Dear Colleagues,

It is our great honour and pleasure to invite you all to the 5th Congress of the European Academic Paediatric Societies, EAPS 2014. This time we will return to the beautiful and thriving city of Barcelona. The combined efforts and talents of the best and brightest minds in paediatrics have turned this biannual event into a major educational platform, attracting high quality presentations that have subsequently appeared in leading publications.

The Congress is organised by the three societies European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP), European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR) and European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC) including the Nurses Section of ESPNIC. In addition, for EAPS 2014, we are very happy that six other important European paediatric societies have accepted our invitation to join as collaborating societies: European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS), the Paediatric Assembly of European Respiratory Society (ERS), the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC), The Union of European Neonatal & Perinatal Societies (UENPS), the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), and the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID).

The Congress' most important content is, as always, the free papers. Submitted abstracts to EAPS 2014 are guaranteed to facilitate robust debates, thoughtful conversations and fruitful collaborations, with the future of paediatrics being greatly enhanced as a result.

There will of course be plenary talks given by world-class authorities with a broad paediatric relevance. It will also be possible for members of the participating societies to submit suggestions for “member symposia”.

We also want to highlight the pre-congress courses on Thursday and Friday (October 16-17), where the organising societies offer training courses and courses for continuing professional development/education.

Indeed, the Congress programme will have something to offer to everyone. The promotion and advancement of quality paediatric care and training worldwide has a powerful advocate in EAPS 2014. Its compelling and comprehensive scientific programme will unveil the latest research and analysis in the field, as presented by a renowned international faculty.

Being set in Barcelona, the EAPS 2014 will also give us a lot of time and opportunities for networking and relaxation. The weather in October is usually very comfortable, and the cultural and gastronomic virtues need no extra comments.

Mark your calendars for EAPS Oct 17-21, 2014!

We are looking forward to welcoming you all there.

Best Wishes,

Tom Stiris                                    Mats Blennow
Chair, Organising Committee         Chair, Scientific Committee