The ECTS Congress is approaching, and the ECTS Academy is preparing a series of events designed specifically for new investigators, clinicians, and researchers in skeletal biology.
Whether you are attending the ECTS Congress for the first time or are a regular participant and looking for mentorship, networking opportunities, scientific discussion, or simply a place to connect with peers, the Academy programme offers several engaging activities throughout the congress.
Below is a preview of what you can look forward to in Girona.
April 24th, 13:00 – 15:00: Open Forum- Experimental Approaches in Rare Bone Diseases
Rare skeletal disorders remain a critical area of investigation. The Open Forum on Experimental Approaches in Rare Bone Diseases will explore emerging experimental strategies, model systems, and translational approaches used to understand and treat rare bone conditions. The session aims to stimulate interdisciplinary discussion among researchers working in rare skeletal disease biology.
April 25th, 18:05 – 19:05: New Investigator Mentoring Session
One of the highlights of the Academy programme is the New Investigator (NI) Mentoring Session, where early-career researchers can gain insights from established scientists on navigating different aspects of academic careers. This year’s mentoring topics include:
Work–life balance in academia, Speaker: Anne-Sophie Sølling
Using social media to boost your career, Speaker: Melanie Haffner-Luntzer
How to attract your first major grant as a PI, Speaker: Ralf Müller
Scientific publishing and peer review, Speaker: André van Wijnen
April 25th, 19:10 – 20:00: Poster Forums
The ECTS Academy will host two focused poster discussion sessions that provide opportunities for deeper engagement with selected abstracts: Clinical Poster Forum & Basic Poster Forum. Accompanied with the competition for the best basic and clinical work presentation.
April 25th, 21:00 – 22:00: Charity Event –Use Your Brain for FOP.
Participants are invited to engage in a fun and intellectually stimulating activity while contributing to an important cause within the rare bone disease community.
April 26th, 11:50 – 12:50: Meet the Academy
Curious about the ECTS Academy and how to get involved? Join the Meet the Academy session, which will include: Guidance on how to join and participate in the ECTS Academy and opportunities to connect with current Academy members.
This session is particularly valuable for trainees and new investigators who wish to become more involved in the ECTS community.
April 27th, 11:40 – 12:40: New Investigator Seminar and Networking Gathering
The New Investigator Seminar and Gathering provides a dedicated forum for early-career researchers to present their work and connect with peers across the international bone research community. The event combines scientific presentations with informal networking, creating an ideal environment to establish collaborations and build professional relationships within the field accompanied with the competition for the best basic and clinical work presentation.
ECTS Academy Lounge
Throughout the congress, participants are welcome to visit the ECTS Academy Lounge—a dedicated space for informal discussions, networking, and meeting fellow researchers.
The lounge will also host an online quiz, where participants can test their skeletal knowledge. Winners will receive a special Golden Vertebrae Pin, a unique Academy keepsake.
We warmly encourage all new investigators and interested participants to join these activities and become part of the vibrant ECTS Academy network.