About the
ESAIC

Euroanaesthesia through the years

Status approval of ESA

The ESAIC Clinical Trial Network (CTN) is a leading platform dedicated to advancing high-quality, multicentre research in anaesthesiology, perioperative medicine, intensive care, and pain management. With over 500 CTN centres across Europe and beyond, the network connects investigators, institutions, and national societies to address key clinical questions and improve patient outcomes. The CTN provides essential infrastructure for research protocol development, data management, regulatory support, and guideline implementation. By fostering collaboration and offering access to research grants, expert opinions, and a centralised CRO, ESAIC’s CTN plays a vital role in shaping evidence-based practice across the field.

In addition to Euroanaesthesia, the ESA recognised the need for a smaller-scale annual meeting to foster more focused discussions and engagement. This led to the launch of the first “Autumn Meeting,” held in Budapest on 5–6 November 2010. Initially hosted in Eastern European cities, the meeting later began rotating across various locations in Europe. In 2014, it was rebranded as the “Focus Meeting,” reflecting its evolution toward addressing more defined subject areas.

Over time, the format shifted from covering a broad range of topics to concentrating on specific themes, particularly within perioperative medicine. This transformation culminated in the inauguration of the Focus Meeting on Perioperative Anaesthesia—a multidisciplinary, annual autumn event that brings together experts from ESAIC, European medical societies, and ESAIC subspecialty societies. The meeting now serves as a platform for in-depth exploration of a selected topic in perioperative care, reinforcing ESAIC’s commitment to advancing clinical practice through collaboration and focused education.

Over the past decade and a half, the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC), formerly the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA), has been committed to the continuous development of guidelines to harmonise clinical management across Europe and improve care standards. Since the publication of its first guideline in 2010 on regional anaesthesia and antithrombotic agents, ESAIC has produced a total of 32 comprehensive, evidence-based, and consensus-driven guidelines. These span a wide spectrum of perioperative care topics, including fasting protocols, bleeding management, preoperative assessment, ultrasound-guided techniques, sedation, and the use of antithrombotic or anticoagulant agents. ESAIC’s growing guideline portfolio reflects a long-standing dedication to supporting clinicians with trusted recommendations, strengthening patient safety, and fostering consistent, high-quality care across European anaesthesiology and intensive care.

Over the past decade and a half, the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC), formerly the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA), has been committed to the continuous development of guidelines to harmonise clinical management across Europe and improve care standards. Since the publication of its first guideline in 2010 on regional anaesthesia and antithrombotic agents, ESAIC has produced a total of 32 comprehensive, evidence-based, and consensus-driven guidelines. These span a wide spectrum of perioperative care topics, including fasting protocols, bleeding management, preoperative assessment, ultrasound-guided techniques, sedation, and the use of antithrombotic or anticoagulant agents. ESAIC’s growing guideline portfolio reflects a long-standing dedication to supporting clinicians with trusted recommendations, strengthening patient safety, and fostering consistent, high-quality care across European anaesthesiology and intensive care.

The ESA Mentorship programme is created to promote professional development of young researchers and established investigators.

The European Society of Anaesthesiology Trainee Committee (ESAICTC) was created with Diogo Sobreira Fernandes as the first chair and Mihai Stefan, Liana Valeanu, Michela Rauseo and Bernardo Matias as members.

It was the dawn of a new year, January 1st, 2005, when the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) was born. For several years following its inception, Fridays at the ESA office were enveloped in a unique buzz of activity. The ambiance carried a palpable sense of purpose and warmth, as no less than three dedicated members of the ESA staff would immerse themselves in the meticulous task of preparing the weekly Membership mailing.

Each Friday, these devoted employees would spend their day ensuring that every new ESA member received their laminated membership card, accompanied by a welcome letter. In specific years, a welcome gift would also be included, such as the inspirational book “I Awaken to Glory” or the Philips CD on “On-Line Electronic Help” tailored for anaesthesiologists.

ESA Education and Training Platform Organogram. This visual representation outlines the coordination-based structure of the ESA Education and Training Platform as envisioned by Prof. Dr Robert Sneyd. It highlights the interconnected roles of national societies, ESA committees, and EBA/UEMS, covering domains such as national and international CME, exam preparation, curriculum development, and European policy. The diagram reflects early strategic efforts to harmonise educational initiatives and improve coherence across ESA’s diverse educational activities. This proposal was further discussed during a strategic board meeting in 2018, where education was a key agenda item.
The Sustainability Committee was established as a strategic initiative under the leadership of then ESAIC President, Prof. Stefan De Hert (2018–2019). This initiative aimed to promote environmental responsibility in anaesthesia by advocating for increased environmental awareness in clinical practice and within the facilities where anaesthesiologists work. Prof. De Hert’s presidency was marked by a commitment to advancing sustainability within the field, reflecting his broader vision for the profession.

