The European Society of Endocrinology has launched the ESE Obesity and Endocrinology School, a new educational programme designed to develop specialist expertise among early-career clinicians and researchers working in obesity and endocrinology.
The inaugural three-day School will take place in Barcelona from 15–17 March 2027. It will focus specifically on obesity as an endocrine disease and combine clinical education with research into its underlying mechanisms.
ESE Obesity and Endocrinology School focuses on specialist training
The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) developed the programme to complement existing obesity education while examining the condition from an endocrinology perspective.
Topics will include the genetics of obesity, adipose tissue biology and function, food noise, weight regain and current treatments. The programme will also examine emerging areas of research and links between obesity and different stages of endocrine health.
These include puberty, menopause and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome.
“The three-day, in-person programme will cover both the clinical and mechanistic aspects of obesity, bringing together leading experts from across Europe to explore the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field,” said Gregory Kaltsas, Chair of the ESE Education Committee.
Kaltsas said interactive learning and case-based discussions would form part of the programme, alongside opportunities for participants to develop research and professional networks.
Programme targets early-career obesity specialists
The School is intended for fellows and early-career clinicians who already have experience in obesity and want to develop further expertise within endocrinology.
Participation is limited to 25 fellows. Successful participants will also present a clinical case report during dedicated sessions within the programme.
The Scientific Programme Committee includes specialists from France, Ireland, Italy, Serbia and the Netherlands.
Committee members are Blandine Gatta Cherifi, Karine Clément, Daniela Cota, Maeve Durkan, Melania Manco, Uberto Pagotto, Kristina Saravinosvka and Liesbeth van Rossum.
Obesity expertise becomes a growing endocrinology priority
ESE launched the programme against a backdrop of a substantial obesity burden across Europe. According to the organisation, overweight and obesity are associated with more than 1.2 million deaths annually across the WHO European Region.
Meanwhile, scientific understanding of obesity and its relationship with endocrine health continues to develop. This is increasing the need for clinicians with expertise spanning obesity management and endocrinology.
“Obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time and endocrinologists have a vital role to play in improving outcomes for people living with obesity,” said Daniela Cota, Scientific Programme Committee representative.
“Through the launch of the ESE Obesity and Endocrinology School, we are investing in the future of our specialty by supporting talented early-career clinicians and researchers to develop the expertise, networks and confidence needed to lead progress in this field.”
New School will begin in Barcelona in 2027
The ESE Obesity and Endocrinology School will be held at Sabàtic Gavà Mar in Barcelona, with the first programme running from 15–17 March 2027.
Successful participants will receive access to the educational programme, accommodation and catering. ESE also plans to make a limited number of meeting grants available to eligible members from low- and middle-income countries.
Further programme information is available on the ESE Obesity and Endocrinology School 2027 event page.
