Observership Programme
The ECDC Observership Programme offers early- and mid-career scientists and health professionals the opportunity to visit ECDC in Stockholm and learn about the activities of the Centre, share their knowledge and experiences and engage with other observers and ECDC experts.
To date, 200 observers from all around the world have participated in the programme, which began in 2013 and is made possible through the invaluable support of partner societies ― The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the European Society of Clinical Virology― who provide funding and support for the visits and oversee the application and selection process.
The programme typically occurs over five days in the Autumn, and its main objectives are:
- to understand ECDC’s role and responsibilities in supporting European and global public health in the field of communicable diseases;
- to understand the interplay between ECDC and competent bodies in EU Member States, WHO and other global public health actors;
- to acquaint observers with public health microbiology, surveillance, scientific advice and epidemic intelligence at the EU level;
- to share information on ECDC’s activities and key outputs, and the way they are produced (e.g. risk assessments, scientific advice, support to laboratory network activities);
- to facilitate networking between ECDC experts and observers.
The next ECDC Observership will place in October 2026. More information on the call for applications will be available closer to the date on the ESCMID, EUCIC and ESCV websites.
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The call for expression of interest from European learned societies and professional associations to participate in the ECDC Observership is now closed.