Dear Colleagues, Dear Friends,
It is truly a great honour, and I’m genuinely touched to have been entrusted with the role of President of EURAPS for the 2025–2026 term. I take on this honorably task with humble gratitude and will do my utmost to carry forward the legacy of EURAPS and represent our esteemed Association in the best possible way.
I truly feel that I am walking in the footsteps of giants who have shaped EURAPS into the remarkable Association it is today. Their dedication, vision, and achievements inspire me as I take on this role, and I am committed to building on their legacy.
EURAPS was founded with the aim of promoting excellence in plastic surgery across Europe, to host an annual meeting that highlights the best scientific contributions, and to encourage high-level international research — all in order to expand our knowledge and appreciation of the field. In showcasing the full breadth of plastic surgery, we not only celebrate its diversity but also help preserve and advance the specialty as a whole.
This mission is achieved in several ways. In addition to our highly appreciated and well-attended webinars, we organise an annual meeting that brings our community together.
The European Association of Plastic Surgeons has a proud tradition of academic excellence, pioneering research, and clinical innovation. Our members are distinguished researchers and forward-thinking clinicians who uphold the highest standards of practice in plastic surgery — something I am deeply grateful for. I warmly welcome all of you, both new and long-standing members, who contribute to making this Association as vibrant and strong as it is.
Recently, EURAPS has updated its bylaws to become more inclusive to new members — a development I wholeheartedly support and intend to continue. At the same time, we will remain steadfast in promoting high-level knowledge and science. This balance is essential: inclusivity keeps EURAPS dynamic and relevant, while high standards ensure our scientific and clinical exchanges remain world-class. We can all be proud to be part of EURAPS!
Our annual meeting provides a fantastic opportunity to share and learn new knowledge. One of the unique features of the EURAPS meeting is that all presentations are held in a single lecture hall — meaning all participants are exposed to the full, fascinating spectrum of plastic surgery. While some may view this as a limitation, I see it as a true strength — a rare chance to experience the field in its entirety. And with everyone gathered in one room, we often see exciting and enriching discussions arise — insights from one area may inspire progress in another. As we aim to represent the entire scope of plastic surgery during the meeting, space for abstracts is limited and the competition is tough. But this also ensures that the selected presentations are of the highest calibre.
I’m also very pleased with the strengthened connection between our meeting and the ERC, which began in Stockholm in 2023. “Translational Thursday” was introduced, with half of the day organised by ERC and the other half by EURAPS. Attendees from either meeting had the opportunity to participate in both. I encourage everyone planning to attend the EURAPS meeting to take full advantage of Translational Thursday — or even better, to attend both ERC and EURAPS in their entirety.
Another special feature of the annual meeting is the enjoyable social programme organised by the local host. These activities offer a taste of the local culture and an excellent opportunity to meet new people. As we all know, it is often outside the lecture halls where the most important conversations and discoveries take place. We want to pass on this warm, collegial atmosphere to our younger colleagues and inspire them to become part of the EURAPS family.
There are also several scholarships and fellowships available for application such as the Young Plastic Surgeons Scholarship and the EURAPS/AAPS Fellowship. Additionally, a new scholarship for residents in training will be launched soon— a valuable opportunity to support and stimulate ongoing scientific development within our community.
I warmly invite you all to participate in our upcoming webinars and look forward to welcoming everyone at our next Annual Meeting in Vienna in 2026. Thank you for your continued commitment to EURAPS. Together, I am confident we will uphold the excellence and innovation that define our Association.
Finally, I would like to thank the Secretary General and the EURAPS Central Office for making all of this possible.
With warm regards,
President of EURAPS 2025–2026