Bram Verstockt © ECCO

Dear Y-ECCO Friends,

Due to the pandemic, we unfortunately were unable to meet and interact physically in the usual way during our most recent Y-ECCO Basic Science Workshop. However, this is exactly what Y-ECCO is about: connecting people, colleagues and friends, clinicians and scientists in order to bring basic science from the bench to the bed, and back. Every year, the Y-ECCO Committee invites outstanding senior experts to give a state-of-the-art overview on hot topics in the IBD field. Furthermore, these top-notch speakers not only moderate the discussions that follow abstract presentations but also inspire and stimulate young researchers and clinician-scientists at the start of their careers. Although this year’s workshop was virtual, we succeeded in continuing our interactive format, with excellent talks and many questions via the virtual platform chat.

Johan Burisch © ECCO

Dear Y-ECCO Friends,

Did you enjoy the virtual ECCO Congress?

I personally found it very well organised and without major technical problems. And the programme was once again fantastic! As always, it was great to witness the many dedicated and brilliant researchers/physicians who work towards improving the care of IBD patients. But let’s hope that this is the last time that we cannot meet in person.

Gert De Hertogh © ECCO

The past 2 years, 2020 and 2021, have been challenging for everybody, but with the help of the ever-enthusiastic ECCO Organisation and their co-workers, the H-ECCO Committee was able to organise a well-attended masterclass at the recent virtual congress in July.

We divided the masterclass into four sessions: Basics of IBD, Scoring Schemes and Standards, Neoplasia and New Concepts in IBD.

Lihi Godny  © ECCO

As a part of the 16th Congress of ECCO, the 6^th D-ECCO (Dietitians of ECCO) Workshop was conducted virtually, with 84 participants. The workshop was divided into three sessions: (1) Science, diet and IBD; (2) Practical clinical nutrition in IBD; and (3) Panel discussion and interactive session.

Ana Ibarra © ECCO

Who would have thought that ECCO could so smoothly organise such a big conference online? This is the first year that the N-ECCO School has been held as a virtual conference. In reality, this meant less networking among participants but at the same time it provided an incredible opportunity for many more nurses and dietitians from different countries to attend this wonderful course, which provides so much information. In addition, access is being provided to all the presentations at a later date.

Susanna Jäghult  © ECCO

The 15^th N-ECCO Network Meeting made history this year in being the first network meeting to be delivered virtually. Both the programme and its delivery were a great success. A total of 159 nurses joined the sessions and the virtual format made it easier for participants to ask questions.

The ECCO Postgraduate Course (PGC) in IBD is underway! While the 1^st ECCO PGC was by necessity virtual, there is no doubt that we made history. Two hundred and forty participants registered from within and beyond Europe in order to gain intensive education in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD).

Kostas Karmiris © ECCO

The 19^th IBD Intensive Course for Trainees was held virtually on July 2, one week before the ECCO Congress, as part of the educational programme.

This oldest and most established course took place once again this year, although in a virtual design, and was attended by a total of 100 physicians from 33 countries from Europe and elsewhere. The course offered a comprehensive update on IBD and provided pivotal insights into the medical management for IBD patients in an interactive manner.

Christian Maaser © ECCO

The hands-on imaging workshops have become one of the most rapidly booked ECCO Workshops in recent years as they are known to offer excellent interactivity. Participants have the opportunity to explore the potential of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) through the use of hands-on simulators and in some years even by imaging patients. In addition, there is always very interactive discussion in small groups with radiologists who are internationally well known for their expertise in abdominal imaging.

Marietta Iacucci © ECCO

In 2021 the ECCO Endoscopy Workshop reached its 7^th edition, and it has now become a mainstay of the educational activities of ECCO. This year it moved online as a fully virtual meeting and was organised by the Education Committee (EduCom).

Participating speakers and chairs: Ralf Bisschops, Belgium; Bu'Hussain Hayee, UK; Rosanna Cannatelli, Italy; Marietta Iacucci, UK, Pierre Ellul, Malta