ESPE – The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology

About

The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) is an international organisation aiming to improve clinical care of children and adolescents with endocrine conditions, including diabetes, through research and education.

Paediatric endocrinology is a specialty of children’s medicine (paediatrics) caring for babies, children and adolescents with growth, puberty, sexual development problems and other disorders of the hormone producing glands of the body. These include diabetes, thyroid and adrenal gland problems, early and late puberty, and growth hormone deficiency.

History

In 1962, following attendance to the 4^th Acta Endocrinologica Congress in Geneva, Professor Andrea Prader invited 26 paediatricians and endocrinologists with an interest in foetal and paediatric issues to attend an informal post conference meeting and so the first ‘Paediatric Endocrinology Club’ was formed. These meetings provided young European Investigators with a platform to discuss Paediatric Endocrinology in-depth. ESPE was officially founded at the meeting in Copenhagen in 1965, with the mission ‘The Society shall promote knowledge of Paediatric Endocrinology in the widest Sense.’

The Society is also actively involved in promoting the interests of the general public and in advising on European health policy in the area of paediatric endocrinology. Please see our Mission Statement for more information about our vision and strategy as a Society.

ESPE is also a founding member of the International Consortium of Pediatric Endocrinology (ICPE), which exists to foster global collaboration in paediatric endocrinology.