Event information
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16th Congress of the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health
25-28 May 2022, Ghent, Belgium
We are delighted to welcome you in Ghent, Belgium, a beautiful and well-preserved, charming historic city.
The theme of the congress is “Challenging times, are we ready? Novel approaches to sexual and reproductive health”. During this congress we have the great opportunity to focus on a number of themes which are at the heart of this evolution.
- The many faces of birth control with new views on contraception and abortion
- “Sex in the city” with STI’s and innovative solutions
- The social media and LGTB+ creating opportunities for further sexual liberation?
- The collateral damage of this rapidly changing world such as sexual violence and (dys)function.
- The “Flat World” has an impact on our thinking about values, ethics and policy making.
We wish you an inspiring journey during the congress.
Mireille Merckx and Steven Weyers
Presidents of the congress
Mary Short
ESC President & Chair of the Scientific Committee
Event details
Program
Abstracts
- The abstract submission deadline is 1 November 2021
Abstracts can only be submitted electronically through the online system at:
https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/login?redirect=/stages/960/submission
The presenting authors, whose abstracts are accepted for presentation, must register for the congress and will be able to pay the early registration fee if the notification arrives after the early registration fee date.
- Who can submit? The Organising and Scientific Committee invites all those involved in any aspect of contraception, sexual and reproductive health to actively participate by submitting abstracts, either for oral or poster presentation. All abstracts will be evaluated and those accepted will be published officially on the ESC Website. As only a limited number of oral free communications can be accepted, authors are asked to indicate on their form whether they wish their abstract to be considered ONLY for oral free communication or poster presentation or for either option. Both qualitative and quantitative research is welcomed but not case reports, audit or historical reports.
- Topics for Free Communications and Posters:
- Cultural and ethnic diversity in a changing Europe
- Contraception – all aspect
- Sexual health and sexual infections – all aspects
- Reproductive health pertaining to contraception and sexual health
- The role of: sexual Identity: gender; sexual orientation; pornography; FGM; sexual dysfunction
- The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on sexual health services and provision
- Medico-legal issues; women’s, men’s and children’s rights; ethics
- The use of the Internet in social media; knowledge; education; self-testing; internet governance; data protection; telemedicine
- Service provision: roles and responsibilities of different health care professionals; new ways of providing services
- Psychosexual and mental health aspects of contraception, sexual and reproductive health
- Innovations, new discoveries and therapies in contraception and sexual and reproductive health
- Abortion – all aspects
- Contraceptive and sexual and reproductive health education and training of healthcare providers, users, family and friends – all aspects
Guidelines: how to submit an abstract, typing instructions, general policy, marking & awards
Still have questions? Contact: nancy.habils@escrh.eu
Practical information
- The congress venue
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- Gent ICC – international convention center, Van Rysselberghedreef 2 bus 1 – Citadelpark, B – 9000 Gentwww.iccghent.com/?lang=en
- Ghent ICC wants to bring together ideas, people, knowledge, culture, and entertainment efficiently and sustainably within the Citadel Park by developing MICE activities in an environment where heritage, service, knowledge, sustainability, and comfort are key. Ghent ICC turned the Citadel Park in a MICE venue with international appeal that functions as a hub in the city where everyone feels at home.
- CME credits: The request for European accreditation will be submitted to the UEMS/EACCME. The number of granted European CME Credits will be announced in due course.
- Currency: In keeping with the majority EU members, Belgium has adopted the euro as its national currency.
- Insurence liability: ESC does not accept liability for individual medical, travel or personal insurance and participants are strongly advised to take out their own personal insurance policies in their country of origin.
- Language: The congress language is English.
- Public Safety: Ghent is a safe and welcoming city. The city is one of the friendliest in Europe and maintains a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
- VISA: Click here to go to the visa information page of the relevant Belgian Ministry.
- Weather: While the weather can be changeable – it’s rarely extreme. In September, the averages are between 15 and 20°C.
About
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- Vibrant Ghent is well worth a trip. Quirky Ghent offers a fascinating cultural cocktail brimming with trendy, modern urban life. Ghent is a city where people enjoy life: a chilled-out place where anything goes and a city that feels human. Its friendly, welcoming people love the good life. Don’t miss the chance to admire the world-famous masterpiece—the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers—during your trip.
- So much Ghent: discover it yourself‘: The historic heart of Flanders’, ‘a city of all ages’, ‘Mediaeval Manhattan’ and ‘Europe’s best-kept secret’: the nicknames Ghent has collected over the years are as colourful as the city itself. Walk through the centre of Ghent and you will immediately see why it has won so many tourism prizes and earned so much international acclaim. Nowhere else can you flit so quickly from the 14th to the 21st century and back again, without feeling out-of-place for a minute.
