20 Years of ESAIC

A Foundation for the Future

As ESAIC marks 20 years since its founding, the occasion is not just one of celebration, but of reflection and renewal. These past two decades have shaped an organisation that is driven, resilient, and deeply connected to the needs of anaesthesia and intensive care professionals. Above all, they have laid a solid foundation for what comes next.

At the heart of ESAIC’s mission is our commitment to advancing and supporting professionals across Europe and beyond. Whether through high-quality education, pioneering research, or international collaboration, ESAIC has steadily grown into a community that offers real value and impact.

Education has always been one of our core strengths. With record participation in 2024 across podcasts, webinars, simulation courses, and the ESAIC Academy, it’s clear that professionals see ESAIC as a reliable source of top-tier education and a hub for scientific, educational, and research materials. The Society continues to invest in new tools, new formats, and smarter access to ensure learning remains dynamic, accessible, and relevant. The EDAIC, having celebrated its 40th year, remains the professional examination of choice for thousands. With over 4,000 Part I candidates in 2024 and growing recognition of the (H)OLA exam, ESAIC continues to harmonise standards and support cross-border career growth.

ESAIC’s achievements would not have been possible without the dedication of its volunteers, committee members, faculty, and staff. Their ongoing commitment fuels the Society’s growth and ensures it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the profession.

Over these two decades, the Euroanaesthesia congress has evolved into one of the world’s leading forums for scientific exchange in anaesthesiology and intensive care. As ESAIC continues to innovate, the goal is to make this event even more interactive and inclusive through a hybrid model that reflects the changing needs of professionals. At the same time, through our regional Focus Meetings and national partnerships, the Society has fostered connections and created opportunities for networking and collaboration. Our strength lies in bringing professionals together, across disciplines and borders, united by a shared mission.

ESAIC’s role on the global stage is also growing. By working closely with international societies, regulatory partners, and cross-continental initiatives, ESAIC contributes to the development of anaesthesia standards that resonate well beyond Europe.

Membership continues to grow steadily, with 10% growth in 2024 alone. More than 75% of ESAIC members are early- to mid-career professionals aged 25–50, reflecting a vibrant, future-facing community.

ESAIC’s research infrastructure has also matured. Large-scale trials like SQUEEZE, ARCTIC-I, MOPED, and ENCORE are reaching their final stages, supported by a strong funding base and a clear commitment to scientific rigour. The grant programme is secured through 2027, and the Mentorship Programme continues to support early-career researchers with guidance and opportunity. The Guidelines Committee has published 18 new documents in 2024 alone and is raising the bar for methodology through collaboration and innovation.

Beyond clinical care, ESAIC’s voice is increasingly influential in shaping EU anaesthesiology policy, advocating for sustainable anaesthesia, and putting patient safety at the centre of all we do. The updated Helsinki Declaration, to be signed at Euroanaesthesia 2025, renews our commitment to safe, equitable care. The Glasgow Declaration continues to guide greener, more sustainable perioperative practices, while ESAIC works to reduce its digital footprint and embed sustainability across its operations.

ESAIC is also embracing digital transformation. From AI-powered educational tools to open-access publishing and expanded virtual formats, the Society is committed to making its resources more accessible, inclusive, and interactive than ever before.

This year also marks the introduction of the Mellin-Olsen Declaration on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a vital step toward building a more inclusive profession. Named in honour of the late Dr. Jannicke Mellin-Olsen, whose work on the Helsinki Declaration championed both patient safety and social responsibility, the declaration underscores ESAIC’s belief that excellence in care must be rooted in equity. It sets out a clear path toward fair representation, inclusive leadership, and equitable access to opportunity. With this step, ESAIC honours its past and signals the kind of future it is determined to shape—a future where no one is left behind.

This anniversary, therefore, is not only about where ESAIC has been. It’s about where we’re going. The achievements of the past 20 years have built not just a legacy but a launchpad, propelling us into a future of possibility and purpose. ESAIC is helping to shape a more connected, competent, and conscious profession. In doing so, it is improving outcomes for patients across Europe and around the world. With our growing, engaged membership and a clear strategic vision, we are ready to meet any challenges ahead. The future of anaesthesiology and intensive care will demand adaptability, leadership, and unity, and ESAIC stands ready to respond and to lead.

As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude for the past and determination for the future — ready to lead, learn, and stand together in shaping the next chapter of anaesthesiology and intensive care.

Author

•  Prof. Wolfgang Buhre, ESAIC President