EPSA and IPSF Congresses
EPSA and IPSF both organize their own congresses. EPSA organizes Annual Congress, Autumn Assembly, Summer University and Annual Reception each year. IPSF EuRO organizes Regional Symposium and IPSF organizes World Congress.
The next EPSA Congresses are:
- Annual Congress 2023 in Podcetrtek, Slovenia
- Summer University 2023 in Warsaw, Poland
- Autumn Assembly 2023 in Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
The next IPSF Congresses are:
- EuRO Regional Symposium 2023 in Bern, Switserland
- IPSF World Congress 2022 in Bali, Indonesia
EPSA is the European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association, representing more than 100,000 pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students from 36 European countries. It organizes an Annual Congress in the spring and an Autumn Assembly in the fall, both of which take place within Europe.
IPSF is the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation, representing more than 500,000 pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students from 92 countries worldwide. IPSF organizes a European Regional Symposium and a World Congress every summer, which can take place both within and outside of Europe.
An international congress is a multi-day event where students from different countries come together. It is organized by a student association affiliated with EPSA or IPSF. The program includes educational aspects such as lectures, workshops, and (company) excursions, as well as social activities such as National and International Night and other cultural events.
The costs vary depending on the location and duration of the congress.
The costs for European congresses of both EPSA and IPSF are usually around €200 to €300, including accommodation, meals, and activities. Travel costs are not included.
The costs for the IPSF World Congress are higher due to its longer duration and are usually around €500 to €600, including accommodation, meals, and activities. Travel costs are additional and depend on the location of the congress.
Participation is open to all pharmacy and (bio-)pharmaceutical sciences students of all academic years who are members of K.N.P.S.V. You are automatically a member of K.N.P.S.V. if you are a member of G.F.S.V. “Pharmaciae Sacrum”, L.P.S.V. ,,Aesculapius’’, U.P.S.V. “Unitas Pharmaceuticorum” or VCSVU. There are no additional requirements for participation.
Registration is usually done through the organizing committee of the respective congress. K.N.P.S.V. shares relevant information on its social media channels. Be mindful of deadlines and requirements such as filling out forms and making payments. For questions or assistance with the registration process, you can always contact the commissioner of foreign affairs (commissarisbuitenland@knpsv.nl) and the commissioner of general affairs (algemenezaken@knpsv.nl).
The congress offers both educational and social activities. During the day, there are usually symposia and workshops focused on the theme of the congress, along with more general topics such as mental health and developing soft skills. Most congresses also include an excursion to a company or university. In the evening, cultural and social events are organized, such as International Night, Gala Night, and cultural evenings related to the host country.
Students from different universities and countries, professors, professionals, and guest speakers from the pharmaceutical field. It is a mix of young academics and experienced professionals.
Read the information beforehand to determine whether you are interested in attending. It may also be helpful to reach out to other participants. The Official Delegate of K.N.P.S.V., the commissioner of foreign fffairs or the commissioner of general affairs, always attends the congress and will create a group chat for all participants to get to know each other.
In addition to your usual travel essentials, it is recommended to bring formal attire for the gala (gala dress or suit) and possibly study materials for workshops and symposia. Don’t forget an orange outfit for International Night! For National Night, consider wearing the colors of the host country’s flag. The commissioner of foreign affairs or the commissioner of general affairs will also inform you if any additional items are required.
Yes, there is usually free time or organized excursions that allow you to explore the city or region. Additionally, after IPSF congresses, a Post Symposium Tour (PST) or Post Congress Tour (PCT) takes place. During a PST or PCT, you get the opportunity to discover the host country and its culture during a 2-3 day group trip. Of course, you are also free to travel on your own before or after the congress.
Some congresses offer students the opportunity to present their research or projects. This can be done through poster sessions or short presentations. Check if your congress offers this option. In addition to presenting, there are also competitions you can participate in, such as the Patient Counseling Event, which the winner of the Dutch National Counseling Competition (NK-consultvoering) will attend.
Yes, it is possible to receive a discount for both EPSA and IPSF events. You must prove that you lack the financial means to attend. If you participate in the Dutch National Counseling Competition and win, the KNMP will cover the full travel and congress costs for the IPSF World Congress. For more information about financial support, contact the commissioner of foreign affairs (IPSF) or the commissioner of general affairs (EPSA).
Culture/National Night
During Culture/National Night, you learn about the culture of the host country. Sometimes, a cultural site is visited, while other times, you learn about the country’s music, food, and customs.
International Night
During International Night, students showcase their culture through stands featuring delicious food, drinks, and traditions. This social evening allows you to experience various cultures informally. The number of participating countries can reach up to 60!
Gala Night
Gala Night is a formal evening at the end of the congress. Participants wear their most elegant dresses and suits and enjoy a festive evening filled with music, dancing, and dinner.
Auction Night
Auction Night is a fundraising event organized to support EPSA or IPSF. Official Delegates from different countries can offer items or experiences that other participants can bid on!