As you know, from September 4 to 7 2019 the 11th Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC will take place in Valencia. The theme of the Congress is “Bringing the Future to the Present”.
This theme is also very fitting for the more than two years of work that go into preparing for the congress, which starts well before even the previous congress has taken place. After agreeing on the location and date of the upcoming congress, the EFIC Board has to decide which topics and areas to focus on. Shortly after the congress, EFIC sends out an evaluation form to all the attendees to gather valuable insights, feedback and opinions on what worked well, what can be improved, and which sessions are the most popular. All of this is incredibly helpful when planning the following congress, of course.
Preparations for the forthcoming congress have been in full swing for a number of months. One of the many tasks we are currently focused on is the development of an attractive and challenging scientific programme. To ensure a comprehensive approach, a broad scientific committee has been formed with representatives from all stakeholders involved in pain: basic science researchers, psychologists, doctors from a range of disciplines, physiotherapists and patients.
We also issued a call for workshops, which was met with almost 200 proposals. The proposals have been carefully assessed by the scientific committee and a first choice has been made. As always, we aim to leave some space for workshops featuring late breaking news closer to the congress to ensure that we have the most up-to-date information. The subjects vary in which proportional attention is given to basic, general, diagnostic and treatment topics. We also selected 5 so-called young investigator workshops, giving the floor to young researchers who literally bring the future to the present under the guidance of recognised research leaders. In addition to a general programme of workshops and plenaries, we are now creating refresher courses that specifically focus on the preparation for the EFIC exam. Particular attention will also be paid to a partial Spanish language programme.
Last but not least, we are now inviting our plenary speakers. Although we do not want to give away too much too soon, we can let you know that in addition to classic topics such as the role of the immune system and the role of genetics in chronic pain we also want to give specific attention to the role of exercise and nutrition in the treatment of pain.
Don’t forget: We need your input as well! Be part of the scientific programme and submit your abstract for either oral or poster presentation.
Abstract Submission Deadline: 28 February 2019
Frank Huygen
Scientific Programme Committee Chair
11th Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC
