Society as she aims to build on its impactful work and drive future growth. Read more on the website.

ESPE, alongside ESE and The Endocrine Society, recently joined forces in a coordinated call on the EU 27 Member States to step up their ambition in tackling PFAS and other Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. Read the open letter, which follows concerns that the EU’s priorities are focused in this area on competitiveness and simplification, at the cost of health and environment.

Our three Societies have also issued a joint statement raising serious concerns about the European Commission’s proposed Chemicals Omnibus Package and Action Plan. We call for stronger safeguards, support a universal PFAS ban, and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for robust chemical regulations that prioritise human health. Read the full statement on the website.

Earlier this month we held another of our successful ESPE Connect webinars – thank you to everyone who joined us to watch live, and our expert panel of speakers who presented on various aspects of diagnostics. If you missed it, or would like to watch again, this webinar and all of the others in this series, are available to ESPE members free of charge – take a look at the full series.

Not yet an ESPE member? Find full details of membership benefits and how to join on the website.

Please save the date for the next ESPE Connect webinar on 02 October. Our 20th webinar will focus on Prader-Willi Syndrome – keep an eye on the website and social media for registration details soon.

There is not long left to apply for the ESPE Research Fellowship. This €125,000 grant supports promising early-career scientists and paediatric endocrinologists in conducting research at top institutions worldwide, helping launch impactful careers in clinical paediatric endocrinology. Applications will close on 15 August, please visit the website for full details and how to apply.

We are also currently calling for applications for the Visiting Professorship of Rare Diseases Grant. Enabling scientific renewal and the development of long-term partnerships, this grant allows the recipient to develop new projects and access funding of €15,000. Applications will close on 01 September.

We are pleased to be collaborating with ESE and Endo-ERN on a joint webinar series. The next session, taking place on 2 September, will focus on CAH and explore diagnostic and therapeutic challenges across the lifespan. Visit the website for the full agenda, speakers, and registration details.

Finally, a reminder regarding applications for the Early Career Scientific Development Grant. To have the opportunity to receive €2,500 to gain hands-on experience with specific research topics or lab techniques, make sure to apply by 30 September.

All the very best,

Anita Hokken-Koelega
ESPE President