The Sustainability Committee was established as a strategic initiative under the leadership of then ESAIC President, Prof. Stefan De Hert (2018–2019). This initiative aimed to promote environmental responsibility in anaesthesia by advocating for increased environmental awareness in clinical practice and within the facilities where anaesthesiologists work. Prof. De Hert’s presidency was marked by a commitment to advancing sustainability within the field, reflecting his broader vision for the profession.

The Evolution of ESAIC Education and Training:
From Fragmentation to a Unified Strategy

A Long Road to Strategy and Structure
Education has always been a core pillar of ESAIC’s mission, but establishing a clear and sustainable strategy took years of effort. Initial steps began with subcommittees dedicated to education and training, and in 2010, Prof. Dr Robert Sneyd proposed an Education and Training Platform to harmonise ESA’s diverse educational activities. Despite several initiatives and efforts over the years—including early developments in e-learning and simulation—the Society struggled to implement a unified strategy. Only in 2021 did the Education and Training Committee (EdTC) reach full operational maturity, with a robust structure and year-round, high-quality programming supported by a dedicated professional team.

Innovative Tools, Diverse Committees
ESAIC’s educational transformation culminated in a “365” strategy, offering content throughout the year via tools such as Education Tuesdays, the Theme of the Month, podcasts, webinars, microlearning, and masterclasses. The revamped ESAIC Academy portal made access to up-to-date content easier and more user-friendly. The EdTC now coordinates multiple specialised committees, including e-Learning, Simulation, the Committee for European Education in Anaesthesiology (CEEA), the Exchange Programme Committee (EPC), and the Train the Trainer Committee. These groups each focus on specific domains—from simulation-based education and international fellowships to instructor training and refresher courses across nearly 50 centres worldwide.

Empowering the Next Generation and Ensuring Quality
Beyond content delivery, ESAIC has focused on cultivating future leaders and ensuring high training standards. The Trainee Committee was formally integrated into the EdTC in 2021, increasing alignment with ESAIC’s broader educational strategy and strengthening its trainee network across Europe. The Accreditation of Training in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ATAIC) program evaluates and recognises excellence in training centres, contributing to the harmonisation of education across Europe. Although initiatives like the Young Teaching Recognition Award (YTRA) were phased out due to low participation, ESAIC continues to support young educators and learners through evolving strategies that reflect both changing professional needs and modern educational methods.

The name change from the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) to the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC), formalised on 1 October 2020, marked a significant milestone in the Society’s evolution. While discussions around the inclusion of intensive care began as early as 2010, more structured deliberations started in 2013, driven by the need to more accurately reflect the critical role anaesthesiologists play in intensive care medicine.

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Society accelerated its digital transformation by launching innovative initiatives, including the introduction of hybrid congresses. These adaptations ensured continued access to high-quality scientific content, education, and networking opportunities despite travel restrictions and social distancing measures. By blending in-person and virtual participation, ESAIC congresses became more inclusive and resilient, allowing the community to stay connected, share knowledge, and support each other during a time of global uncertainty.

The first Professor Bjørn Ibsen Honorary Lecture was introduced as part of the Opening Ceremony at Euroanaesthesia in 2021, marking a significant addition to the congress programme by recognising outstanding contributions to the fields of anaesthesiology, intensive care, pain, and perioperative medicine. This honorary lecture pays tribute to Professor Ibsen, widely regarded as a pioneer of intensive care medicine, and serves as an enduring symbol of the Society’s commitment to clinical excellence and scientific leadership. The introduction of this lecture coincided with an important milestone in the Society’s evolution — the transition from ESA (European Society of Anaesthesiology) to ESAIC (European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care). This name change, formalised in 2020, reflected the broader scope of the Society’s mission and its inclusive representation of both anaesthesiology and intensive care communities across Europe and beyond. The Professor Bjørn Ibsen Honorary Lecture continues to stand as a key moment of recognition and inspiration during the Opening Ceremony at Euroanaesthesia.

The Fellowship of the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (FESAIC) was officially launched in 2021 under the leadership of then-ESAIC President Prof Kai Zacharowski. This initiative was designed to formally recognise healthcare professionals who have contributed significantly to anaesthesiology and intensive care. The inaugural FESAIC titles were awarded to former ESAIC Presidents Stefan De Hert and Paolo Pelosi in 2021.

