WELCOME
Dear colleagues and dear friends,
ESPN is excited to invite you to join the 2nd ESPN Research Conference from March 12-14, 2026 which will bring together scientists and clinicians to share innovative research and inspiring new ideas about Paediatric Nephrology.
The ESPN Research Conference is complementary to the annual ESPN congress (Paediatric Kidney Week). It aims to discuss emerging topics in pediatric nephrology and to exchange ideas with basic scientists in order to gain insights into disease mechanisms and effects of novel treatments.
In 2026 we will focus on the latest pre-publication research on the role of complement in kidney diseases, particularly on the challenges of diagnosing and identifying these patients and on the potential of new complement inhibitors to transform and improve the treatment of children affected by different forms of complement-mediated nephropathies.
We will offer a program that ensures extensive discussions in scientific sessions and networking activities to advance research ideas, promote collaboration, and establish the culture of innovation.
We will reserve a large space in the program for free oral presentations and posters, allowing young and more experienced researchers to present and discuss their latest work with experts in the field.
Join your peers to discuss the latest research in a stimulating retreat atmosphere!
We look forward to meeting you in Florence!
Marina Vivarelli
Scientific Chair
Nicole van de Kar
Scientific Co-Chair
Prof. Dieter Haffner
ESPN President
COMMITTEES
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SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION
The goal of the annual ESPN Research Conference is to bring together scientists and clinicians to share unpublished results and inspiring new ideas on selected topics in pediatric nephrology to gain new insights into disease mechanisms and treatment approaches.
The ESPN Research Conference is complementary to the annual ESPN congress (Paediatric Kidney Week) and focuses only on one or two complementary topics.
The structure of the conference allows abundant time for discussions to promote collaboration and networking and to establish a culture of innovation. A significant part of the program is dedicated to oral and posters presentations. Scientific sessions alternate with coffee breaks, friendly meals, and free time for cultural activities. This informal setting will promote relaxed and productive interactions between attendees and experts in the field.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
English will be the official language of the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology Research Conference.
GENERAL INFORMATION
CONFERENCE VENUE
GRAND HOTEL MEDITERRANEO****
Lungarno del Tempio, 44
50121 Florence (Italy)
The Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is located on the bank of the river Arno, close to the Ponte San Niccolò (bridge) on the Lungarno il Tempio.
HOW TO REACH THE CONFERENCE VENUE
Leave the A1 motorway at Firenze Sud, go straight until you reach the first traffic light, turn left and continue straight for about 2 km on Lungarno Colombo.
Once on the riverbank on the Lungarno il Tempio, the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is located on the right before the traffic light that leads into Viale Amendola. Adjacent to the hotel is their private garage.
From Santa Maria Novella Train Station (Firenze SMN)
Option 1: By Bus
- Exit the train station and head to the bus stop.
- Take Bus Line 14 direction Ripa or Girone.
- Get off at the Via Arnolfo stop (behind the hotel).
- Walk to the end of Via Arnolfo, turn left onto Viale Giovanni Amendola, and continue to the main junction.
- The hotel will be on your left.
Approximate travel time: 20–25 minutes.
Ticket: Standard ATAF bus ticket (valid for 90 minutes).
From Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR)
Option 1: Tram + Bus
- Take Tram Line T2 from the airport to Alamanni – Stazione SMN (main train station).
- From there, take Bus Line 14 to Via Arnolfo.
- Walk to the end of Via Arnolfo, turn left onto Viale Giovanni Amendola, and continue to the main junction.
- The hotel will be on your left.
Approximate travel time: 45–55 minutes.
Ticket: One tram + bus ticket (valid for 90 minutes).
Option 2: Direct Bus
Alternatively, take Bus Line 23 from T2 Guidoni (reachable by tram from the airport) to Giovine Italia, which is a short walk from the hotel.
Approximate travel time: 60 minutes (may change depending on traffic and time of day).
Ticket: bus ticket (valid for 90 minutes).
ABSTRACTS
ABSTRACT PREPARATION
- Abstract submission is only possible on-line. Abstracts submitted by other means or submissions that do not comply with the instructions will not be accepted.
- The abstract must be written in English.
- All presentations can only be delivered in-person.
- Structure your abstract as follows: Purpose – Methods – Results – Conclusions.
- Abstract length is limited to 500 words.
