Facing the Challenges for Europe – Research into Action: Liverpool European Congress of Obesity, May 12–15, 2013

Europe faces its greatest social and economic challenge in 70 years. We reside in a period of global economic turmoil associated with the rapid re-adjustment in the European financial landscape. The next 5 years, if not the decade, will see at best limited growth in economic terms and in all likelihood real term reductions in funding available for health provision and specifically for obesity research at least at national levels. Critical economic conditions will impact on the health of European citizens, in particular on the most vulnerable including children and the elderly in the poorest economic circumstances. It is therefore critical we continue to celebrate excellence in obesity research across scientific disciplines. The next European Congress of Obesity will seek to demonstrate the necessity of translating research into practice for the health, social and economic benefits for Europe and its citizens. The European Congress on Obesity (ECO) will be held in the City of Liverpool, UK, from May 12–15, 2013 ( www.eco2013.org ). The programme aims to place obesity research at the centre of national and European policy agendas for the next decade. The scientific committee has constructed a programme more inclusive than ever before, bringing together basic science with clinical management, and behavioural and nutritional expertise with policy and intervention. Utilising cross-cutting themes, the congress will appeal to a wider possible audience than previous years, including researchers, policy makers and clinicians caring for people with obesity and related conditions. This will encourage active discussion and debate both within and across the traditional scientific, clinical and public health disciplines represented in the meeting. Received: July 1, 2012 Accepted: July 4, 2012 Published online: September 7, 2012