It is my great privilege and honour to invite you to the EURAPS Annual Meeting in Vienna, Austria this coming May 2026. 

Any research or clinical society has as its core mission the continued education of the older folk and the fostering and integration of our young talent. I have witnessed the activities of this great Association since more than 30 years and together with many others, who are now- the older folk, can say that it accomplished this mission with great success. The many activities throughout the year with numerous webinars and outreaches and the tireless activities of our various committees and Central Office ensure that these goals are being reached with highest standards. The Annual Meeting however, is the climax of these activities allowing the best talent to present their research, put a spotlight on outstanding individuals that are being honoured by our Association through various Awards and Fellowships and finally celebrating the new members of this Society.

The Annual Meeting 2026 will now again be held in Vienna, Austria, my hometown and the town where I had the privilege of developing my clinical and research career throughout the last 25 years. At the last meeting in Vienna in 2003, I was one of these young enthusiastic individuals with no clue as to how to get things done, however with the help of so many in this Association many research collaborations have started, much wisdom was gained, and a colourful career could be charted through the sometimes difficult terrain of the academic arena.

With all that said, I would like to encourage all members to submit their pearls and encourage your junior or senior staff to send their novel ideas, best cases or case series to be presented either at the main meeting or the Research Council just preceding this meeting on May 27. As usual we do not have parallel sessions and leave ample time for discussion. The social events then provide rich opportunity to refresh old friendships or develop new acquaintances that ultimately make this meeting so special.

Finally, Vienna in May presents itself in its vernal splendor, with the many parks and gardens in full bloom and the weather normally conducive to a relaxing stroll along the beautiful palais and imperial buildings that make this city so unique. 

On behalf of the rest of the organizing team, I am looking forward to see you in Vienna in May 2026 and hope to make this EURAPS Congress a most memorable experience!