ESCMID x Ecraid Postgraduate Course 2026
On 6-8 October, the 5th edition of the 'Better methods for clinical studies in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology' postgraduate course took place in Verona, Italy. Participants from across 15 countries joined.
The course, supported by ECRAID-Base and ESCMID, was a part of Ecraid’s sustained effort on education and knowledge-sharing, and was intended for (early-career) researchers who are seeking to advance their knowledge, skills, and expertise in the fields of infectious diseases and clinical microbiology.
The faculty members consisted of leading experts in infectious disease research, including Leonard Leibovici (Tel Aviv University - School of Medicine), Evelina Tacconelli (University of Verona), Anna Górska (Wrocław University of Science and Technology), Jesús Rodríguez-Baño (University of Seville), Mical Paul (Rambam Healthcare Campus), Pontus Naucler (Karolinska University Hospital), Luigia Scudeller (Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia), and Henri van Werkhoven (University Medical Center Utrecht).
Especially the interaction with both the faculty and the participants dfeels safe. We’re all here to help each other to get better. - Course participant 2026
The purpose of the workshop was providing the participants with tools on how to phrase a research question; choose the appropriate design and methods to address it; avoid biases; and write an optimal report. It focused on new developments in methods, with a special emphasis on clinical trials. Especially valuable were the interactive workshops where the participants’ projects were used as examples and discussed with both the faculty and the peers.
A combination of theory and practice, the three-day course enabled participants to craft clear and focused research questions that drive meaningful inquiry while identifying and addressing potential biases that may influence research outcomes, ensuring robust and reliable results. Participants gained insights into selecting appropriate research designs and methodologies tailored to specific research objectives and acquire the necessary techniques for writing concise and informative research reports that effectively communicate findings to relevant stakeholders.
I came here hoping to get some new insights into my own research and this course is the perfect opportunity. Course participant 2026
We were delighted to see the participants' enthusiasm and motivation that especially came to life during the workshops. Many of the participants came to the course to also expand their research networks. The friendliness, and willingness to help each other out showed their drive to connect with each other and the faculty, and bring research in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology forward.
It was a real pleasure hosting them and the faculty members in the beautiful city of Verona. More testimonials from them will follow soon!