What is the European Society for Neonatology (ESN)?

The ESN aims to improve perinatal and neonatal care throughout Europe through continuing education and training in neonatology and by promoting research in partnership with the European Society for Paediatric Research.  

Why should I join the ESN?

1.     to help develop quality perinatal and neonatal care in Europe

2.     to access opportunity for education and training through courses and materials provided through the ESN

3.     to share ideas and practice across Europe through exchange of ideas and individuals

4.     to contribute to the neonatal community through guidelines and research collaboration

What will the ESN give to me?

·         Opportunity for education and training:

o    The ESN is responsible for the training syllabus, competencies and assessment framework through the European Academy of Paediatrics and UEMS

o    The ESN is a major partner in the annual ESPR meeting

o    The ESN runs and supports courses for trainees to underpin the syllabus – examples are the ESN taught courses prior to the annual meeting and the “Internet-Mediated Neonatal Education” project run from the University of Southampton, UK

o    We will make training and education materials available through our website

·         Sharing ideas and practice:

o    The ESN is a network of professionals and NICUs across Europe

o    We will develop and discuss guidelines

o    The ESN will provide travel fellowships to encourage individuals to attend the annual meeting and visit other NICUs

o    We will develop quality Standards of Care.

·         Research collaboration:

o    Through the annual ESPR Meeting – the officers of the ESN are responsible for programme planning and abstract selection as part of the ESPR Council

o    Working with the new European Medicines for Children initiative

o    Through promoting and supporting Europe-wide proposals, e.g. EuroNeoNet

What is the relationship between the ESN and the ESPR?

·         The ESN was formed to assume responsibility for those aspects of neonatal professional development that the ESPR could not perform in its role within its constitution as a Society for Paediatric Research. 

·         The ESPR has helped the ESN to become established and supported the development of training specifications (syllabus, competency and assessment framework). 

·         Members of the ESPR can automatically become members of the ESN without a fee.  Other Neonatologists who do not wish to join a research society through presenting and contributing to research may join the ESN at a reduced rate compared to ESPR members, but will not receive the Society’s Journal, Pediatric Research.

·         The ESN will continue to work closely with the ESPR in terms of its research agenda but will undertake additional roles as they become necessary, in particular it will develop its already non-research based educational roles, with a view to developing and supporting continuing professional education in neonatology.

Who are the officers of ESN?

President:                                  Prof. Mats Blennow, Stockholm;

Officer responsible for training:      Prof. Gorm Gresien, Copenhagen; 

Officer responsible for education:   Prof Marta Thió, Barcelona;

Council Members:                        Prof Luc Zimmermann, Maastricht;

Prof Jean-Claude Fauchère, Zurich;

Prof Jean-Claude Picaud, Lyon.

More information can be found on the ESN website