Call for Candidacies: ESSTS Board Elections 2026

The European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) invites nominations for four key positions on our Board, to be elected in June 2026: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. As per the Society's statutes, each of these officers, including the immediate Past Chair, shall remain in office for a period of 3 years, until the next election.

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What We're Looking For

We seek colleagues who are prepared to invest substantial time and energy into advancing ESSTS mission. Board service requires active engagement throughout the year, hands-on involvement in decision-making, strategic planning, and the considerable operational work that goes into organising our annual conferences. These positions demand dedication, follow-through, and the ability to shoulder significant workload during peak periods.

The Board functions as a working group. We particularly value candidates who hold professional positions that provide institutional support and collaborative resources—such as those leading research teams, supervising PhD students or post-doctoral fellows, or holding academic appointments with departmental backing. This infrastructure enables board members to effectively contribute to the Society's initiatives while managing the practical demands of the role.

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Who Should Apply

This call is open to all professionals working in the field of Tourette Syndrome across scientific, clinical, and research disciplines. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and career stages who share a commitment to the Society's collective work rather than individual advancement. And remember, E stands for Everyone, not just European!
Candidates must hold active ESSTS membership for the election year.
Interested individuals may apply for more than one position, and we encourage you to indicate all roles you would consider.

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What Board Service Entails

Board members are expected to:

• Participate actively in ongoing governance and strategic decisions
• Take responsibility for specific projects and initiatives
• Contribute substantively to conference planning and execution
• Maintain regular communication and meet deadlines
• Represent ESSTS with professionalism and integrity
  

The Board convenes online monthly, with meeting frequency increasing as necessary, especially in the lead-up to the annual conference.

If you have questions about the scope of these roles or the commitment involved, we encourage you to reach out to elections@essts.org before submitting your candidacy.

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Timeline and Process

Submission Deadline: 30^th April 2026

Following the closure of the submission portal, all candidates will be notified of other colleagues who have submitted candidacies and will be afforded one week to determine whether they wish to withdraw or proceed with their application.

Publication of Final Candidates: 7^th May 2026

The definitive candidate list, together with individual vision and mission statements, will be published on the ESSTS website and disseminated to the Society's active members.

Voter Eligibility: All active —for the election year— ESSTS members are eligible to vote.

Voting Period: Commencing 18^th June 2026 at the General Assembly in Ljubljana, the voting process will remain open for 24 hours. A secure and anonymous electronic voting system will be implemented to enable ESSTS members not attending the conference to cast their votes remotely.
Announcement of Results: Friday, 19^th June 2026
Election results will be announced during the closing ceremony and subsequently published on our website.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their application using the form provided below. Please include:

• A brief curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
• A statement of interest outlining your motivation for serving on the ESSTS Board and your vision for your term (maximum 500 words —indicative length)
• Indication of all positions you wish to be considered for (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary)
• Confirmation of active ESSTS membership status (for the election year)
  

For questions regarding the application process or the responsibilities of specific positions, please contact elections@essts.org

We look forward to hearing from colleagues ready to contribute meaningfully to the future of ESSTS!

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***the submission portal will open officially by the end of November 2025***