20 Years of ESR:
Honouring Our Past, Shaping the Future
This year marks a historic milestone—the 20th anniversary of the European Society of Radiology (ESR)! Two decades ago, ESR was founded with a vision to unite the European radiology community, enhance education and research, and advance the field for the benefit of both radiologists and patients worldwide.
Since 2005, ESR has grown into one of the largest and most influential radiological society worldwide, a journey made possible by you and our 140,000+ members worldwide.
I am immensely proud of the work that the ESR carries out in Europe and beyond. We have become a strong voice for radiologists and patients everywhere.
To mark this milestone, journalist Mélisande Rouger spoke with two past ESR leaders.
Professor Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis, a founding member of ESR, reflects on the society’s early challenges, the vision behind its creation, and how it transformed radiology across Europe. His insights provide a fascinating look into the foundation of ESR and its impact over the past two decades.
Professor Carlo Catalano, ESR Past President, shares his perspective on ESR’s evolution and the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of radiology. From technological advancements to sustainability and inclusivity, his vision highlights how ESR continues to drive innovation and collaboration in the field.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the next 20 years!
Professor Andrea Rockall
Chair of the ESR Board of Directors
Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis
A Vision Turned into a Legacy
By Mélisande Rouger
Some achievements seem inevitable in hindsight. Yet, the creation of the European Society of Radiology (ESR) was anything but preordained. It was the result of bold vision, relentless determination, and the shared conviction that European radiology needed a unified voice. When the ESR was officially founded in 2005, it was not merely an administrative merger; it was the consolidation of European radiology into a global force, ensuring its influence for decades to come.
Among those who played a decisive role in this transformation was Professor Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis, whose leadership and vision, alongside a group of pioneering colleagues, shaped the foundation of the ESR. Their collective ambition was clear: to create an institution that would unify radiologists, strengthen education and research, and elevate the role of radiology in European healthcare policy.
But ESR did not emerge in isolation. It was built on the foundation of ECR, the European Congress of Radiology. A model of scientific excellence and innovation, ECR was more than just an annual event — it was the catalyst for change. The ESR gave structure to radiology, but ECR gave it momentum.
From Division to Unity: The Birth of the ESR
Before the ESR, European radiology lacked cohesion. Two separate entities—the European Association of Radiology (EAR) and the European Congress of Radiology (ECR)—operated with different governance structures, priorities, and membership bases. While both had achieved significant milestones, they remained disconnected.
For Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis and his peers, the need for unity was undeniable. “We had two organisations, each strong but fundamentally different. If we wanted European radiology to thrive, we had to bring them together under one roof,” he recalled.
The task was complex. Legal barriers, structural differences, and concerns over representation had to be addressed. But the need was urgent. Radiology was advancing rapidly, and without a unified body, Europe risked falling behind in research, education, and advocacy.
After two years of discussions, the European Society of Radiology was formally established in December 2005, creating a single society with the strength to represent, support, and advance European radiology on the world stage.
ECR: The Beating Heart of ESR
Though the ESR provided the necessary institutional framework, ECR remained its beating heart. Long before the ESR’s creation, ECR had established itself as a visionary congress, setting new standards in medical conferences.
Under the leadership of pioneers like Gourtsoyiannis, ECR became more than a scientific meeting—it became a platform for shaping the future. The congress pioneered digital archives, interactive education formats, and a commitment to visual and experiential learning that set it apart from other medical congresses.
More importantly, ECR played a crucial role in unifying the radiology community. It provided a common ground where clinicians, researchers, and educators could come together, exchange ideas, and drive progress. This spirit of collaboration became the foundation upon which the ESR was built.
“ECR was the proof that radiology could be more than a profession—it could be a movement,’ Gourtsoyiannis reflected. ‘It showed what was possible when radiologists, visionary as they are, worked together.”
Education and Research: The Foundations of the ESR
One of the ESR’s most significant contributions has been its commitment to education and research. Recognising the disparities in radiology training across Europe, the society took decisive steps to harmonise standards and expand learning opportunities.
The European Training Charter for Clinical Radiology was introduced to establish a common educational framework. Meanwhile, the European School of Radiology (ESOR) was created to provide structured training, mentorship, and international exchange programmes. Today, ESOR is recognized as one of the most important radiology training initiatives in the world, having educated thousands of radiologists across multiple continents.
Parallel to education, the ESR reinforced its commitment to scientific research with the establishment of the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR). At a time when much radiological innovation was driven by institutions outside Europe, EIBIR provided a centralised platform to support European-led research projects, ensuring that the continent remained a key player in medical imaging advancements.
“Louis Pasteur said that chance favours the prepared mind,” Gourtsoyiannis said. “EIBIR and ESOR benefited countless members at the time they needed support, encouragement and guidance. A whole better world through education flourished because of these two bodies.”
A Lasting Legacy and a Future to Shape
Looking back, the ESR’s success is a testament to vision and perseverance. What began as an ambitious idea has become one of the most influential medical societies in the world, ensuring that radiology remains at the forefront of modern medicine.
For Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis, who remains a dedicated figure in the radiology community, the legacy of ESR is not just in what has been built, but in what is still to come. “We created the ESR to be a home for radiologists,” he said. “But a home must keep evolving. The future is ours to shape.”
And with ECR continuing to lead the way, that future has never been brighter.
