Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Benvenuti a Bologna!

On behalf of the Local Organising and the International Scientific Committees, it is our great pleasure to invite you to the 44th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID), which will take place from 1 to 5 June 2026 in the beautiful and historic city of Bologna, Italy.

ESPID 2026 will bring together our global community at a pivotal moment for child health and infectious diseases. This year’s meeting will focus on a topic of growing urgency: Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases. We will explore how environmental shifts are shaping the epidemiology of infections, challenging our clinical practices, and calling for innovative responses in research, prevention, and care.

Our scientific programme will offer a rich array of sessions across clinical paediatric infectious diseases, microbiology, immunology, genomics, vaccines, epidemiology, public health, and, of course, the complex interplay between climate change and infectious disease patterns. We hope this theme will inspire both scientific exchange and new multidisciplinary collaborations.

We warmly encourage you to submit your research, contribute your expertise, and join us in this important conversation. ESPID remains the foremost forum for advancing the science and care of paediatric infectious diseases and for building a future where children’s health can be protected in a changing world.

Beyond the meeting halls, Bologna will welcome you with its rich history, timeless porticoes, lively culture, and renowned cuisine. We are preparing a warm and engaging social programme to complement the scientific experience and foster connections among colleagues and friends.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bologna and to a truly meaningful ESPID 2026 where science, dialogue, and community come together for the health of our children and the planet.

A presto!

With our very best wishes

Susanna Esposito and Adilia Warris

On behalf of the Local Organising and International Scientific Committees

Susanna Esposito, ESPID 2026 Meeting Chair
Adilia Warris, ESPID President