EFP postgraduate students come together in Barcelona

Postgraduate students and programme directors from EFP-accredited programmes in periodontology gathered in Barcelona, Spain, for the EFP Postgraduate Symposium, that took place from 3 to 6 September 2026.

Held every two years, the symposium brings together second- and third-year students from EFP-accredited postgraduate programmes across Europe, alongside programme directors and co-ordinators. It provides a unique forum for students to share their work, exchange experiences and build connections within the EFP postgraduate education network.

Designed as a programme “for students, by students”, the symposium gives participants the opportunity to present and discuss clinical cases and research projects in a high-level scientific environment. Typically, two students from each accredited centre are invited to present their work.

Beyond the scientific programme, the event aims to strengthen links between EFP-accredited centres and encourage greater mobility and exchange among postgraduate students and teaching staff.

“The EFP Postgraduate Symposium is an essential  part of our commitment to high-quality specialist education in periodontology,” said professor Nikolaos Donos, chair of the EFP education committee. “By bringing students from our EFP accredited programmes together, we provide them with an international platform and the opportunity not only to present and discuss their work, but also to learn from each other and develop relationships that can support future collaboration across Europe.”

The symposium also allows for EFP programme directors and co-ordinators to meet, exchange experiences and agree on updates relating to EFP postgraduate education and the accredited programmes.

This year’s programme included a visit to the Dentaid Research Centre in Cerdanyola, near Barcelona, where participants had the opportunity to learn more about the company’s research and manufacturing activities.

The EFP Postgraduate Symposium forms part of the federation’s work to promote excellence, collaboration and mobility in postgraduate periodontal education.

Student symposium