Dear Colleagues,

It is an honour and pleasure to invite you all to the 9^th Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Societies, EAPS 2022 in Barcelona: “Shaping the Future of Child Health”.

The Congress is organised by the three leading European societies: the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP), the European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR) and the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC). This combined efforts and talents of the best and brightest minds in paediatrics make this biannual event a major, leading educational and research platform, bringing you the latest cutting-edge science and providing with the latest insights and tools that you can bring to your patients.

It is in our nature as paediatric health care professionals to collaborate. This is exemplified in having 11 other European paediatric societies with us, including the European Respiratory Society (ERS), the European Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology (ESPA), the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), the European Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM), the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology (ESPN), the European Association of Palliative Care: Paediatric Taskforce (EAPC), The Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC), The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE), The European Society for Pediatric Nephrology (ESPN), The Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) and The Catalan Paediatric Society.

We are dedicated to present you a great programme where you will find everything that meet your needs and helps you to contribute to shaping the future of paediatric health. The compelling and comprehensive scientific programme will unveil the latest research and analysis in the field. It is our honour and pleasure to have world-renowned scientists and clinicians giving plenary and symposium presentations. A further highlight are the pre-congress courses on October 7, where the organising societies offer training courses and courses for continuing professional development/education.

A central feature of the Congress are the free scientific papers presenting new information from all areas of paediatric medicine and child health coming from young and upcoming paediatric stars. These presentations facilitate robust debates, thoughtful conversations and fruitful collaborations, with the future of our patients and our specialty of paediatrics being brought to the next level.

EAPS 2022 is an excellent platform where you can strengthen, renew existing and make new, life lasting personal and professional relationships.

The Congress Venue is located in the Barcelona neighbourhood of Sant Martí with easy access to the airport and 500 metres away from beautiful beaches. Barcelona is a truly exciting city that has numerous facets to explore and enjoy. Please take some relaxing time to find the balance between learning and well-being.

Mark your calendars for EAPS in Barcelona – October 7-11, 2022.

We are looking forward to welcoming you all there.

Best Wishes,

Adamos Hadjipanayis (EAP)                                  Martin Kneyber (ESPNIC)
Chair, Organising Committee                                Chair, Scientific Committee