Congress impressions of ESCMID Global 2025 in Vienna
ESCMID Global 2025 – the 35th Congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases – took place in Vienna this year and was a big success: some 17,000 attendees from 149 countries, 474 speakers, 5,368 presented abstracts, and 249 industry partners.
Besides all the research, we noticed one concurring theme: In the face of defunding public health organisations and universities, the scientific societies must step up. And they are doing so. ESCMID is a perfect example:
Engaging science communications
ESCMID heavily invests in science communications by expanding the range of topics, increasing frequency, and employing a growing variety of media channels from timely social media updates and newsletters to high-quality video content, classic and open-access journals, and top-level conferences all around Europe. The most recent addition, the aptly named 'Communicable' podcast, drew over 10,000 downloads from 114 countries in its first 10 months.
Community-building, inclusive attitude
The society reaches out beyond Europe and also beyond high-income countries. Balanced representation of gender is well established and the inclusion of underrepresented regions is actively supported and monitored. But next to these measurable hard factors, there are also soft factors at play: an openness to equally address many different specialties and professions, and a welcoming attitude towards young professionals who are supported and encouraged by more senior scientists.
Contemporary and user-friendly design
A state-of-the-art brand identity increases awareness of the society's activities and subsequently involvement and impact. A strong focus on user experience, AI-empowered personalisation, and inspiring motion design and audio-visual media are the main drivers.
Embracing unconventional formats from art to gamification
Next to keynotes, symposia, oral sessions, educational workshops, and posters the congress features plenty of less conventional formats such as a speed-quiz-show, a community-generated art gallery, a scavenger hunt, and a scientific movie session. They offer a different approach to learning and exchange and prove very popular.
Congratulations to our client and keep it up!