Professor Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis is a former Professor, Director of Radiology and Dean of the Medical University of Crete, Greece. He trained in medicine in Thessaloniki, Athens and Oxford.
The founding father of the Hellenic College of Academic Radiology, Prof. Gourtsoyiannis is also a founding member of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Radiology (ESGAR), and the European Society of Radiology (ESR), where he served as first president.He is also the founding father of the European School of Radiology (ESOR).
His greatest research interest has been small bowel diseases, and he has published more than 250 scientific articles and written or co-written four books.
Carlo Catalano
Shaping the Future of Medical Imaging
By Mélisande Rouger
With more than 140,000 members worldwide, the European Society of Radiology (ESR) has become a global leader in radiology, driving education, innovation, and research. Today, as medicine undergoes rapid transformation, the ESR stands at the forefront, ensuring radiologists are equipped to meet new challenges.
For Professor Carlo Catalano, ESR Past President, the ESR’s strength lies in its commitment to continuous evolution. “The society does not change because of one person,” he said. “It thrives on collective vision, on understanding what radiologists need today and anticipating what they will need tomorrow.”
At the heart of this vision is ECR, the European Congress of Radiology, a meeting that has redefined the way medical conferences function. Recognised for its scientific excellence, educational impact, and industry collaboration, ECR continues to attract the best minds in radiology. “This is the congress where radiology moves forward,” Catalano believes. “A place where ideas take shape, where the future of imaging is decided.”
A Society Defined by Innovation and Education
The ESR has long understood that education is the foundation of progress. Through the European School of Radiology (ESOR), the society provides scholarships, fellowships, and hands-on training, giving young radiologists access to the latest knowledge and technologies.
“We are investing in the next generation,” Catalano said. “Radiologists today must master AI, advanced imaging techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The ESR ensures they have the tools and traning to do so.”
Education and innovation go hand in hand. The ESR AI Masterclass has already introduced dedicated AI training, and new projects are underway to integrate big data, telemedicine, and predictive analytics into everyday radiology practice.
“Artificial intelligence is not a threat to radiologists,” Catalano insisted. “It is a tool that will enhance our capabilities, reduce workload, and improve patient care. The ESR is working to ensure that AI is implemented in a way that benefits both radiologists and patients.”
Clinical Radiology: Strengthening the Role of the Radiologist
One of the ESR’s key missions is to elevate the role of the radiologist in clinical decision-making. Historically viewed as image interpreters, radiologists are now taking on a more active role in patient management, multidisciplinary teams, and treatment planning.
“Radiologists are at the center of modern medicine,” Catalano explained. “Our expertise extends far beyond image reading. We contribute to diagnosis, intervention, and patient outcomes. The ESR is actively shaping policies that reinforce this role.”
Through collaborations with European healthcare institutions and policymakers, the ESR is advocating for the recognition of radiology as a clinical discipline, ensuring that radiologists remain indispensable in evolving healthcare systems.
A Sustainable and Responsible Future for Radiology
Sustainability is a growing priority for the ESR, and ECR 2025, themed ‘Planet Radiology,’ highlighted the society’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
“Radiology must be part of the sustainability movement,” Catalano said. “We need to optimise imaging protocols, reduce unnecessary scans, minimise contrast agent waste, and improve energy efficiency in radiology departments.”
The ESR is also leading discussions on how digital transformation can contribute to sustainability, from AI-powered workflow optimisation to reducing the carbon footprint of imaging technology.
Global Leadership in Research and Policy
The ESR continues to expand its influence through major research initiatives and international collaborations. Initiatives such as the EUropean Federation for CAncer IMages (EUCAIM), which is building one of the largest federated structures for images and related clinical data in the world, are designed to advance AI-driven diagnostics and precision medicine.
At the European policy level, the ESR is strengthening interaction with European institutions in Brussels, advocating for radiology’s role in cancer screening, multidisciplinary care, and medical innovation.
“We must be at the table where healthcare decisions are made,” Catalano insisted. “Radiology is essential to modern medicine, and the ESR ensures our voice is heard.”
Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of the ESR
As the ESR moves forward, its mission remains clear: to empower radiologists, advance imaging science, and shape the future of healthcare.
With ECR continuing to set the global standard, and initiatives in education, technology, sustainability, and advocacy expanding, the society is well-positioned to lead radiology into its next chapter.
“The ESR is not just following trends,” Catalano concluded. “We are setting them. The future of radiology is being shaped today, and ESR is leading the way.”
Carlo Catalano is Chairman of the Department of Radiology at Policlinico Umberto I, Professor of Radiology at Sapienza University of Rome, and ESR Past President.
Prof. Catalano is co-founder of STITCH (Sapienza information-based Technology Innovation Center for Health) and the European Working Group on MR-guided FUS.
His main clinical and research interests are cardiovascular imaging, oncologic imaging, specifically abdominal and genitourinary diseases, and interventional radiology, primarily in image-guided therapy. He was among the first users of MR angiography and, more recently, of MR-guided interventions.
As an educator, Prof. Catalano has been Chair of the Radiology Training Program at Sapienza, the largest in Italy, for more than ten years. He has been President of the Italian Society of Cardiac Radiology, a member and treasurer of the Executive Committee of the European Society for Cardiac Radiology (ESCR).