Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ReviewOver four dynamic days, attendees were invited to explore 190 scientific sessions spanning a broad spectrum of hepatology, from basic science to translational research, and clinical best practices to public health initiatives.The congress featured a rich mix of symposia, abstract presentations, handson training, and the popular 'Do's and Don'ts' sessions, offering something of value for everyone in the hepatology community.The Opening Ceremony set a powerful tone, with a panel discussion addressing the urgent health crisis of alcohol-related liver disease.This discussion featured Aleksander Krag, EASL Secretary General; Riina Sikkut, Member of the Estonian Parliament and former Minister of Health of Estonia; and Carina Ferreira-Borges, Regional Advisor for Alcohol and Illicit Drugs, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland.The panel, 'From Evidence to Action', was moderated by David Barrett, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland, and explored the challenge of translating science into policy.Krag highlighted the scale of the issue, citing over 800,000 alcohol-related deaths annually in Europe, and called for action on three evidence-based policy levers: pricing, availability restrictions, and marketing regulation."The challenge is not evidence, it's political will," he stated.Ferreira-Borges emphasised the need for cross-sector collaboration and support for policymakers facing pressure from powerful industry lobbies."There is no safe level of alcohol consumption.That's not opinion, it's evidence," she said, while detailing WHO's effort to combat misinformation and raise awareness of under-recognised risks such as the link between alcohol and breast cancer.The panel's message was clear: while science provides the solutions, meaningful progress depends on coordinated advocacy and political courage."We must be louder than the lobbyists," Krag concluded.This year's Congress also highlighted EASL's commitment to its four strategic pillars: Education, Advocacy, Science, and Leadership, the letters that form the organisation's acronym.With its clear vision of 'Beating liver disease' and its mission to be 'The Home of Hepatology for everyone engaged in beating liver disease' , the Opening Ceremony reaffirmed EASL's central role in shaping the future of liver health. THIS YEAR, the vibrant city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands played host to the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)Congress 2025, welcoming 7,742 participants from 119 countries.The event served as a powerful hub of scientific exchange, advocacy, and professional development for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and allied health professionals committed to tackling liver disease worldwide.
Source: EMJ Hepatology
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411458333