Christmas Greetings
by Sandra Häberle
As we approach the end of 2024, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the progress and achievements that have shaped EUFEPS this year, while also looking ahead to the exciting opportunities of the coming year.
For the Executive Committee, 2024 has been a remarkable and transformative year. At our Council meeting in Debrecen, I had the honor of being re-elected as President of EUFEPS. On that same occasion, we welcomed Joao Lopes (Portugal), Anke-Hilse Maitland-van der Zee (The Netherlands), and Giuseppe De Rosa (Italy), who will join the Executive Committee starting in 2025.
At the same time, we bid farewell to three dedicated members who will leave the EUFEPS ExCo at the end of this year:
- Fabio Sonvico (Italy), who served diligently as Treasurer for many years,
- Hubert Leufkens (The Netherlands), whose leadership as Vice-President significantly strengthened EUFEPS, and
- Anna Birna Almarsdottir (Denmark), who contributed to discussions on clinical pharmacy's role within EUFEPS.
I wish to express my gratitude to each of them for their contributions to EUFEPS. Together, with our newly formed team, we look forward to leading EUFEPS into a future filled with unique opportunities for innovative medicines research across Europe.
A key focus this year has been the development and expansion of the EUFEPS research networks. These networks are vital not only for fostering scientific collaboration within Europe but also as a platform for applying for joint European research grants and advancing education and training programs. Furthermore, they provide a strategic forum to help shape decisions at the European level, ensuring that pharmaceutical sciences remain at the forefront of innovation.
In 2024, we successfully organized three major meetings:
- The EUFEPS Annual Meeting in Debrecen,
- The 10th BBBB Meeting in Tartu, Estonia, and
- The 6th GBHI Meeting in collaboration with the FDA in Washington, USA.
Looking ahead, we are excited to invite you to the Joint EUFEPS/ÖPhG Meeting, taking place February 19–21, 2025, in Vienna, Austria, under the theme “Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Heart of Europe”. This meeting will gather pharmaceutical scientists from around the world to share the latest research, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations at both regional and global levels.
In addition to insightful lectures and presentations, the Annual Meeting will feature:
- A dedicated session for poster and oral communications,
- Ample opportunities for networking, and
- The European PhD Students Competition, where young researchers will showcase their excellence and compete for recognition. Through this, EUFEPS aims to promote and reward academic and scientific excellence among young researchers who will shape the future of pharmaceutical sciences.
These accomplishments highlight the significant role EUFEPS plays in pharmaceutical sciences, education, training, and science policy throughout Europe. None of this would have been possible without your continued support, commitment, and collaboration.
On behalf of the entire Executive Committee, I extend my warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season. May you enjoy a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, filled with health, happiness, and new successes.
We look forward to continuing our work together in 2025 and welcoming you to our upcoming events.
With my best regards,
Maria Blanco-Prieto
President, EUFEPS