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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.
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.
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.
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.
Timeline and Process
Submission Deadline: 30th 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: 7th 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 18th 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, 19th 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!
***the submission portal will open officially by the end of November 2025***
Submissions are now closed
All applications will be shared via email with ESSTS members 4 weeks prior to the upcoming board elections. The members will have a chance to review the candidacies and exercise their voting rights online on 8 June 2023.
(photo credits: BLITZ-MATTEO CANEVARI AGENCY)
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Wednesday, 7 February 2024, 16:00-19:00 CET
This is an online training course for TS beginners. The course is open to clinicians (physicians, psychologists, psychotherapists, nurses, medical students) and other professionals who are interested in the clinical aspects of TS).
The presentations and the Q&A session will be held in English.
All clinically relevant topics will be covered, including:
Diagnosis and definition of tic disorders
Nature of tics
Course of TS
Comorbidities
Differential diagnoses
Assessments
Pathophysiology including genetics
Treatment
Registration & online attendance
To confirm your participation, thank you for using the registration form below.
We have introduced a single, moderate registration fee of €25 –applying also to senior professionals– as we wish to encourage the participation of as many junior colleagues as possible.
You will have the option to add a –greatly appreciated!– contribution if you wish, at payment checkout.
You will receive via email approximately 2 weeks-10 days before the event date (7th February 2024) a unique link to access the live session.
Kindly note that this link allows for one single connection per registered attendee.
ESSTS Members 2024 registration
Registration is free of charge for ESSTS Members who will have renewed their membership for the calendar year 2024 at least 24 hours before the online event.
Programme
16:00-16:30
Assessment, including differential diagnoses
16:30-17:00
Comorbidities
17:00-17:30
Treatment; pharmacological treatment, psychological intervention, deep brain stimulation
17:30-18:00
Clinical cases; assessment and treatment
18:00-19:00
Live Q&A session
Lecturers
Registration form
Need a certificate of attendance?
Just say the word! Send us a quick message here.
Meet our country hosts and co-organisers for 2024, Professors Cristiano Termine and Andrea Cavanna, from the University of Insubria and University of Birmingham respectively.
Discover the spectacular destination where we shall meet again next summer!
Discover the spectacular destination where we shall meet again next summer!
Our thoughts and best wishes go out to our fellow Italians, Spaniards and British mates.
Invited speakers
La TS-school è un evento satellite rispetto alla 16ª Conferenza Internazionale su Disturbi da tic e Sindrome di Tourette.
Questa è la terza edizione della TS-school, un corso di formazione per coloro che vogliono apprendere maggiori informazioni in merito alla Sindrome di Tourette. Il corso è aperto a diverse figure professionali (medici, psicologi, infermieri, specializzandi, studenti di medicina) e altri professionisti interessati agli aspetti clinici della Sindrome di Tourette.
- Le relazioni si terranno in lingua inglese con traduzione simultanea in italiano
- Accreditamento ECM per medici, psicologi, infermieri
E’ possibile iscriversi a questo evento separatamente rispetto alla Conferenza.
Martedì 11 giugno 2024, 13:00-18:00 | Palace Grand Hotel Varese
Responsabile scientifico: Prof. Cristiano Termine (Italia)
Verranno trattati diversi argomenti clinicamente rilevanti tra cui:
definizione del disturbo da tic
eziopatogenesi dei tic
decorso della Sindrome di Tourette
comorbidità
diagnosi differenziale
valutazione diagnostica
fisiopatologia (inclusa la genetica)
trattamento
Programma
File PDF
13:00-13:05
Accoglienza
Conferenziere/consiglio dell'ESSTS
13:05-14:00
Valutazione diagnostica, compresa la diagnosi differenziale
Natalia Szejko (Canada)
14:00-14:45
Comorbidità
Christelle Nilles (France)
14:45-15:15
Pausa caffè
(foyer)
15:15-16:15
Trattamento farmacologico, interventi psicologici e stimolazione cerebrale profonda
Kirsten Müller-Vahl (Germany)
16:15-17:15
Come rispondere alle domande più frequenti di pazienti e familiari in merito all’eziologia e alla fisiopatologia dei tic
Tammy Hedderly (UK)
17:15-18:00
Casi clinici: dalla valutazione diagnostica al trattamento
Nanette Mol Debes (Denmark)
Conferenziere
Iscrizione
Closed
Mercoledì 12 giugno 2024, ore 14:00-17:00
Aula Magna “Granero-Porati” - via Dunant, 3 Varese
Programma
File PDF
14:00
Accoglienza
14:15
Introduzione e saluti istituzionali
Prima sessione: Moderatore L. Macchi (Ufficio Inclusione - Ambito Territoriale di Varese)
14:30
Tic e sindrome di Tourette: come riconoscerli?
15:30
Discussione
Seconda sessione: Moderatore S. Bralia (Ufficio Inclusione - Ambito Territoriale di Varese)
15:45
Tic, disturbo ossessivo compulsive, autismo e disturbi del movimento funzionali.
