Welcome to the 25^th ESPD Congress

Dear Colleagues, dear Friends,

As a President of the 25^th ESPD Congress and on behalf of the ESPD and the Italian Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SIDerP), it is a great pleasure for me to welcome you in Padua!

Padua is in the heart of the Veneto Region; it is a lively city and one of the most ancient and prestigious University in the world.

The University of Padua in 2022 celebrated 800 years since its foundation. It was established in 1222, after a group of students and teachers decided to come here from Bologna. Defending freedom of thought in study and teaching became a distinctive feature which today lives on in the University motto: Universa Universis Patavina Libertas.

The medieval and renaissance identity of Padua is most felt in the city piazzas, which are animated with the clamors of the markets in the morning and then become open-air lounges in the afternoon, when everyone stops for typical local aperitif: a spritz.

The 13 km of arcades make strolling through the city possible no matter what the weather and it’s no trouble at all to hop between the Scrovegni Chapel, the University and the Basilica to reach the Botanic Gardens (UNESCO-protected with Giotto’s frescoes) which are now also home to the Biodiversity Garden greenhouses.

A great scientific programme is developing to cover a variety of topics including the latest news on more fundamental research as well as tips for daily clinical practice. The most experienced pediatric dermatologists in Europe, enthusiastic young leaders, and selected and distinguished non-European speakers will be involved.

The networking opportunities will make this meeting an unforgettable one and we are convinced that you will take back home wonderful memories of Padua.

Prof. Anna Belloni Fortina
25^th ESPD Congress President