The 21st Congress of the European Shock Society (ESS) will be held from September 18 to 21, 2025, at Hotel Kompas in Dubrovnik. Organized by the European Shock Society, this international event is coming to Croatia for the first time, offering a significant opportunity for the local and global scientific and medical community to engage in high-level exchange on the latest advances in critical care.
A Key Platform for Advancing Shock, Trauma and Sepsis Research
Founded with the mission to improve the understanding and treatment of shock, trauma and sepsis, the European Shock Society plays a pivotal role in promoting both basic and clinical research in these fields. Through its congresses, workshops and mentoring initiatives, ESS brings together professionals from various disciplines – including healthcare practitioners, scientists, students and experts from private research enterprises – fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and innovation.
The Dubrovnik congress will feature an intensive scientific programme designed to address the latest developments and challenges in critical care medicine, with a focus on immune responses, inflammation and trauma-related complications.
Keynote Speakers and ESS Summer School Highlight the Programme
Two distinguished researchers will headline the event: Prof. Fabienne Venet, PharmD, PhD from Claude Bernard University in Lyon (France), renowned for her work in immune dysfunction after trauma and sepsis and Prof. Tom van der Poll, PhD from the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), a leading authority in infection and immunity, particularly in sepsis pathogenesis.
A special feature of this year’s congress is the ESS Summer School, supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and led by a team of trauma surgery experts: Dr. Nils Becker, Dr. Christian Bergmann, Dr. Aileen Ritter and Dr. Birte Weber. The programme will bridge clinical and research perspectives, offering hands-on training sessions in emergency medicine, inflammation, surgery, and post-traumatic complications, especially tailored for young scientists, clinicians, and students.
Scientific Exchange Enriched by Social Events in Dubrovnik
In addition to the scientific sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy Dubrovnik’s rich cultural offerings through a series of social and networking events, including a Welcome Dinner, a Traditional Croatian Dinner, a guided tour of the Old City on September 20, and a festive Gala Dinner later that same evening.
With its stunning Adriatic backdrop and historic charm, Dubrovnik offers an inspiring setting for scientific dialogue, professional networking and cultural exchange.