16:45
Discussione
17:00
Conclusioni
"Lady Tourette"
English subtitles available
Wednesday, 12 June 2024 at 21:00 CEST
Venue: Spazio Yak
FREE event
An initiative by AIST Onlus, Italian Tourette Syndrome Association and the University of Insubria-Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation. (DIMIT)
"A brilliant and empathetic comedy narrating the daily life of a boy with Tourette."
For conference participants, a shuttle service 🚌 to the theatre will be made available.
Please contact Donatella Comasini (AIST Onlus) if you have any questions.
Sold out!
Introduction to Tourette syndrome (TS) for the general public
When
Saturday, 23 November 2024, 10:00-17:00
(See detailed programme below)
(See detailed programme below)
Where
Philippos Hotel, Mitseon 3, Athens 117 42
Invited speakers
(in alphabetical order)
ESSTS
- Prof Andreas Hartmann, France
Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, FR - Dr Christelle Nilles, France
Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, FR
TTAG
- Michele Dunlap, Germany
President & Acting Treasurer - Marla Shea, UK/USA
Secretary
Tourette Greece
- Christina Papakaliatis, Founder
For whom
-General public: parents, family members and people touched by Tourette syndrome.
-Healthcare professionals: a round table for discussion with the speakers will be held in the afternoon.
-Healthcare professionals: a round table for discussion with the speakers will be held in the afternoon.
Registration
Attendance is FREE of charge.
Online registration is mandatory to secure your participation.
Online registration is mandatory to secure your participation.
Event capacity
40 attendees
Kindly note:
- This event is strictly available to adults and minors aged 16-17 years old. Underaged attendees will not be permitted access.
- The seminar is offered for educational purposes; clinical consultations with any of the invited healthcare professionals will not be provided onsite.
- Only registered participants may attend the event. We will regrettably not be able to admit other non-registered visitors accompanying you.
Saturday, 23 November 2024, 10:00-17:00 (EET)
Philippos Hotel, Mitseon 3, Athens 117 42 | View map
Programme
View PDF
Morning sessions
10:00
Introduction & welcome
- Tourette Greece
- TTAG
- ESSTS
10:45
Session I: What is Tourette syndrome? (And what is not.)
- Assessment (including differential diagnosis)
- Natural course and prognosis
- Epidemiology
- Causes & mechanisms
- Q&A
11:45-12:00
Coffee break
12:00
Session II: Comorbidities, or co-occurring conditions
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- Mood (anxiety & depression)
- Sleep
- Q&A
13:00-14:00
Lunch break
Afternoon sessions
14:00
Session III: Treatment
- Available treatments
- Clinical cases
- Comprehensive Q&A with the audience
15:00-17:00
Session IV: Round table
Discussion with local colleagues & healthcare professionals attending the seminar.
Register for the Athens 2024 seminar (FREE)
The BT Dream Team is here!
When
Event dates for 2025 (all hours in GMT/BST):
- Tuesday, 27 May 2025: 18:00-20:00 BST. Led by: Virginie Czernecki & Katrin Woitecki
- Tuesday, 30 September 2025: 18:00-20:00 BST. Led by Tara Murphy & Jolande van de Griendt
- Tuesday, 25 November 2025: 18:00-20:00 GMT. Led by: Cara Verdellen & Katrin Woitecki
Where
Online events, held live on Demio webinar platform.
Registration & onlne attendance
To confirm your participation, thank you for registering below.
Registration rate per online consultation (2 hours): €35.
Registration rate per online consultation (2 hours): €35.
You will receive via email approximately 2 weeks-10 days prior to the event date a unique link to access the live session.
Kindly note that this link allows for one single connection per registered attendee.
For last-minute registrations, the access link will be issued to your email in real time.
Registration for ESSTS members 2025
Registration rate per online consultation (2 hours): €25.
This rate applies to participants who will have renewed their membership for the calendar year 2025 prior to the online event.
Thank you for logging into your ESSTS user account to access the registration form reserved for members.
Alternatively, you may add your 2025 membership directly in the basket below. The system will automatically allow you to select the appropriate registraton rate.
Active members benefit from preferential registration rates for all ESSTS events, online & in-person, including the annual conference.
Event capacity
12 attendees per training session
Kindly note:
⚠️ The facilitators of the sessions cannot accept any clinical responsibility for the discussion or associated clinical work which is the role of the clinician themselves and their clinical supervisor.
View available dates & register!
Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 16:00-19:00 CET
This is an online training course for TS beginners. The course is open to clinicians (physicians, psychologists, psychotherapists, nurses, medical students) and other professionals who are interested in the clinical aspects of TS).
The presentations and the Q&A session will be held in English.
All clinically relevant topics will be covered, including:
Diagnosis and definition of tic disorders
Nature of tics
Course of TS
Comorbidities
Differential diagnoses
Assessments
Pathophysiology including genetics
Treatment
Registration & online attendance
To confirm your participation, thank you for using the registration form below.
As last year, we maintain a single, moderate registration fee of €25 –applying also to senior professionals– as we wish to encourage the participation of as many junior colleagues as possible.
You will have the option to add a –greatly appreciated!– contribution if you wish, at payment checkout.
