European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases
The European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID) is a non-profit medical association registered in Germany that focuses on paediatric infectious diseases. Since its founding in 1983, it has grown to include over 1000 members, from all over Europe and beyond. ESPID forms the basis for European clinicians and scientists interested in all aspects of infectious diseases in children and their prevention. The society is engaged in a number of activities including the organization of multicentre trials, international exchange of paediatric infectious disease fellows, educational activities, and an annual scientific conference.[1]
Mission
ESPID promotes "excellence in paediatric infectious diseases."[1]
Activities
ESPID offers several grants and fellowships to facilitate information exchange, education, and research in the field of paediatric infectious diseases. The exact scope of each of these awards varies. The Small Grant Award and the Young Investigator Award fund individual research projects. The former focuses on projects designed to acquire preliminary data[2] while the latter funds any researcher under 40 years of age.[3] ESPID also supports research through its Collaborative Research Meeting Scheme, which funds projects conducted by members of more than one European nation.[4] ESPID funds two sets of fellowships. The Training Fellowships allow members to study in a different medical center or country.[5] The ESPID Fellowships Awards provide funding for basic or clinical research.
The association also supports projects designed to educate medical professionals. It funds training sessions for clinical trainiees and continuing medical education for qualified physicians with its Training Course and Workshop Award.[6] Additionally, the ESPID Postgraduate Teaching Visits to Resource Poor Countries encourages members to teach pediatric infectious disease techniques in countries with low or lower-middle income.[7]
The ESPID Annual Meeting, held every year since 1983, consists of various workshops, lectures, and symposia to help healthcare professionals learn the latest scientific information about the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pediatric infectious diseases. The meeting is organized jointly with the ESPID Foundation. The 2013 Meeting will be held in Milan, Italy.[8] ESPID also hosts regional training sessions and educational workshops in various European countries.[9] Travel awards are available to allow members to travel both to the Annual Meeting and to relevant scientific congresses in general.[10][11] Lectures and presentations are often recorded by ESPID for use as webcasts on the association's website. The site currently has over 30 presentations available for members.[12]
Publications
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal is the official journal of ESPID in partnership with the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of America. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal is published monthly and offers original studies and case reports, peer reviews of articles, different perspectives on pediatric practices, and updated information on drugs, treatments, and diseases. It is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins[13]
Governance
The current ESPID Board consists of the following members:
- Ronald de Groot, President (2012–2015)
- Fernanda Rodrigues, Secretary (2013–2016)
- Tobias Tenenbaum, Treasurer (2011-2014)
- Terho Heikkinen, Board Member (2012-2015)
- Jesús Saavedra, Board Member (2013–2016)
- Emmanouil Galanakis, Board Member (2013–2016)
- Marieke Emonts, Young ESPID Representative (2011–2015)
- Julie Bielicki, Young ESPID Representative (2011–2014)[14]
See also
References
- ^ a b Our Objectives, ESPID
- ^ Small Grant Award, ESPID
- ^ Young Investigator Award 2011, ESPId
- ^ Collaborative Research Meeting Scheme, ESPID
- ^ Training Fellowships, ESPID
- ^ Training Course and Workshop Award, ESPID
- ^ Postgrad Teaching Visits to Resource Poor Countries, ESPID
- ^ 31st Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Kenes International
- ^ Events, ESPID
- ^ Annual Meeting Travel Award 2011, ESPID
- ^ General Travel Award, ESPID
- ^ Webcast, ESPID
- ^ About the Journal, LWW
- ^ Board and Committee Members, ESPID