ESPID

ESPID Annual Meeting: A Global Platform for Advancing Paediatric Infectious Disease Research

Every year, the Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID) serves as a dynamic meeting point for researchers, clinicians, and public health experts dedicated to improving the lives of children affected by infectious diseases. In 2025, the conference returns with a hybrid format — hosted in Bucharest and Online — ensuring wider accessibility and global participation.

This gathering brings together the brightest minds from around the world, fostering the exchange of scientific insights, clinical practices, and the latest findings in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases in children. It is more than a conference; it's a catalyst for real-world progress in pediatric healthcare.

Focusing on Paediatric Infectious Diseases in a Global Context

The ESPID Annual Meeting aims to tackle the most pressing issues facing pediatric infectious disease specialists today. The conference recognizes that children remain among the most vulnerable to infectious diseases — from routine viral infections to emerging threats and antimicrobial resistance.

Key topics of this year's ESPID meeting include:

•    Vaccine strategies and innovation in immunization
•    Neonatal and infant infection management
•    Global approaches to antimicrobial stewardship
•    Post-COVID pediatric epidemiology and research
•    New viral and bacterial pathogens in pediatric populations

These topics underscore ESPID’s commitment to advancing science that can directly impact children's health outcomes, not just in Europe, but across all continents.

The Power of Collaboration: Bridging Research and Clinical Practice

One of the key values of the ESPID Annual Meeting in Bucharest and Online is its ability to bring together different sectors of the pediatric infectious disease community. It bridges gaps between:

•    Academic researchers and hospital clinicians

   Public health experts and microbiologists

   Vaccine developers and epidemiologists

   NGOs and government stakeholders

By facilitating collaboration, the event promotes integrated approaches that consider both scientific innovation and the realities of clinical practice.

This collaboration is essential for

•    Translating laboratory findings into effective treatment protocols
•    Identifying regional differences in infection patterns
•    Implementing global solutions adapted to local needs
•    Strengthening early detection and rapid response systems

A Diverse and Impactful Scientific Program

The scientific program of ESPID is carefully curated to address a wide spectrum of pediatric infectious disease challenges. Through keynote lectures, symposia, abstract sessions, and roundtable discussions, the conference highlights the best in current research while encouraging critical dialogue on unresolved questions.

Scientific sessions at ESPID 2025 will cover:

•    Paediatric tuberculosis: diagnostics and treatment dilemmas
•    Pediatric sepsis: early intervention strategies
•    New developments in RSV and influenza vaccines
•    Diagnostic use of AI and digital tools in pediatric infections
•    Long COVID in children: evidence, impact, and interventions

With presentations from both emerging scientists and world-renowned experts, the event is equally supportive of cutting-edge discovery and mentorship.

ESPID in a Hybrid Format: Greater Access, Broader Reach

A defining feature of the upcoming Annual ESPID Meeting is its hybrid model — allowing professionals to engage either in-person in Bucharest or from anywhere around the world. This inclusivity is a response to the growing need for flexible participation, especially for healthcare workers with demanding schedules or those based in regions with limited travel opportunities.

Benefits of the hybrid conference format

•    Live-streamed sessions with interactive Q&A
•    On-demand access to recorded content
•    Virtual networking tools for researchers and clinicians
•    Poster presentations accessible online
•    Real-time language interpretation for selected sessions

This approach ensures that the mission of ESPID — improving pediatric infectious disease care globally — is more attainable and equitable than ever before.

Emphasizing Education and Early Career Support

In addition to its robust scientific agenda, the ESPID Annual Meeting places strong emphasis on education, training, and career development for early-career professionals. ESPID recognizes that the future of pediatric infectious diseases lies in empowering the next generation of specialists.

Opportunities for young researchers include:

•    Mentorship sessions with senior scientists
•    Oral abstract competitions
•    Networking lunches and meet-the-expert events
•    Dedicated workshops on study design and grant writing

This nurturing environment allows young professionals to grow in confidence, expand their networks, and stay updated on the evolving landscape of pediatric infection control.

Tackling Global Challenges in Child Health

The conference doesn’t shy away from the big questions. As new pathogens emerge, vaccine hesitancy grows, and climate change reshapes disease vectors, the ESPID Annual Meeting serves as a critical venue to debate solutions and policy directions.

Key challenges explored include

•    The global burden of neglected tropical diseases in children
•    Preparing for the next pandemic: lessons from COVID-19
•    Addressing healthcare inequality in pediatric infection control
•    Ethical considerations in pediatric clinical trials

Through shared data and diverse perspectives, ESPID participants work toward building resilient, responsive healthcare systems tailored for pediatric needs.

Why ESPID Matters More Than Ever

The Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases is more than an academic event — it is a unifying force in global child health. By bringing together frontline clinicians, researchers, and policy leaders, ESPID fosters the kind of cross-sector dialogue and innovation needed to tackle today’s complex health challenges.

Whether attending in Bucharest or joining online, participants become part of a global movement striving to improve infectious disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for children everywhere.