ESRS Newsletter December 2024
President's Message December 2024
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As the year comes to a close, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to or participated in the numerous events and activities that took place in 2024. Since beginning my tenure as ESRS President in September, I have been privileged to witness the depth of dedication, innovation, and collaboration that defines our society.
This month, I had the privilege of participating in the European Health Summit 2024 in Brussels, contributing to a panel discussion titled “A Wake-Up Call: Tackling Hidden Factors in Non-Communicable Diseases.” Alongside esteemed colleagues, including representatives from the European Parliament, and leading academic institutions, we explored the critical yet often overlooked role of sleep in addressing non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. This multidisciplinary dialogue underscored the need to integrate sleep health into broader healthcare strategies, paving the way for healthier societies and more resilient healthcare systems. For those who missed the session, a replay is available here.
.
Today, the European Insomnia Network and the European Academy for Cognitive Behavioural Treatment of Insomnia Disorder convene for an online meeting to address key challenges and emerging innovations ininsomnia research and treatment. Topics such as emotional regulation, gender differences in insomnia, and novel therapeutic approaches, including virtual reality and integrated therapies, will be discussed. The programme details can be found here, and the meeting link is available here.
In addition, the European Brain Council (EBC) has opened a public consultation on the European Charter for the Responsible Development of Neurotechnologies.
This initiative aims to provide ethical guidance for the development of neurotechnologies, fostering trust and addressing the societal and ethical challenges that accompany their expanding use beyond the medical field. I encourage you to participate and submit your feedback before the deadline of 22 December 2024 at 23:59 CET.
In these final four months of the year, we have also strengthened collaboration through key partnerships. At the DGSM Congress, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Society of Sleep Technologists (ESST), formalising a shared commitment to education and advocacy.
.
Additionally, we signed an MoU with the Sleep Research Society (SRS) marking a significant step in fostering global cooperation in sleep and circadian research.
Looking forward to 2025, I am pleased to share our upcoming initiatives:
- Sleep Medicine Examination: Applications are now open for the 14th Sleep Medicine Examination for Somnologist Certification and the 12th Sleep Medicine Examination for Somnologist-Technologist Certification which will be offered as an online-only examination in September 2025. This is an opportunity for professionals to demonstrate their expertise in sleep medicine and earn formal recognition for their knowledge and skills. I encourage all eligible members to apply and take the next step in their professional development.
- eSleep Europe: This year-long virtual congress, held every second Thursday of the month, will feature 8 tracks exploring key areas of sleep science, from the biology of sleep and circadian rhythms to clinical strategies, sleep technology, and public health. This event is
exclusive to ESRS members and free of charge. For more details, please visit here. - Sleep and Breathing Conference: This biennial event, taking place in Antwerp, Belgium, will continue to bridge the fields of sleep medicine and respiratory health, fostering multi-disciplinary collaboration to address critical challenges and improve patient care. Register by 27 January 2025 to take advantage of the early-bird discounted fee.
- Sleep Science School: Scheduled for 21–26 September 2025, this immersive programme will focus on “Advancements in Sleep Research: From Methodologies to Theories.” It will unite early-career sleep scientists for a week of lectures, workshops, and presentations. Participants will benefit from expert guidance, interactive learning, and the opportunity to present and discuss their research. Applications will open on 1 March 2025.
- Paediatric Sleep School: Happening from 4-9 November 2025, and hosted once again at the picturesque Bertinoro Castle in Italy, this intensive programme will cover all aspects of paediatric sleep health, from neurophysiology to the ontogeny of sleep in infants, children, and adolescents. Participants will also engage in hands-on sessions covering polysomnography, polygraphy, and actigraphy procedures tailored to paediatric populations.
These are just a few of the exciting offerings planned for the coming year, with much more news to follow as we continue building on the momentum of 2024. With a new year on the horizon, I am confident in the continued progress we will achieve together. I wish you a restful holiday season and good sleep in the new year.
Kind Regards,
Erna Sif Arnardóttir
Latest ESRS News
