Letter from the President
Dear Friends, dear Colleagues
The European Society for Photobiology (ESP) continues to thrive thanks to the enthusiasm, scientific excellence, and engagement of its members. The ESP has organized a series of successful activities that clearly demonstrate the strength and vitality of our community. And more is to come!
Our most recent meeting, the 21st Congress of the European Society for Photobiology ESP Congress, held in Bari, Italy, was excellently organized and scientifically inspiring, bringing together colleagues from across Europe and beyond. We are already looking ahead to the next ESP Congress, which will take place in the beautiful and UNESCO‑protected city of Krakow, Poland, from 22–26 August 2027. Krakow will provide a stimulating and memorable setting for scientific exchange and collaboration.
I am also very pleased to highlight the recently held 2nd ESP Junior Online Meeting, which was highly successful and demonstrated both the scientific quality and strong engagement of our early-career members. Supporting young scientists remains a core mission of ESP, and initiatives such as this are essential for shaping the future of our field.
Many of us will attend the 43rd American Society for Photobiology Biennial Meeting in Arizona (16–19 May 2026). This meeting offers an excellent opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues and to further strengthen the long‑standing and highly valued collaboration between our two sister societies, ASP and ESP.
Pål Selbo
Pål Selbo
Department of Radiation Biology
Institute for Cancer Research
Norwegian Radium Hospital
Oslo University Hospital
Oslo, Norway
Shortly thereafter, the ESP will host one of its major educational activities: the ESP Photobiology School, to be held in Brixen/Bressanone, Italy, from 15–20 June 2026. The school provides a comprehensive introduction to the main aspects of photobiology, covering fundamental principles as well as applications related to climate change, light–biological interactions, and the use of light in medicine. While the application deadline for the upcoming School has passed, I strongly encourage members to consider this unique training opportunity for their students in future editions. With the current 50% reduction in student membership fees (two‑year membership for only €30), participation in ESP educational activities remains both accessible and highly rewarding.
I would also like to remind you that Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences (PPS) is the official journal of the ESP, together with the European Photochemistry Association. PPS is an international, peer-reviewed journal publishing original research papers, reviews, perspectives, comments, and technical notes across the full breadth of photochemistry and photobiology and currently ranks in the 81st percentile (Q1) in the Radiation category (Scopus 2024). I warmly encourage you to consider PPS for your next work.
Finally, I encourage everyone to review their ESP membership. Active participation through membership is a key foundation of the Society and enables us to sustain our strong scientific activities, educational initiatives, and community engagement.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement with the European Society for Photobiology. I look forward to meeting many of you at upcoming events and to continuing our shared efforts to advance photobiology.
With best regards,
Pål Kristian Selbo,
President, European Society for Photobiology (ESP)