Since its launch in 2021, the FESAICTM programme has attracted increasing interest from the anaesthesiology and intensive care community. Established to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the field and shown strong engagement with ESAIC, the Fellowship has steadily grown in recognition and impact. To date, a total of 99 Fellowships have been awarded: 2 in 2021, 44 in 2022, 18 in 2023, 15 in 2024, and 20 in 2025. This expanding network of Fellows highlights the continued excellence and dedication of professionals across Europe and beyond.

The European Journal of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EJAIC) was launched online as an open-source journal, providing a dedicated platform for disseminating high-quality research in both anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine. Reflecting the Society’s broadened scope, EJAIC supports its mission to advance science and education across both fields, offering free and unrestricted access to original articles, reviews, and clinical studies for the global medical community

ESAIC Grants, established in 2001, have become a cornerstone of the organisation’s commitment to advancing research and innovation in anaesthesiology, intensive care, pain, and perioperative medicine. Between 2005 and 2025, a total of 167 grants and prizes have been awarded, amounting to €5,281,350 in funding. Since the launch of the Clinical Trial Network (CTN) in 2009, 17 research projects have been supported through this programme, with an investment of €510,000 dedicated specifically to collaborative clinical research. With more than 1,200 centres worldwide participating in these initiatives, the ESAIC Grants and CTN programmes play a vital role in fostering high-quality research and strengthening scientific collaboration across the global medical community.

The EJA is the official journal of the ESAIC, and all members receive the journal as a benefit of membership. With a remarkable history spanning over 40 years, the EJA has been at the forefront of publishing original research, review articles, guidelines, editorials, and case reports encompassing all facets of anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine. As a peer-reviewed publication, the journal has served for over 40 years as a vital platform for disseminating new knowledge, ideas, and techniques within the field. The EJA has played a vital role in advancing innovation and collaboration in the field of anaesthesiology and intensive care.

The Scientific Committee restructures into six focus themes, integrating anaesthesiology and intensive care.

The Glasgow Declaration on Sustainability in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care was introduced and signed during Euroanaesthesia 2023 in Glasgow. This ESAIC-led initiative, highlighting the urgent need for climate action, aims to integrate environmental sustainability into healthcare by promoting eco-friendly practices, reducing emissions, and minimising fluorinated gases in medical anaesthetics, aligning with the EU’s climate objectives.

Over the past two decades, the ESAIC has undergone dynamic transformation, both in its structure and its membership. Originally founded by members from the former European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA), ESAIC has continued to evolve in response to shifting professional landscapes and global healthcare challenges. It is important to note that both the European Academy of Anaesthesiology (EAA) and the Confederation of European National Societies of Anaesthesiology (CENSA) were officially dissolved during this process, reinforcing ESAIC’s role as the unified voice for anaesthesiology and intensive care in Europe.

Membership has reflected this evolution. Starting with 5,208 members in 2017, the Society reached a peak in 2019 with 10,146 members across Active, Trainee, Affiliate, and Allied categories. Although numbers dipped in the early 2020s, ESAIC’s resilience and strategic engagement initiatives have helped restore momentum, with a total of 6,257 members in 2025—including 3,375 Active and 538 Allied professionals.

True to its mission of inclusivity and professional diversity, ESAIC offers a flexible membership structure tailored to the varied needs of its community—whether you’re an experienced consultant, a trainee, or a healthcare professional in a related discipline.

ESAIC membership is more than access—it’s empowerment. Members benefit from extensive educational resources, career development pathways, research opportunities, and participation in key ESAIC events and congresses. They also enjoy electronic access to the European Journal of Anaesthesiology and other core publications, staying at the forefront of clinical and scientific advancement in the field.

In 2024, the mission and vision of the Society was refreshed to better reflect its growing commitment to key contemporary priorities, including patient safety, environmental sustainability, and leadership in European anaesthesiology and intensive care. The updated statements underscore a united focus on improving health outcomes through excellence, integrity, and collaboration—aligning the Society’s core values with its role in education, research, and policy engagement. This evolution ensures the Society remains at the forefront of advancing patient care while addressing urgent global challenges.

