The European Society for Endocrinology (ESE) and the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) have unveiled the EndoCompass Research Roadmap: Directions for the Future of Endocrine Science; a major initiative designed to unify and strengthen endocrine research across Europe. Published on 17 October 2025 as a supplement in the European Journal of Endocrinology and soon to appear in Hormone Research in Paediatrics, the Roadmap sets out a strategic vision for the next decade of hormone-related healthcare.
Endocrine diseases, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, cancer, obesity, infertility and many rare endocrine diseases, affect millions across Europe and place a significant burden on health systems. Yet, endocrine research remains critically underfunded, representing less than 4% of Horizon 2020’s biomedical and health research budget. EndoCompass seeks to close this funding gap by outlining a clear, coordinated approach to research investment and policy alignment.
Developed over 2 years through collaboration between 228 European experts, nine patient advocacy groups, and ten partner societies, the Roadmap identifies key priorities across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas such as data and technology, environmental factors, health inequalities, and life-course transitions. Its recommendations aim to inform policymakers and funding agencies, strengthen research coordination, and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with hormone-related diseases.
“EndoCompass is intended to serve as a compass for endocrine research for the next 10 years,” said Professor Martine Cools, ESPE Co-Chair of the EndoCompass Steering Group. “We hope it can inspire all those working in endocrinology to ensure that research focuses on the highest priority questions. More broadly, we hope that the EndoCompass project raises awareness of the importance of endocrinology and endocrine research among policymakers, funding agencies and the public, who often do not link major societal health problems, such as obesity and infertility, to endocrinology.”
Professor Martin Fassnacht, ESE Co-Chair, highlighted the initiative’s collaborative scope: “EndoCompass reflects a shared recognition of the urgent need to align our research priorities and work together to shape the future of endocrine science and deliver better care and outcomes for patients. Ultimately, this is about improving hormone health and tackling some of Europe’s most pressing and under-recognised health challenges.”
By setting a unified research agenda, EndoCompass aims to drive innovation, support early-career scientists, and ensure that endocrine research receives the strategic attention and investment it deserves, paving the way for a healthier, more hormonally balanced future for Europe.
About ESE
The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE)
provides a platform to develop and share leading research and best knowledge in endocrine science and medicine. Through the 50 National Societies involved with the ESE Council of Affiliated Societies (ECAS) and partnership with specialist endocrine societies, ESE and its partners jointly represent a community of over 20,000 European endocrinologists.
ESE and its partner societies work to promote knowledge and education in the field of endocrinology for healthcare professionals, researchers, patients and the public.
ESE informs policymakers on health decisions at the highest level through advocacy efforts across Europe.
About ESPE
The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE)
is an international society registered in Europe that promotes the highest levels of clinical care for infants, children and adolescents with endocrine problems throughout the world, including in less advantaged areas. At the EU level, it works with the EU and partner organizations to create a healthier environment for children and adults.
Disclosure: This short article was prepared by touchENDOCRINOLOGY in collaboration with the European Society for Endocrinology (ESE) and the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE). No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Cite: EndoCompass Research Roadmap calls for coordinated action to advance hormone health across Europe. touchENDOCRINOLOGY. October 30, 2025
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