Volume 21, Issue 1

Now that the inbox calm has (mostly) returned post ECCO, it is time to look back at the 12th Y-ECCO Science Workshop, held on February 18, 2026, just ahead of the main ECCO Congress in Stockholm. The workshop once again proved why it is a fixed highlight of the meeting: generous presentation times, fearless discussions and science that is anything but ‘junior’. Early-career researchers shared the stage with senior experts, creating an open and stimulating atmosphere that encouraged depth, nuance and curiosity.

Iago Rodríguez-Lago is a gastroenterologist based in Bilbao, Spain and fully dedicated to clinical practice and research in IBD. Over the years, Iago has become actively involved in several national and international scientific societies, including ECCO, where he currently serves as Chair of EpiCom, and UEG, where he was recently elected Chair Elect of the Education Committee.

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Working Group on Microscopic Colitis (MCWG) at the 21st Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) in Stockholm. This represents a significant step forward in strengthening research, collaboration and clinical guidance in this important field of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs).

Dear ECCO friends and family, It is with great pleasure that I am sharing with you our discussion with the ECCO National Representative of Poland Piotr Eder. We had a great discussion on a variety of topics such as the current landscape regarding IBD management in Poland, including the situation concerning access to advanced treatments and calprotectin as a biomarker, the first steps of intestinal ultrasound spreading in the country but also the existing differences in training and managing complex cases between countries in Eastern and Western Europe.

Dear ECCO friends and family, Welcome to this stimulating discussion with Dr. Alejandra Carriles and Dr. Benedetta Ricchi authors of the exciting paper “From Pharmaceutical to Biophysical Therapies: New Horizons in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management”. We had a great time conversing about what biophysical therapies might be used in IBD patient management, where these may fit in the current therapeutic landscape based on the evidence available and what made them explore this not well-known area of treatment.

Dear ECCO Friends and Family, In this episode of ECCO News “Meet the JCC Plus Authors”, we speak with Dr. Thea Helm Wiken and Dr. Karoline Anisdahl about their recent study comparing vedolizumab and ustekinumab in TNF inhibitor–experienced ulcerative colitis patients. Drawing on real-world data and a therapeutic drug monitoring approach, the study provides valuable insights into treatment effectiveness, timing of response, and the role of dose optimization in clinical practice.