Dear friends,

On behalf of my colleagues, I am delighted to invite you to the 15th European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (EHSF) conference in Malta in February 2026.

Malta has a long tradition in medical education, and we have already proudly hosted several large Dermatology meetings including IUSTI Europe (2014, 2023), IACD (2022) and EADV Spring Symposia (2003, 2024). The EHSF Malta conference will consolidate our island’s natural role as a ‘medical bridge’ between Europe, Africa and beyond. Our historically close relations with nearby Mediterranean and North African countries will encourage good regional participation.

The impact of HS on patients’ quality of life is well known. The disease is chronic, painful, stigmatising and unfortunately often difficult to manage, despite significant recent therapeutic advances. The EHSF, under the esteemed leadership of Professor Christos Zouboulis, has raised the profile of HS over the years. Most importantly, it has championed patients’ needs, aiming ultimately to improve their care and this, I believe, should remain the main focus of our work.

The motto for EHSF Malta will be ‘From Gene to Clinic in HS’. You can expect a superb scientific programme including a focus on genetics and updates on basic research, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of HS. The conference will be preceded by an EADV HS School with a practical workshop at the University of Malta. I thank all those who are collaborating to ensure that the event will be an outstanding success.

We are confident you will enjoy EHSF Malta. We promise you an excellent social programme and a warm welcome from all the Maltese Dermatology community. The weather in February will likely be mild and we hope that many of you will take the opportunity to extend your stay by a few days or more to enjoy what our beautiful country, with its chequered history and hospitable people, has to offer. We look forward to seeing you!

Narawk f’Malta – See you in Malta!