Congress May 2026
Registration opens for the next ESPD Congress
Online registration and abstract submission for the upcoming ESPD annual congress will open shortly — venue, full programme and key dates to follow.
Read more →European Society for Photodermatology
The science of light and human skin.
ESPD unites clinicians and scientists across Europe to advance photodermatology in all its aspects — from photodiagnosis and phototherapy to photoprotection and research.
- 1999
- Founded
- 24+
- Annual congresses convened
- EADV
- Affiliated society
- Europe
- A continent-wide membership
Our mission
Promoting photodermatology in all its aspects.
Founded in 1999, the European Society for Photodermatology is the forum of communication for everyone with an interest in photodermatology across Europe. It brings together dermatologists, photobiologists and researchers to share knowledge, set standards and support the next generation of specialists.
As an affiliated society of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, ESPD convenes an annual scientific congress, supports education and training, and connects a community working at the meeting point of light and skin.
About the society →A field spanning the clinic and the laboratory.
01
Photodiagnosis
Phototesting and the investigation of abnormal skin responses to light.
02
Phototherapy
Therapeutic use of UV and visible light in the management of skin disease.
03
Photoprotection
Sunscreens, photoprotective strategies and public-health guidance.
04
Photobiology research
The mechanisms underlying the interaction of light with human skin.
Annual Congress
ESPD 2026
The annual ESPD congress is the society's flagship scientific meeting — a programme of lectures, original research and discussion that brings the European photodermatology community together. Host city, dates and registration for the next edition will be published here.
Congress details 25th
Official Journal
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
The society's peer-reviewed journal publishes original research and review across the spectrum of photodermatology. Members receive access as part of their membership.
Journal affiliation to be confirmed with the society.
Visit the journal → Peer-reviewed
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
Tap the sun to open
Latest from ESPD
All news → Membership April 2026
2026 membership renewals are now open
Renew your ESPD membership to keep your reduced congress rate, journal access, and eligibility for the society's awards and travel fellowships.
Read more → Education March 2026
Photodermatology training across Europe
Courses, schools and hands-on training opportunities for clinicians and researchers in photodermatology — new sessions announced through the year.
Read more →Supporters
Projects realised with the support of our partners.
Example projects — placeholder for this prototype
From research and education to public-health initiatives, these projects were made possible by partners in photoprotection and dermatological science.
European Photoprotection Awareness Campaign
A public-health campaign on everyday sun protection across all skin types.
Supported by Heliora Laboratories
Photodermatoses Diagnostic Atlas
An open educational reference for recognising light-triggered skin conditions.
Supported by Cutisol Pharma
Young Investigators Travel Fellowships
Grants helping early-career researchers attend and present at the ESPD congress.
Supported by Actinova Dermocosmetics
Phototherapy Training School
Hands-on clinical training in UV and visible-light therapy for dermatologists.
Supported by Solenta Skin Science
Photoprotection in Childhood Initiative
Guidance and resources on protecting children's skin from sun damage.
Supported by Luviderm Labs
Photobiology Research Grants
Seed funding for early-stage research into the interaction of light and skin.
Supported by Photalia Pharma
Interested in supporting the society? Get in touch.
Join a Europe-wide community advancing photodermatology.
Membership connects you to the annual congress, the society journal, education and training, and a network of clinicians and researchers across the continent.