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Final Candidate List
Following the close of the candidacy review period, we are pleased to announce the final slate of candidates for the 2026 ESSTS Board Elections.
(listed in alphabetical order by surname)
Chair
- Natalia Szejko
Vice-Chair
- Elia Abi-Jaoude
- Osman Malik
- Natalia Szejko
Secretary
- Elia Abi-Jaoude
- Laavanya Damodaran
Treasurer
- Elia Abi-Jaoude
- Laavanya Damodaran
In accordance with the Society's statutes, our current Chair, Nanette Mol Debes, will automatically serve as Past Chair for the 2026–2029 term following the election.
Detailed candidate statements, including professional affiliations, experience, and vision for ESSTS, are available in the PDF document below.
A Note of Appreciation
We wish to acknowledge Christelle Nilles, who initially submitted her candidacy for Secretary/Treasurer but has chosen to withdraw to create opportunities for new colleagues to join the Board. Her decision reflects the collaborative spirit that defines ESSTS and exemplifies the thoughtful leadership she has demonstrated throughout her term as Secretary. We are grateful for her service and her commitment to the Society's continued renewal and growth.
Christelle will continue her work as Podcaster in Chief for our "Gilles is in the air" series, where she brings the voices and insights of the Tourette Syndrome community to our members and beyond.
Next Steps
- Publication of final materials
The definitive candidate list, together with individual vision and mission statements, will also be made available via email to all active ESSTS members.
- Voting Period: 18–19 June 2026
Voting will commence at the General Assembly in Ljubljana and remain open for 24 hours. All active ESSTS members are eligible to vote via our secure, anonymous e-voting system, enabling both in-person and remote participation.
- Results Announcement: 19 June 2026
Election results will be announced during the closing ceremony and published on the ESSTS website.
Elected officers will serve a three-year term.
Voting Rules & Procedures ⚠️
Please also consult this document, which provides detailed information about eligibility, ballot structure, and the voting process.
For questions about the election process, please contact us at elections@essts.org
In addition to the submitted candidate statements, you may also view their respective CVs.
Elia Abi-Jaoude, Laavanya Damodaran, Osman Malik, Natalia Szejko
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)
Authors who have questions can contact the Frontiers submissions department below.
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The Frontiers editorial office will be able to provide more information/answer any questions.
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Candidates 2026
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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
Session I:
Clinical presentation, historical perspective, diagnosis, differential diagnosis
Marinos Kyriakopoulos
Session II:
Etiology, pathophysiology and treatment
Christos Androutsos
Session III:
Psychological Interventions
Athanasia Makri
Session IV:
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
The candidacy submission portal is now closed
Announcements will follow on 7th May 2026!
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