EuPFI 12th Annual conference: from Venice to Virtual!

#EuPFI 2020, the EuPFI 12th Annual Conference (organised in partnership with APV and powered by Vfairs), was held virtually, 9-10th September 2020. The conference was a booming success, attracting 238 delegates from 23 countries. It featured 16 pre-recorded sessions, 11 live Q&A sessions, 52 e-posters, 9 exhibitors e-booths, and 3 discussion forums.

Professor Catherine Tuleu (Founder of EuPFI, Conference co-chair, UCL School of Pharmacy) said “EuPFI is working together in formulating better medicines for children and ensuring it is tailored to young people’s needs informed by research, and tested in the field. Over the last decade, we have grown from 7 founding members to over 20 members, 5 workstreams; 26 publications and 11 conferences.  The core of what we set out to accomplish together is paramount, which is why during this COVID-19 pandemic, we embraced a virtual concept to make our yearly meeting happen regardless.”

Professor Sandra Klein (APV Board member, Conference co-chair, University of Greiswald) noted that “It was an exciting 12 weeks journey, which went in a whirlwind in organising a conference that allowed sharing learnings and networking in the virtual world. All the efforts were worthwhile with the highest attendance ever (with some attending it late night).’’

There was good representation from the UCL School of Pharmacy: 2 posters by MSC student Ramees Nasim-Shaikh, an oral presentation by Dr Sejal Ranmal, and best poster prize winner PhD student Miss Xiaoyan Xu.

In its journey, EuPFi is embracing other geographical areas to strengthen and expand international networking in paediatric formulation research. The launch of newly formed Paediatric Medicine and Healthcare Initiative (PMHI) in India was announced.
 
Dr Smita Salunke (EuPFI CSO, founder of PMHI, UCL School of Pharmacy) said “There is an important need to accelerate the pace of global progress in child health and translate benefits of the international community to low resource settings. We were thankful for the opportunity to announce the launch of PMHI at the #EUPFI 2020.”

The 13th conference is next on the horizon from 21st – 23rd September 2021 in Dublin.

Testimonial from a participant:

“Congratulations to an OUTSTANDING event, great content, leading edge science, personal touches with live Zoom and chat rooms, and perfectly well executed. I particularly liked the global reach and the chance to engage folks who might not be able to attend the in-person meetings... Very much looking forward to continuing this over a Guinness in Dublin, enjoy this masterpiece you and your entire Team just pulled off!'

Further information:

• http://www.eupfi.org/

Contact:

Dr Smita Salunke, EuPFI CSO s.salunke@ucl.ac.uk
Prof Catherine Tuleu, EuPFI founder and chair c.tuleu@ucl.ac.uk