- Hospitable Ghent: In Ghent, everyone is welcome. There is something for everyone here, including the thousands of students who fill Ghent with youthful vibes every academic year. Why not discover a different side of Ghent with the ‘Sorry, not sorry’ street art plan of Ghent: a bike or walking tour of the city’s colourful graffiti. Ghent is also a progressive city that stands up for equal opportunities. Ghent is striving for equal treatment and more respect for LGBQT people. Ghent: a city built on solidarity.
- The gastronomy rocks, mix & match: There’s always something to do in Ghent. Ghent is the historic heart of Flanders where you can shop, discover and taste to your heart’s content. Do you love great food? You’re in luck: Ghent is the veggie capital of Europe (according to Ghent’s inhabitants, of course), and its young, rock-star chefs are causing a sensation on the international food scene.
- Interesting link: https://visit.gent.be/en
Pictures
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Travel
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From Brussels Airport to Ghent
The International Brussels Airport is just under 45 minutes away from Gent ICC.
- The train station at Brussels Airport is located directly under the departures and arrival halls, at level -1. The platform is easily reached by lift or escalator. There is a direct connection every half hour between Brussels Airport and Ghent St. Pieters station. From the St. Pieters station you can take tram line 1 to the historic city centre or walk from the Ghent St. Pieters station to Gent ICC is about 10 minutes. There are several bus lines that stop right in front of Gent ICC as well (see below). You can find more information here about the travel time between Brussels Airport and the Ghent St. Pieter station.
The fee for a train ride from Brussels airport to Ghent is € 15,80 - Taxi: you can arrange your taxi from the airport in advance: https://www.budgettaxi.be/bestellen.php?lang=EN
There are always taxis with a time metre in front of the arrivals hall. Licensed taxis can be identified by the yellow-blue licence marks.
The fee for a taxi from Brussels airport to Ghent is +- € 90
From Brussels South Charleroi airport to Ghent
Brussels South Charleroi airport is at a 70 minutes’ drive from Ghent. A shuttle bus drives from the airport of Charleroi to Bruges via Ghent nine times a day. That makes Ghent more easily accessible who arrive at the airport of Charleroi for their visit to Flanders. The bus will take you to the railway station Gent-Sint-Pieters, from where you can take tram line 1 to the historic city centre.
From railway station Gent-Sint-Pieters to ICC Ghent
- By foot
Gent ICC is just 10 minutes from the railway station Gent-Sint-Pieters by foot. When you arrive at the Ghent St. Pieters station, go to the right and exit via the “Koningin Astridlaan”. At the end of the “Koningin Astridlaan”, cross the “Kortrijksesteenweg”, and walk into the Citadel Park towards Gent ICC. - By bus to Gent ICC
The following public buses have a stop in the “Ledeganckstraat” directly across from the Gent ICC main entrance: routes 34, 35, 55, 58, 70, 71, 72, 76, 77, 78. Check the De Lijn website fore more info. - Taxi: Taxis are waiting for you at the Gent-Sint-Pieters and Gent-Dampoort train stations, and at many other strategic locations around the city: Korenmarkt, Woodrow Wilsonplein (‘de Zuid’) and Flanders Expo. https://visit.gent.be/en/good-know/practical-information/getting-around/taxis
Local Transportation
- The car-free city centre is tailor-made for the pedestrian and the cyclist. You can hire a bike from either of Ghent’s two railway stations (Dampoort and Gent-Sint-Pieters) or in the city centre. With the CityCard Ghent, you can even get a bike for one day for free!
- Ghent’s public transport is well organised, with a wide network of trams and buses. The buses and trams in Ghent will take you to where you want to go from early in the morning until late in the evening: for free if you have a CityCard. The CityCard Ghent allows you to use all the trams & buses in Ghent without paying extra! What if you haven’t got a CityCard Ghent? You will find a ‘Lijnwinkel’, or ticket shop, at Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station, Korenmarkt and Gent-Zuid (Woodrow Wilsonplein) where you can buy tickets. Always buy your ticket in advance from the Lijnwinkel or a machine at the tram or bus stop. Tram lines 1, 2 and 4 take you from one end of Ghent to the other, passing right through the city centre.
- Boat trips: Stretch your sea legs: the view of Ghent from the water is absolutely charming. Take a boat ride during your city break or weekend trip. There are various boat tours organised on the rivers and canals in Ghent. Travel back in time. Immerse yourself in the city of Emperor Charles V and discover hidden secrets.
