Dear ESGAR Members and Fellows,
Dear Colleagues, dear Friends,

As another year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the journey we have shared in 2024. I am deeply grateful to all committee members, faculty, Society members, and the ESGAR office for their dedication, tireless efforts, and invaluable contributions to the success of our ever-growing Society. It is your commitment that propels our Society forward.

A special thank you goes to Lennart Blomqvist for organising the highly successful ESGAR 2024 Annual Meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden. This historic event was the first ESGAR Annual Meeting held in Sweden and attracted an impressive turnout from the Swedish radiological community, alongside significant participation from colleagues outside Europe. With over 1,500 participants from 63 countries, this truly international gathering highlighted the remarkable growth and vitality of our community.

Our workshops remain a cornerstone of ESGAR’s educational mission. In 2024, we hosted 13 workshops, both online and onsite, which drew 750 participants from 55 countries. We are excited to unveil the workshop programme 2025, which is now ready for you to explore.

This year also marked the launch of the first edition of the Global Abdominal Imaging Forum on HCC, held on November 8. The event attracted over 1,000 participants from 111 countries, achieving a significant milestone for the ESGAR outreach programme.

Another highlight of 2024 was the official launch of EDGAR,the ESGAR Diploma in Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology. The inaugural examination took place during ESGAR 2024 in Gothenburg, with a second examination held online in November. Congratulations to the 46 candidates who successfully passed the examination! The next opportunity to sit the EDGAR examination will be on May 12, 2025, during ESGAR 2025 in Amsterdam, with an online option available on the same day.

ESGAR also contributed to the ESR Essentials series with two concise and evidence-based practice recommendations aimed at general radiologists. These publications Imaging in colorectal cancer and Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, were published in European Radiology and summarize core knowledge for pivotal clinical care questions.

In 2024, ESGAR continued to advance professional guidelines, publishing several important new documents:

• ESSD–ESGAR best practice position statements on the technical performance of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies in adult patients with swallowing disorders (December 2024).
• Joint recommendations of ESGAR, ESUR, PSOGI, and EANM on imaging of peritoneal metastases of ovarian and colorectal cancer (November 2024).
• Imaging in Pelvic Exenteration, a multidisciplinary practice guide from the ESGAR-SAR-ESUR-PelvEx collaborative group (August 2024).

As we continue to lead in GI and abdominal radiology, we encourage everyone to join or renew their ESGAR membership for 2025 and beyond. Being part of ESGAR is more than a membership—it is a commitment to excellence in our field.

The Young ESGAR group continues to energize our Society. A new look for the Young ESGAR section is now live on the ESGAR website, and the Young ESGAR e-Academy webinars introduced an exciting new feature this year—CME credits! In 2024, four sessions were held, paving the way for an ambitious 2025 schedule with monthly webinars. Other exciting initiatives include the Junior ESGAR Summer School (JESS), set to take place on the beautiful island of Spetses from June 15–21, 2025. Don’t miss the application deadline on January 15.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the next generation of radiologists through programmes like the ESGAR/ESOR Exchange Fellowships, seed grants for junior researchers, the Rising Star programme, and the Junior Mentorship programme, which is now open for applications. I encourage our young members to take full advantage of these opportunities.

Looking ahead, we are eagerly anticipating the ESGAR 2025 Annual Meeting in Amsterdam, May 13–16, 2025. I am thrilled to announce that we have received a record-breaking number of abstract submissions, promising an exceptional meeting. Registration is already open, so I encourage you to secure your place and book your accommodation early, as Amsterdam is a bustling city.

As the holiday season approaches, I extend my warmest wishes for a festive and joyful time with your loved ones. May this season bring you happiness, health, and the chance to recharge for the exciting year ahead.

Joyeuses Fêtes et Bonne Année,

Dr. Marc Zins
ESGAR President