The 17th EACPT Congress took place from 28 June to 1 July 2025 at the main building of the University of Helsinki in Helsinki, Finland. Under the theme “Embracing Innovations for Optimized Patient Care”, the meeting convened clinical pharmacologists, drug development scientists, regulators and educators from across Europe and beyond.
Scientific programme
The scientific programme was built around three parallel thematic tracks: (A) Clinical Pharmacology in Healthcare and Teaching, (B) Drug Research and Development, and (C) Emerging Drugs and Therapies.
Throughout the sessions, participants engaged in discussions spanning translational pharmacology, novel therapeutic modalities, the evolving role of clinical pharmacology in healthcare delivery and education, as well as regulatory and ethical challenges. The multi-track design allowed delegates to tailor their programme according to interest, whether in academic teaching, clinical service, or early-phase drug development. Over 24 focused scientific sessions were offered, along with workshops and poster presentations.
Additionally, the dynamic commercial exhibition successfully showcased novel innovations and technological advancements within the wide scope of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics from various industry partners. Moreover, scientific publishers were represented as well, providing platforms for researchers to publish their research.
Keynote presentations
Attendees were treated to truly inspiring keynote presentations from globally recognized experts, who addressed critical topics spanning global health challenges and regulatory advancements:
- Prof. Dr. Steffen Thirstrup, Chief Medical Officer of the European Medicines Agency, delivered a compelling talk detailing the EMA’s crucial role in advancing science and innovation within Europe.
- Prof. Petteri Taalas, Director General in the Finnish Meteorological Institute, spoke powerfully on the significant health dimensions of climate change, a topic of growing importance for the healthcare community.
- Prof. Sir Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, shared invaluable insights and lessons learned from the complex process of tracking deadly viruses, drawing on his extensive experience and pioneering research with infectious diseases, such as the Ebola and HIV.
2025 EACPT Lifetime Achievement Award
The recipient of the 2025 EACPT Lifetime Achievement Award was Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed from the UK. Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed is the David Weatherall Chair of Medicine and NHS Chair of Pharmacogenetics at the University of Liverpool, and was honoured at the congress in Helsinki for his distinguished career and significant contributions to clinical pharmacology, particularly in the areas of pharmacogenetics and drug safety, with the overarching goal of improving patient care through personalized medicine. At the congress, he delivered an award lecture titled “A career in drug safety: protecting patients through research.”
Workshops
The scientific programme of EACPT 2025 included several dedicated workshops alongside the parallel session tracks, aiming to provide interactive, focused learning opportunities and skills development. The workshops included:
- KSCPT and EACPT Workshop 1: Model-informed precision dosing in pediatrics – Focus on cytotoxic agents. Chairs: In-Jin Jang and Marja-Liisa Dahl.
- EUFEMED Workshop 2: Is there a need for more diversity in clinical drug development: Focus on early clinical trials. Chair: Jan de Hoon.
- “Meet the Editors” Workshop 3. Chairs: Annikka Kalliokoski and Thomas Griesbacher.
- Workshop on Clinical Pharmacology for Teachers (Education Working Group). Chair: Joost Piët
Social programme
The congress successfully provided unparalleled opportunities for professional networking in a welcoming setting. The social programme complemented the scientific agenda with an opening ceremony, a memorable evening at the Allas Pool sauna and swimming venue in Helsinki, and a congress dinner with entertainment by the seaside.
In addition, a dedicated pre-congress symposium for early career researchers was held on 28 June, featuring expert talks on career paths in clinical pharmacology and group-work sessions, followed by a networking dinner.
In summary, EACPT 2025 in Helsinki delivered a rich scientific and social experience, successfully bringing together diverse stakeholders in clinical pharmacology. It reinforced the association’s commitment to advancing patient-centred innovation, fostering early-career talent, and bridging research, education and regulation for optimized patient care.