- Please select one topic from the list below that is most relevant to your presentation:
- Basic science of Complement in kidney diseases
- Clinical Features of Complement-Mediated Kidney Diseases
- Complement Therapeutics
Participants will be informed on the acceptance of their abstracts by January 20, 2026.
The best 12 abstracts will be selected for Free Oral presentations (10 minutes presentation + 5 minutes of Q&A). All other abstracts will be presented as posters and discussed during dedicated poster sessions on day 1 and day 2 of the conference.
For abstract inclusion in the program as poster or oral presentation a full registration is required by the Early deadline (30 January, 2026). Early registration is strongly recommended also due to limited number of participants (100 max). Do not forget to secure your registration as soon as possible!
IMPORTANT DEADLINES OF ESPN RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2025
- Abstract submission opening: 8 September, 2025
- Registration opening: 22 September, 2025
- Abstract submission deadline: 27 November, 2025
- Notification of abstract acceptance: 20 January, 2026
- Early bird registration deadline: 30 January, 2026
REGISTRATIONS
INFO & FEES
OIC s.r.l.
Viale della Giovine Italia 17 – 50122 Florence, Italy
Tel. +39 055 5035370
Email regESPNRC@oic.it
Please note that this is the official 2nd ESPN Research Conference website for registrations and that no other websites, companies or agencies are authorized to sell the registrations/ hotel booking in any way or to contact you directly.
Early online registrations are preferred to facilitate the planning of scientific sessions and conference services. On-site registrations will not be possible.
INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATIONS
Participants may proceed with the online reservation system.
Registration is all inclusive: accommodation, meals and attendance at the conference are included in the cost of registration.
FEES
| Early (Within 30 January, 2026) | Late (From 31 January, 2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| All inclusive* – In presence only | 550,00 € | 690,00 € |
Registration fees are in Euro (VAT 22% included).
For abstract inclusion in the program as poster or oral presentation, a full registration is required by the Early deadline on 30 January 2026.
*IN PRESENCE registration fee includes:
- 2 nights at the hotel venue in single room (see General Information section for more info about the hotel)
- Admission to all sessions and poster exhibition
- Congress kit and personal badge
- Final program
- Certificate of attendance
- Breakfast service at the hotel on 13 and 14 March
- Coffee service during breaks
- Lunch service on 13 and 14 March
- Welcome dinner at the hotel on 12 March and dinner offsite on 13 March
TERMS OF PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY
CANCELLATION POLICY
Any change or cancellation requests must be officially submitted in writing to OIC to regESPNRC@oic.it.
Up to and including 10 December 2025: € 30,00 will be withheld for administrative charge.
For cancellations received by 12 January 2026 the paid amount will be refunded with a deduction of 30% that will be invoiced as penalty.
For cancellations received from 13 January to 12 February 2026 the paid amount will be refunded with a deduction of 90% that will be invoiced as penalty.
No refund will be processed for cancellations received after 12 February 2026.
Anyone unable to attend the congress for whatever reason after paying, and/or unable to transfer the registration fee to another person, must cancel his/her registration.
The registration fee will be refunded if the request is received prior the above cancellation deadline dates.
No refunds shall be offered, where a service is deemed to have begun and is, for all intents and purposes, underway.
ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES
Any modification on VAT number or billing address, requested after the issuing of the invoice incurs a € 30,00 administration charge.
The fees will be added to the outstanding invoice.
Name changes incur a handling fee of € 50,00 per registration.
All delegates are strongly advised to take out personal travel insurance, as in the event of cancellation or changes, the following policy will apply.
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
In the event of serious special or unforeseen circumstances or serious circumstances beyond its control, OIC shall be entitled to cancel or modify the dates of the event. You shall not be entitled to compensation for any costs or damages incurred as a consequence of such a cancellation or change.
OIC will not be liable for any theft or damage to property and/or persons caused on site during the Congress, by any factor whatever, unless there has been a fault, intent or deliberate recklessness on the part of OIC. OIC shall not be held responsible in the event of poisoning or food intoxication during the Event.
CONTACTS
ORGANISING SECRETARIAT
Viale della Giovine Italia, 17
50122 Florence – Italy
Tel. +39 055 50351
Fax +39 055 5001912
www.oic.it
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION:
ESPNRC@oic.it
GENERAL INFORMATION:
infoESPNRC@oic.it
REGISTRATION and HOTEL INFORMATION:
regESPNRC@oic.it
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
sponsorESPNRC@oic.it
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to all our Sponsors
