News —
Coeliac Health 2030 takes centre stage at AOECS Annual Conference
Under the theme “Looking towards Coeliac Health by 2030”, the 38th AOECS Annual Conference brought together around 130 delegates from across the world in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 8–11 October 2026. Delegates included representatives of coeliac societies, healthcare professionals, researchers, patients and industry partners. The conference was hosted by AOECS member Nederlandse Coeliakie Vereniging (NCV).
The event provided a unique platform to assess progress in coeliac disease care and to explore how advances in research, diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes for patients over the coming years.
The conference opened with keynote contributions from Marc Vervuurt, Member of the Dutch Parliament, and Dr Iris Jonkers, President of the International Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (ISSCD), who highlighted the importance of greater awareness, inclusion and innovation in coeliac disease care. Their interventions set the scene for in-depth discussions focused on emerging research into disease prevention, improved screening and diagnostic tools, and the promising pipeline of novel therapies that could complement the gluten-free diet in the years ahead.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the need to move towards a more patient-centred research agenda. Experts emphasised that research priorities should reflect the real-life challenges experienced by people with coeliac disease, while helping to attract greater investment and support for innovation.
“By 2030, progress in coeliac disease must be measured not only by scientific discoveries, but by the difference they make to people’s everyday lives. This means earlier diagnosis, more consistent follow-up care and research that addresses patients’ priorities. Our conference in Amsterdam showed the value of bringing the international coeliac community together to turn these ambitions into shared action,” said Veronica Rubio, Secretary General of AOECS.
Participants also examined the significant challenges that remain in diagnosis and follow-up care. Despite growing awareness of coeliac disease, diagnosis rates remain low in many countries, with substantial variations in clinical pathways and screening practices across Europe. Speakers highlighted the potential of new biomarkers and less invasive diagnostic approaches to improve early detection and reduce diagnostic delays.
Looking ahead, delegates identified several priorities for the coming years, including:
- Improving early detection and population screening strategies.
- Developing more consistent standards of care and follow-up across countries.
- Advancing research into disease activity, remission and treatment goals.
- Demonstrating the wider social and economic benefits of better coeliac disease management.
- Strengthening cooperation between patients, clinicians, researchers and policymakers.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to ensuring that coeliac disease remains a public health priority and that patients can benefit from the scientific and medical breakthroughs on the horizon.
Sponsors
AOECS extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors whose support made the conference possible:
Gold Sponsors: Takeda, Dr Falk, Alimentiv, First Tracks Biotherapeutics
Silver Sponsors: Dr Schär, Celiac Disease Foundation
Bronze Sponsors: Schnitzer, BRCGS, R-Biopharm AG
For sponsorship opportunities or participation in the 2027 AOECS Annual Conference, please contact the AOECS Secretariat: veronica.rubio@aoecs.org
