The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) is set to host its 60th Annual Meeting from 9 to 13 September 2024, in Madrid, Spain. This milestone marks a significant moment in the history of diabetes research and care, showcasing the growth and achievements of the EASD Annual Meeting, now the largest diabetes conference in the world.

Growth in size and Importance

Since its inception, the EASD Annual Meeting has witnessed remarkable growth. The first meeting in Montecatini Terme, Italy, in 1965 had a modest 131 submitted abstracts, with 48 accepted for presentation. This year, the EASD received 2,089 abstract submissions, including late breaking submissions which were accepted for the first time, with 1,339 accepted for presentation. This surge in submissions underscores the meeting’s importance as a platform for cutting-edge diabetes research.

The number of participants has also seen a dramatic increase. From just 233 attendees at the first meeting, the conference now attracts more than 12,000 participants from around the globe. This exponential growth highlights the EASD’s pivotal role in fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of diabetes.

Achievements in diabetes research and care

Over the past six decades, the EASD has been at the forefront of significant advancements in diabetes research and care. These breakthroughs have revolutionised diabetes management, improving the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.

The EASD’s commitment to excellence is further exemplified by its prestigious awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to diabetes research. Notably, early recipients of these awards, such as Christian de Duve and Earl W. Sutherland, went on to receive Nobel Prizes.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on healthcare and scientific conferences globally. For the diabetes community, it underscored the critical need for rapid dissemination of research findings to benefit patients. The EASD, having pioneered virtual meetings with its online platform launched in 2014, was well-prepared to adapt to these challenging times. In 2020, the virtual EASD Annual Meeting saw a record-breaking 20,139 participants, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the organisation. Of note, considering EASD’s status as a charity, we provide the content of each Annual Meeting since 2014 on www.easd.org for free to the world, irrespective whether people have registered for the meeting. This is due to our mission, to promote excellence in diabetes care through research, networking and education.

Acknowledging contributions

The achievements of the EASD would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of countless researchers, scientists, and healthcare professionals. Their relentless pursuit of better understanding and treating diabetes and its complications has been instrumental in the progress made over the past sixty years. Additionally, the support and collaboration of partners from the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries, as well as service providers, have been crucial in running the congress and advancing diabetes care.

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we invite all members of the diabetes community to join us in Madrid for the 60th EASD Annual Meeting. This is not just an opportunity to witness the latest advancements in diabetes research and care, but also to be part of a historic event that continues to shape the future of diabetology. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to and learn from this unparalleled gathering of experts and innovators.

Disclosures: This short article was provided by the EASD. No funding or publication fees were involved in the publication of this article. Image: © 2024. EASD