Annual European Cystic Fibrosis Conference Gathers International Research Community

Last Wednesday, the 37th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference gathered leading CF caregivers and researchers in Gothenburg, Sweden. The four-day program included seminars, round table talks, Meet the Expert sessions, and a physiotherapy short course, in order to facilitate acquisition and distribution of new knowledge and research in the fight against the disease.

The annual conference is one of the events organized by the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS) for the international cystic fibrosis research community. The patron of this year’s conference was Queen Silvia of Sweden.

Experts in the disease headed numerous conference panels, with some of most recognized names in CF research, including ECFS President and Cystic Fibrosis Trust Trustee Professor Stuart Elborn, CBE, Adult Physician at Queen’s University, Belfast; and Dr. Alex Horsley, NIHR Clinician Scientist at the University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant at the Manchester Adult CF Centre.

“We’re looking forward to attending the ECFS Conference in Gothenburg. It is an important opportunity for us to meet clinical and research experts from across Europe and beyond to hear of the latest developments in drug development and best clinical practice. As we develop a more ambitious future for the Trust, it is vital that we build strong relationships with the best to maximize our impact for people with cystic fibrosis in the UK,” said Ed Owen, the Chief Executive of The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, who, along with the director of research, Dr. Janet Allen, the registry clinical data manager, Elaine Gunn, and the head of public affairs, James Barrow, all represented the organization at this year’s conference.

In addition to the presentations, awards were given to young investigators under the age of 35, which included a monetary grant of € 750, a free registration to the Conference, and a 2014 ECFS membership subscription. Travel Grants were also awarded at the conference for outstanding young European investigators under the age of 35 who are currently working toward a PhD or post-graduate degree, or who have recently graduated. The Travel Grants include a monetary grant of € 300, free registration to the Conference, and a 2014 ECFS membership subscription.

The program of the conference is available here, and coverage the event can be followed on the organization’s blog, where presenters will continue to share their perspectives on current cystic fibrosis research and care.

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An annual meeting for CF research and patient care is also set to take place in the United States this summer as well. The 27th Cystic Fibrosis Research Inc. Conference will be held in San Francisco between August 1st and 3rd this year, and will present the theme “Changing the Faces of Cystic Fibrosis: Inspiring Hope.”