About ESNM
The European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) is a non-profit society and represents a large network of more than 3,400 researchers and clinicians in various medical areas of expertise (basic, translational and clinical science).
ESNM has a specific focus on the neural, endocrine, metabolic, immunological and microbiological regulation of gastrointestinal functions in health and in diseases. Our clinical focus includes functional bowel disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, gastrooesophageal reflux disease, etc.), post-infectious bowel conditions, visceral pain syndromes (e.g. pancreatitis), and non-intestinal disorders with disturbances of intestinal functions. The latter comprises, e.g. delayed gastric emptying in diabetes mellitus, celiac disease and non-celiac gluten hypersensitivity, nutritional intolerances and disturbances of the intestinal microbiota.
Mission
ESNM is a non-profit society with the mission to defend the interests of all professionals in Europe involved in the study of neurobiology of gastrointestinal function. In detail the mission is:
- to expand knowledge and interest in the field of neurogastroenterology and motility
- to educate the younger generation of physicians in basic and clinical aspects in the field
- to promote scientific and educational events
- to encourage basic and clinical research in the field of neurogastroenterology and motility
- to establish the standards for good clinical practice and patient care
History
Originally founded in 1982 in Leuven, Belgium, the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) was then referred to as the European Society of Gastrointestinal Motility. Its founding members were Gaston Vantrappen, David Wingate, Martin Wienbeck and other colleagues. During the first 20 years of its existence, the association met on a biannual basis in relation with the International Group for the Study of Gastrointestinal Motility and had no independent organization. It then counted some 350 members.
In 2005, the association was restructured to better reflect its missions and functions. That is when the fields of neurophysiology and pathophysiology of gastrointestinal function studies were put forward. In 2008, the membership has risen to almost 1,000 registered members and now ESNM comprises about 3,400 members.
All officers of ESNM, provide their effort and time on a complete voluntary basis, thus making ESNM a non-profit organisation concerned solely with the well-being of patients. The European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility ESNM is composed of a Steering Committee and a General Assembly.
Statutes
ESNM Statutes direct the daily activities and are regularly reviewed and adapted to reflect our continual developments.