20 Years of ESAIC

A Foundation for the Future

As the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) marks 20 years since its founding, the occasion is one of reflection and renewal as well as celebration. These two decades have shaped an organisation that is driven, resilient and closely 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 the ESAIC’s mission is our commitment to advancing and supporting professionals across Europe and beyond. Through high-quality education, pioneering research and international collaboration, the ESAIC has grown steadily into a community that offers real value and impact.

Education and the European Diploma

Education has always been one of our core strengths. In 2024, participation reached record levels across podcasts, webinars, simulation courses and the ESAIC Academy. This shows that professionals see the ESAIC as a reliable source of high-quality education and a hub for scientific, educational and research materials.

The Society continues to invest in new tools, new formats and smarter access so that learning remains dynamic, accessible and relevant. From AI-powered educational tools to open-access publishing and expanded virtual formats, we are committed to making our resources more accessible, inclusive and interactive than ever.

The European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC) has now celebrated its 40th year and remains the professional examination of choice for thousands. There were more than 4,000 Part I candidates in 2024, and the OLA and HOLA assessments are gaining recognition. Together, they allow the ESAIC to keep harmonising standards and supporting cross-border career growth.

A community built by its people

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

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, which reflects a vibrant, future-facing community.

Euroanaesthesia and regional meetings

Over two decades, the Euroanaesthesia congress has become one of the world’s leading forums for scientific exchange in anaesthesiology and intensive care. As the ESAIC continues to innovate, the goal is to make the congress even more interactive and inclusive through a hybrid model that reflects the changing needs of professionals.

Through regional Focus Meetings and national partnerships, the Society has also 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.

A growing international role

The ESAIC’s role on the global stage is also growing. The ESAIC works closely with international societies, regulatory partners and cross-continental initiatives. Through this work, it contributes to anaesthesia standards that resonate well beyond Europe.

Research and guidelines

The ESAIC’s research infrastructure has also matured. Large-scale clinical trials such as SQUEEZE, ARCTIC-I, MOPED and ENCORE are reaching their final stages. They are 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 give early-career researchers guidance and opportunity. The Guidelines Committee published 18 new guideline documents in 2024 alone. It is also raising the bar for methodology through collaboration and innovation.

Patient safety, sustainability and policy

Beyond clinical care, the ESAIC’s voice is increasingly influential in shaping EU anaesthesiology policy and in advocating for sustainable anaesthesia. It also puts 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 practice. Meanwhile, the ESAIC is working to reduce its digital footprint and embed sustainability across its operations.

The Mellin-Olsen Declaration

This year also marks the introduction of the Mellin-Olsen Declaration on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion [LINK: Mellin-Olsen Declaration page – add URL], a vital step towards a more inclusive profession. The declaration is 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 underlines the ESAIC’s belief that excellence in care must be rooted in equity. It sets out a clear path towards fair representation, inclusive leadership and equitable access to opportunity. With this step, the ESAIC honours its past and signals the future it is determined to shape – a future where no one is left behind.

Looking ahead after 20 years of the ESAIC

This anniversary is about where the ESAIC is going as well as where it has been. The achievements of the past 20 years have built not just a legacy but a launchpad for a future of possibility and purpose.

The ESAIC is helping to shape a more connected, competent and conscious profession, and in doing so it is improving outcomes for patients across Europe and around the world. With a growing, engaged membership and a clear strategic vision, we are ready to meet the challenges ahead.

The future of anaesthesiology and intensive care will demand adaptability, leadership and unity, and the ESAIC stands ready to respond. We look ahead with gratitude for the past and determination for the future. We are ready to lead, learn and stand together in shaping the next chapter of anaesthesiology and intensive care.

Prof Wolfgang Buhre, president of the ESAIC