Introduction
Within ECCO, two committees have played a pivotal and complementary role in advancing the scientific understanding and clinical management of IBD: the Epidemiological Committee (EpiCom) and the Clinical Research Committee (ClinCom). As both bodies now merge into the newly established Research Committee (ResCom), this report offers a concise reflection on their key contributions and lasting legacy.
EpiCom: Leading IBD epidemiological research in Europe
Since its inception, EpiCom has pursued a clear mandate: to lead epidemiological research on IBD across Europe and to generate high-quality, population-based evidence on disease incidence, prevalence, natural history and outcomes. EpiCom was responsible for initiating the Epi-IBD study, a population-based inception cohort of patients with IBD from 22 European centres, which has provided crucial information about the current epidemiological landscape of the disease across European countries.
Through its annual workshop, held over eight consecutive editions within the ECCO Educational Programme, EpiCom has consistently translated complex epidemiological findings into actionable insights, addressing topics from environmental risk factors and migration to global disparities in care and the burden of IBD in specific patient subgroups. The committee has also promoted the use of robust methodologies in IBD research by creating courses available on the ECCO e-Learning Platform.
ClinCom: Fostering clinical research excellence
ClinCom has dedicated itself to improving the quality and rigour of IBD clinical research in Europe, supporting the development of investigator-initiated studies and linking academic researchers with national study groups[RM2.1]. Among its most valued contributions are the IBD National Study Group and CONFER Case projects, which have enabled investigators across Europe to present and refine research protocols and build multi-centre collaborations. The committee has also led widely attended educational initiatives, including the School for Clinical Trialists and the ECCO Educational Course for Industry, equipping researchers and partners with the tools required to design high-quality clinical trials. Its close collaboration with Y-ECCO, SciCom and other ECCO Committees has reinforced the organisation's capacity to advance a coherent and impactful research agenda.
Towards ResCom: A unified vision for the future
The merging of EpiCom and ClinCom into ResCom reflects the natural convergence of their scientific agendas and ECCO's broader strategic vision. The boundaries between epidemiological inquiry and clinical research have become increasingly fluid, and ResCom is uniquely positioned to address both dimensions in an integrated manner. On behalf of all members, past and present, of both committees, we would like to say that it has been a genuine privilege to contribute to the advancement of IBD science within ECCO.
The legacy of EpiCom and ClinCom, marked by ground-breaking epidemiological insights, rigorous clinical research and a commitment to education and collaboration, lays a solid foundation for the future. ResCom is ready to build on this legacy by combining the strengths of both committees to promote innovation, improve the quality of research and drive meaningful progress in IBD care. By embracing a unified vision, ResCom will continue to address the evolving challenges of IBD and push the boundaries of science and clinical practice in line with the ECCO REACH Strategy. Together, we will ensure that ECCO remains at the forefront of IBD research, translating evidence into action to ultimately improve care for patients across Europe and beyond.
