ESP Policy on Relations with Industry
1. Purpose
The European Society of Pathology (ESP) is a non-profit scientific organisation dedicated to advancing pathology through excellence in education, research, quality assurance, professional development and collaboration, as set out in the ESP Statutes.
To support its mission, ESP engages with a broad range of stakeholders, including healthcare industry partners.
This Policy outlines the principles governing ESP’s relationships with industry and should be read in conjunction with the ESP Statutes and other applicable governance documents.
2. Scope
This Policy applies to interactions between ESP and profit organisations, including but not limited to:
- sponsorships;
- educational grants;
- corporate partnerships;
- exhibition opportunities;
- collaborative initiatives; and
- other professional interactions that support the Society’s activities.
3. Principles
ESP conducts its activities in accordance with the following principles, which reflect the Society’s mission, values and objectives:
- Scientific excellence, in support of the Society’s mission and objectives as defined in the ESP Statutes.
- Integrity, ensuring that all collaborations are conducted ethically and in compliance with applicable
legislation and contractual obligations. - Transparency, through the publication of relevant information regarding the Society’s funding and
governance. - Good governance, in accordance with the ESP Statutes and decisions of its governing bodies.
4. Relations with Industry
ESP recognises that collaboration with healthcare industry partners can contribute to advancing education, scientific exchange and innovation in pathology. Such collaborations may include:
- sponsorship of scientific meetings and educational activities;
- educational grants;
- exhibition opportunities;
- corporate partnership initiatives; and
- other activities consistent with the objectives and values of the Society.
All sponsorships and collaborations are governed by written agreements and the relevant ESP policies and conditions applicable to the activity concerned.
Participation by profit organisations in ESP activities does not constitute endorsement by the Society of any company, product or service.
5. Independance
ESP retains responsibility for the planning, organisation, scientific content and delivery of its scientific, educational and professional activities.
The Society’s governance, objectives and activities are determined in accordance with the ESP Statutes and the decisions of its governing bodies.
6. Data Protection and Confidentiality
ESP respects the confidentiality of its members and stakeholders and is committed to protecting personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. The Society does not share personal information relating to its members with third parties.
7. European Congress of Pathology (ECP)
Industry participation in the European Congress of Pathology is governed by the applicable Sponsorship
Guidelines, Terms and Conditions and other congress-specific documentation adopted by ESP.