COVID-19 UPDATE

ESPEN 2020 IS NOW A FULLY VIRTUAL CONGRESS

Dear ESPEN community,

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial uncertainties, unfortunately, remain on safety and feasibility of many activities and events for several months ahead, both in Europe and worldwide. Travel limitations also will most likely remain substantial in the near future.

ESPEN has therefore taken the difficult decision to cancel our physical 2020 Congress, and at the same time, we have decided to put our best energy in organizing a virtual Congress. We wish to thank the Lyon teams who continue to collaborate with central ESPEN, and to reassure all of you that ESPEN is fully committed to creating a virtual event up to the highest standards of science, education and innovation.

We will use state-of-the-art technology to ensure fruitful exchanges, presentations of original findings and inclusion of up-to-date topics in a renewed programme. We believe that we need to meet virtually in this very difficult year, to continue to disseminate and strengthen our strong messages on the key role of nutritional care in all fields of patient care; and we need to discuss how clinical nutrition has to become an integral part of care also in the new challenges posed by COVID-19 patients.

We have been greatly encouraged by an outstanding number of Abstract submissions at the regular submission deadline a few days ago; under these difficult circumstances, it is extremely meaningful and appreciated. Please take advantage of the additional opportunity to submit Abstracts during the Late-breaking submission period, which just opened and has been extended to June 30, with no submission fees.

Let us all take the opportunity to network and learn from each other in the ESPEN 2020 Virtual Congress. We look forward to meeting you all in September!

Best regards,