Looking back at the ECCO Congress 2026 - N-ECCO Educational Activities
Looking back at the ECCO Congress 2026, we are proud to highlight several successful N-ECCO programmes delivered in Stockholm this year. Once again, a large number of nurses from across the globe took the opportunity to engage in advancing IBD nursing.
Let us take a moment to reflect on the different formats offered at the ECCO Congress: the 17th N-ECCO School, the 20th N-ECCO Network Meeting and the 9th N-ECCO Research Forum.
Starting with the N-ECCO Network Meeting, we can say that after two decades, this well-established educational programme once again addressed key topics in IBD nursing, with a strong focus on clinical care. This year’s meeting centred on the updated N-ECCO Consensus Statements, which serve as a fundamental framework for IBD nursing. We are very much looking forward to their full publication. In addition, sessions explored the translation of research into clinical practice, highlighted different perspectives (e.g. nurses versus patients) and reflected on the past 20 years of this important format.
The second longest-running programme in N-ECCO’s history, the N-ECCO School, offers a one-day intensive course covering the essential knowledge required to begin a career in IBD nursing—or at least to build a solid foundation. However, in view of the significant evolution in IBD nursing in Europe over the past two decades, it had become clear that the N-ECCO School also needed to advance. Therefore, we introduced an interactive workshop session this year, which was very well received. It successfully brought together nurses with diverse backgrounds, experiences and professional networks. This may prove to be a game changer for the format, and we are already looking forward to the 18th N-ECCO School, where a similar workshop will be included again.
Finally, the N-ECCO Research Forum was held for the ninth time. Now a biennial event, it focuses on nursing research. The sessions included presentations on publications and updates from previous N-ECCO Research Grant winners, as well as discussions on practical aspects of conducting nursing research.
One more highlight is worth mentioning: it is truly encouraging to see IBD Nurses taking the main stage in the plenary hall. This year, we had the opportunity to present updates to the N-ECCO Consensus Statements not only to colleagues within our own professional group but to the entire IBD Community.
In summary, we look back on a highly successful congress, with strong attendance, relevant topics and excellent speakers. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year in Copenhagen!
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