19th ESPID Research Masterclass

The ESPID Research Masterclass (ERMC) is an exclusive 2 half-day seminar for active paediatric infectious diseases (PID) research groups, held annually in the days leading up to the ESPID Annual Meeting.

It covers basic, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research. The ERMC provides an ideal forum for presenting both completed studies and work-in-progress, allowing junior researchers to gain valuable feedback on study design, methodology, and data interpretation from peers and senior European research leaders.

1. Key Aims

• Trainee Development: Provide opportunities for early-career researchers to present data, chair scientific sessions, and lead discussions in a supportive, seminar-style environment with individual feedback.

• Networking & Collaboration: Gain a broader overview of current European PID research and foster new collaborative projects across ESPID institutions.

2. Who Can Apply?

Applications are submitted by research teams consisting of:

• 1 Senior Researcher (must be an active ESPID member)

• 1 to 3 Junior Researchers (maximum team size: 4 people)

Note: All team members are expected to attend the full ERMC program.

3. Dates & Venue

• Dates: 31 May & 1 June 2027

• Venue: Berlin, Germany

Schedule Overview:

• 31 May (Afternoon): Afternoon session followed by an official networking dinner.

• 1 June (Morning): Morning session followed by lunch.

  (Exact timings will be shared with accepted groups).

4. Financial Support & Reimbursement

• Meeting Registration: All participating junior ESPID members receive complimentary registration for the main ESPID 2027 Annual Meeting.

• Travel & Accommodation Support: Up to 7 successful applicants will receive:

  • Free registration for the ESPID Annual Meeting

  • Up to 4 nights’ accommodation in a 2–3 star hotel

  • Travel support in accordance with official ESPID reimbursement policy

5. How to Apply

Group applications must be submitted via the annual meeting website by 19 January 2027.

Required Application Documents:

1. Team Summary: A 1-page (A4) overview of the group’s current research focus.

2. Publication List: 10 recent publications from the research group.

3. Junior CVs: Brief CV (max. 2 pages) for each junior applicant detailing current position, degrees, publications, presentations, and research experience.

4. Team Slide: A single PowerPoint slide introducing the team.

5. Individual Abstracts: Submitted by each participating junior team member.

6. Abstract Submission Guidelines

• Word Limit: Maximum 300 words.

• Exclusivity: Abstracts submitted to the ERMC must not be submitted to the general ESPID Annual Meeting program.

• Format Requirements:

  • Title: Maximum 16 words.

  • Authors & Affiliations

  • Research Question: Context and rationale.

  • Methods: Study design and rationale for chosen methodology.

  • Results: Work-in-progress, preliminary findings, or conclusive data.

  • Conclusions: Limitations, methodological adjustments, and next steps.

Note: All junior team members must be prepared to give an oral presentation if selected.

7. Selection Process

The ERMC Organizing Committee will review applications, select the featured thematic areas, and choose individual abstracts for oral presentation. Selected research teams will be notified directly.

8. ESPID ERMC Presentation Award

Participants will vote for the best junior presentation on Day 2 of the workshop. The winner will receive:

• An official award certificate.

• An invitation to join the planning committee for the following year’s ERMC.

• Full support (free registration, travel, and accommodation) for the next ESPID Annual Meeting.