With overweight and obesity responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths across the WHO European Region annually, there is an increasing need for healthcare professionals with specialist expertise in obesity management.
The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) has announced the launch of its ESE Obesity and Endocrinology School 2027, a new educational initiative designed to support the next generation of specialists working in obesity research and clinical practice. The inaugural School will take place from 15-17 March 2027 in Barcelona, Spain, and applications are now open.
Obesity is one of the most significant health challenges facing society today. As our scientific understanding of obesity continues to evolve, endocrinologists play an essential role in its prevention, diagnosis and management. The new School has been developed to complement existing obesity education, with a specific focus on obesity as an endocrine disease.
Gregory Kaltsas, chair, ESE Education Committee, said: “The three-day, in-person programme will cover both the clinical and mechanistic aspects of obesity, bringing together leading experts from across Europe to explore the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field. Through interactive learning, case-based discussions and networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable scientific knowledge while building relationships that support future collaboration and research. Topics include: genetics of obesity, adipose tissue biology and function, food noise, weight regain, treatments, new frontiers in the field, obesity and endocrinology including puberty, menopause and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome."
The School is aimed at Fellows and early-career clinicians with experience in the obesity field who are seeking to further specialise in this area of endocrinology. Participation is application-based and limited to a maximum of 25 fellows, helping to create a highly interactive learning environment. All successful applicants will also be invited to present a clinical case report during dedicated programme sessions.
The Scientific Programme Committee comprises eight of Europe’s leading endocrinologists with a specialism in obesity: Blandine Gatta Cherifi (France), Karine Clément (France), Daniela Cota (France), Maeve Durkan (Ireland), Melania Manco (Italy), Uberto Pagotto (Italy), Kristina Saravinosvka (Serbia) and Liesbeth van Rossum (Netherlands).
Daniela Cota, Scientific Programme Committee representative, said: “Obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time and endocrinologists have a vital role to play in improving outcomes for people living with obesity. Through the launch of the ESE Obesity and Endocrinology School, we are investing in the future of our specialty by supporting talented early-career clinicians and researchers to develop the expertise, networks and confidence needed to lead progress in this field.
“This new School reflects ESE’s commitment to advancing endocrine science and clinical care, while ensuring our members have access to high-quality education in areas of growing importance. We are delighted to welcome applications for this inaugural event and look forward to supporting a new generation of obesity specialists.”
Successful applicants will receive access to the full educational programme, accommodation and catering during the event, while a limited number of meeting grants will also be available for eligible ESE members from low- and middle-income countries.
The School will be held at Sabàtic Gavà Mar, Barcelona, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, conveniently located near Barcelona Airport, enabling participation from attendees across Europe and beyond.
Applications for the ESE Obesity and Endocrinology School 2027 are now open and close 1 October 2026. Applicants should submit a covering letter outlining their interest in attending, together with a CV, publication list and optional supporting letter from a supervisor.
Further information and application details are available on the event website .
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