EDAIC – The 40th Anniversary

Celebrating four decades of excellence, the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC) stands as a cornerstone in delivering robust, standardised examination and certification systems. Since its inception, EDAIC has supported the professional development of anaesthesiologists by continuously enhancing assessment standards and nurturing the next generation of top-tier specialists in anaesthesiology and intensive care. Over 44,000 candidates have taken the EDAIC Part I exam, with more than 13,500 completing Part II. Complementary assessments such as the BCSAC and VIVAC have also seen over 2,000 and nearly 200 registrations respectively. In 2025, marking its 40th anniversary, EDAIC proudly welcomes 4,000 Part I candidates across 96 centres in 55 countries — a powerful testament to its expanding global reach and enduring impact on clinical excellence worldwide.
Four decades of delivering robust and standardised examination and certification systems — supporting the professional development of anaesthesiologists, continuously enhancing knowledge and assessments, and shaping the next generation of top-quality doctors in anaesthesiology and intensive care.
On its 40th anniversary, the EDAIC proudly welcomes 4,000 Part I candidates across 96 centres in 55 countries — a testament to its growing global impact.

During the last 2 decades, the EDAIC continues to demonstrate its global reach and impact, with over 44,000 candidates having taken the Part I examination across 110 centres in 59 countries. The Part II examination has been completed by more than 13,500 candidates, further highlighting the diploma’s role in supporting high standards of knowledge and clinical competence. In addition, the Basic Course in Scientific Anaesthetic Competence (BCSAC) has attracted over 2,000 registrations, while the Viva Assessment Course (VIVAC) has registered 198 participants, reflecting the growing engagement with ESAIC’s educational and assessment programmes worldwide.

Over the past 20 years, ESAIC has become the leading European organisation for anaesthesiology and intensive care, advancing education, research, and clinical excellence. It has shaped healthcare policy, championed patient safety through the Helsinki Declaration, and led environmental sustainability via the Glasgow Declaration. ESAIC has strengthened training, certification, and research, driving innovation in anaesthesia and intensive care. Building on its COVID-19 response, it remains committed to future healthcare challenges, ensuring high standards and improved patient outcomes across Europe.

As it marks its 20th anniversary, ESAIC stands as a resilient, forward-thinking organisation dedicated to advancing perioperative medicine across Europe and beyond. Over two decades, ESAIC has evolved into a trusted partner for thousands of professionals, supporting their growth through education, certification, research, and collaborative networks.
Membership continues to grow steadily, with a 10% increase in 2024. More than 75% of ESAIC members are early- to mid-career professionals aged between 25 and 50—individuals who turn to ESAIC to support their development, stay informed, and connect with a broader community. Through a rich offering of webinars, podcasts, learning tools, congresses, and research programmes, ESAIC helps its members remain at the forefront of clinical practice.
Education remains a core pillar, with record participation in 2024 across various formats: podcasts, webinars, TryMe quizzes, and simulation workshops. Since its launch in 2017, the ESAIC Academy has seen nearly 60,000 views per annum, while the Train-the-Trainer course sold out in less than a day. New learning formats and smart content navigation tools are being introduced to enhance the digital experience, while ESAIC’s committees continue to support face-to-face training, international exchanges, and structured curricula.
Euroanaesthesia, ESAIC’s flagship congress, has become a leading global forum for scientific exchange and innovation. As ESAIC looks to the future, it aims to keep evolving this event into a more interactive, inclusive, and hybrid experience while also expanding regional scientific events like the Focus Meeting to reach new audiences through national partnerships.
The EDAIC, now in its 40th year, remains a gold standard in clinical assessment. In 2024, the exam attracted over 4,000 Part I candidates and over 1,500 for Part II. Alongside the (H)OLA exam, ESAIC’s certification framework continues to grow in recognition and impact, helping to harmonise standards and support career progression.
ESAIC’s research infrastructure is equally robust. Large multi-centre trials such as SQUEEZE, ARCTIC-I, MOPED, and ENCORE are nearing completion, while new projects continue to expand. The Society’s grant programme is secured until 2027, and the Mentorship Programme continues to support early-career researchers. In parallel, the Guidelines Committee published 18 documents in 2024 and is leading the professionalisation of methodology through strategic collaborations and the adoption of advanced development tools.
Patient safety and sustainability are increasingly central to ESAIC’s mission. The rebranded Patient Safety Ambassador programme is now being rolled out across Europe, supported by national societies and enhanced training materials. The updated Helsinki Declaration will be signed at Euroanaesthesia 2025, reinforcing ESAIC’s leadership in this field. On the environmental side, the Glasgow Declaration continues to guide green practices in perioperative care, while ESAIC also takes action to reduce its digital footprint and integrate sustainability across operations.
Together, these developments reflect a Society that is celebrating its history and actively shaping the future of anaesthesiology and intensive care—by empowering professionals, advancing science, and driving meaningful improvements in patient outcomes.