Registration
To register, please complete the registration form:
https://escrh.eu/form-view/6
All amounts are expressed and payable in euro.
| Until 31-01-22 | until 30-04-22 | after 30-04-22 | |
| ESC member | 535 | 660 | 770 |
| Non-ESC member | 635 | 760 | 870 |
| Non-MD, ESC member* | 250 | 250 | 350 |
| Non-MD, non-ESC member* | 350 | 350 | 450 |
| Belgian MD, trainees**, ESC-member | 400 | 500 | 600 |
| Belgian MD, trainees**, ESC-non member | 500 | 600 | 700 |
| Workshop ‘hormonal contraception’*** | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Congress dinner / person | 100 | 100 | 100 |
* Provide an official letter to confirm your status
** Provide an official letter from your institution
*** Limited places: Thursday: 50 persons / Friday: 50 persons
Group registration
In case you want to register more than 5 participants, please complete the group file and return it to: info@escrh.eu
Registration package
The registration package for the participants includes:
• admission to the scientific sessions and the exhibition area
• access to the opening reception on Wednesday 25 May
• online abstract book
• certificate of attendance (UEMS requested)
• coffee and tea during breaks
• lunch on Thursday and Friday
Payment
• by credit card (Mastercard – VISA)
• by bank transfer in EURO (with no costs for the beneficiary)
Account name: European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health
Account address: Opalfeneweg 3, B-1740 Ternat, Belgium
SWIFT code: BBRUBEBB
Bank Account Number (IBAN) BE45 3101 2639 1389
Bank address: ING bank, Marktplein 26, B-1740 Ternat, Belgium
Put in the reference: ‘Your name’ + ‘16th ESC Conference’
We promise to welcome you in Ghent with the highest level of safety.
With restrictions / directives changing regularly due to COVID-19, we are not yet in a position to communicate the safety protocol which will be applied. We will inform you of the safety protocol, applicable for the Congress, nearer the time. Entry to the Congress area will be allowed only to those who comply with our safety protocol.
Cancellation policy
- All refunds will incur a 20% handling fee. No refunds will be made after 1 March 2022. However, another delegate may be nominated as a replacement, up to two weeks before the Congress. Cancellation must be in writing (by email) to the Congress Secretariat. The date of the email will be used when considering a refund. All refunds will be made after the Congress. Participants should state the bank details to which refunds should be made.
- If your travel is cancelled by border restrictions (due to border closure or lockdown impacting travel between destinations listed in the booking), you will be eligible for a refund of your registration fee (handling fee 30 Euro).
- If the Congress has to be rescheduled, you can: transfer your registration and payment to the rescheduled congress; transfer your registration and payment to a colleague for use at the rescheduled congress; transfer your registration to the next congress (venue & dates to be decided); cancel and request a refund (handling fee 30 Euro).
For Companies
ESC congresses bring together some 1500 experts in the field of contraception, women’s health, and sexual and reproductive health care. The main audience is made up of gynaecologists, general practitioners, family doctors, midwives and nurse practitioners from all over Europe. ESC congresses address all new developments in the field of contraception and reproductive health care, attracting a high level of enthusiasm from both audience and speakers.
A wide selection of support opportunities are available in the prospectus
We believe that participation at the congress may bring your company significant business rewards.
ESC Central Office
Ms Ria Maes
ria@orga-med.com
T +32 2 582 08 52
Contact and organisation
The Congress is organised by The European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC)
Organizing Committee Members
- Congress presidents
- Mireille Merckx (Academic Counselor at the University of Ghent)
- Steven Weyers (Head of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University Hospital Ghent)
- Members
- Olivier Degomme – Scientific Director of ICRH
- Roland Devliegher – KWP President VVOG
- Gilbert Donders – BIG INF president VVOG
- Patrick Emonts – CRGOLFB Past President
Congress Secretariat
- ESC Central Office, p/a Orga-Med Congress Office, Opalfeneweg 3, 1740 Ternat, Belgium
T +32 2 582 08 52, F +32 2 582 55 15, info@escrh.eu
Scientific Committee
- Short, M. (Ireland) – Chair
- Bitzer, J. (Switzerland)
- Bombas, T. (Portugal)
- Cameron, S. (UK)
- Furau, C. (Romania)
- Grandi, G. (Italy)
- Haldre, K. (Estonia)
- Kopp Kallner, H. (Sweden)
- Kubba, A. (UK)
- Merckx, M. (Belgium)
- Randall, S. (UK)
- Ravn, P. (Denmark)
- Toschi, M. (Italy)
- Vatopoulou, A. (Greece)
- Weyers, S. (Belgium)