The European Society for Neonatology (ESN) was formed to assume responsibility for those aspects of neonatal professional development that the European Society of Paediatric Research (ESPR) could not perform in its role within its constitution as a Society for Paediatric Research. 

Known as the Working Group of Neonatology (WGN) until 2001, ESN was founded by the European Union in Oslo in 1988 in recognition of the need to specify the minimum training requirements for the accreditation of neonatologists. It was also considered important to make recommendations about aspects of the institutions in which training should take place.

The reason was clear. In order to achieve high standards of both patient care and scientific research in the field of medicine, high quality postgraduate training programs are indispensable. Neonatology is a highly technical and rapidly evolving area of paediatric medicine, which is established as an independent specialty in most European countries. In different countries the form and duration of the training, as well as process for accrediting training centers and monitoring the quality of training, vary markedly.

ESPR helped the ESN to become established and supported the development of training specifications (syllabus, competency and assessment framework)  to harmonize training in Neonatology between different European countries; establish clearly-defined standards of knowledge and skills required to practice Neonatology at a tertiary care level; foster the development of a European network of proficient tertiary care centers for Neonatology; and through these measures to improve the quality of care for severely ill newborn babies and enhance European contribution to international scientific progress in the field of Neonatology.

ESN is a major partner in the annual ESPR meeting and provides travel fellowships to encourage individuals to attend these meetings.

Please note that ESPR members can automatically become members of the ESN without a fee.  Other Neonatologists who do not wish to join a research society through presenting and contributing to research may join the ESN at a reduced rate compared to ESPR members, but will not receive the Society’s Journal, Paediatric Research.

To join ESPR, please click here.