You will receive via email approximately 2 weeks-10 days before the event date (5th February 2025) a unique link to access the live session.
Kindly note that this link allows for one single connection per registered attendee.
ESSTS Members 2025 registration
Registration is free of charge for ESSTS Members who will have renewed their membership for the calendar year 2025 at least 24 hours before the online event.
(After having renewed your 2025 membership, log into your user account to access the free registration from.)
Programme
16:00-16:30
Assessment, including differential diagnoses
16:30-17:00
Comorbidities
17:00-17:30
Treatment; pharmacological treatment, psychological intervention, deep brain stimulation
17:30-18:00
Clinical cases; assessment and treatment
18:00-19:00
Live Q&A session
Lecturers
Registration form
"Tics & Tourette syndrome at school" | Seminar for teachers and educators
When
Monday, 19 May 2025, 16:00-19:00
(See detailed programme below)
(See detailed programme below)
Where
Eugenides Foundation, 387, Syggrou Ave.17564, P. Faliro
Invited speakers
(in alphabetical order)
Sismanoglio General Hospital (SGHA)
- Dr Christos Androutsos
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Head Consultant at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, SGHA - Dr Anastasia Dougali
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, SGHA
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Dr Marinos Kyriakopoulos
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Athanasia Makri
Psychologist
MSc in Clinical Psychology
For whom
Teachers, educators and professionals working in public or private schools and similar institutions
Registration
Attendance is FREE of charge.
Online registration is mandatory to secure your participation.
Online registration is mandatory to secure your participation.
Event capacity
100 attendees
Kindly note:
- This event is strictly available to adults and minors aged 16-17 years old. Underaged attendees will not be permitted access.
- The seminar is offered for educational purposes; clinical consultations with any of the invited healthcare professionals will not be provided on site.
- Only registered participants may attend the event. We will regrettably not be able to admit other non-registered visitors accompanying you.
Monday, 19 May 2025, 16:00-19:00 (EEST)
Eugenides Foundation, 387, Syggrou Ave. 17564, P. Faliro | View map
Programme
Time: TBA
Session I: Clinical presentation, historical perspective, diagnosis, differential diagnosis
Marinos Kyriakopoulos
Time: TBA
Session II: Etiology, pathophysiology and treatment
Christos Androutsos
Time: TBA
Session III: Psychological Interventions
Athanasia Makri
Time: TBA
Session IV: Supporting students in the classroom
Anastasia Dougali
Register for the Athens 2025 seminar (in-person attendance)
Register for the Athens 2025 seminar (virtual attendance)
All clinically relevant topics will be covered, including:
Diagnosis and definition of tic disorders
Nature of tics
Course of TS
Comorbidities
Focus on ADHD
Differential diagnoses
Assessments
Pathophysiology including genetics
Treatment
Tuesday, 20 May 2025, 13:00-18:00 (EEST)
Eugenides Foundation 387, Syggrou Ave. 17564, P. Faliro | View map
Programme
click to view PDF version
13:00-13:05
Welcome
Board/Lecturers
13:05-14:00
Assessment, including differential diagnoses
Natalia Szejko (Canada/Poland)
14:00-14:30
Comorbidity
Christelle Nilles (France)
14:30-14:45
Focus on ADHD
Sara Bahadori (France)
14:45-15:15
Coffee break
(foyer area)
15:15-16:15
Treatment: pharmacological treatment, psychological intervention, deep brain stimulation
Kirsten Müller-Vahl (Germany)
16:15-17:15
How to answer FAQ from patients and families on etiology and pathophysiology of tic disorders
Tammy Hedderly (UK)
17:15-18:00
Cases: assessment and treatment
Nanette Mol Debes (Denmark)
Lecturers
Register for the Athens TS-school
Trainers:
09:00-12:00
I. Workshop in English for participants with basic training:
"Basic principles and behavioural techniques for treating tic disorders"
View programme
09:00 The cornerstone of treatment: diagnostics, assessment and psychoeducation
09:30 Habit reversal training (HRT)
10:15 Break ☕
10:30 Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
11:15 Function-based interventions
11:45 Questions and closing
14:00-17:00
II. Workshop in English for advanced participants:
"Why and how to integrate acceptance in psychological treatments of tic disorders"
View programme
14:00 Quiz and Introduction: creating acceptance through information
14:25 ACT interventions: towards an accepting attitude
14:35 Cognitive behavioural interventions: restructuring negative thoughts
14:45 Schema interventions: dealing with the impact of adverse childhood experiences
14:55 A systemic approach: engaging the system to enhance acceptance
15:05 Questions
15:10 Patient perspective on acceptance of tics
15:30 Break ☕
15:45-16:45 Case discussions
(Divide into groups, each selects 2 topics and changes after 30 minutes)
- Behavioural approaches being adapted for acceptance – developmental factors
- Working with school, work & family
- Using Schema Therapy techniques to deal with negative childhood experiences that need addressing
- Parents Living Well with Tics; engaging the system to enhance acceptance and well being
Case discussion led by Noa Ben-Aroya, Dana Feldman and John Piacentini
16:45 Questions and closing
IF you are NOT attending the main conference:
Register for the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy workshops
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