It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of honor that I invite you to the 34th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons, to be held in the timeless city of Athens in 2026.
Athens, the cradle of democracy and philosophy, has long been a meeting place for inquiry, innovation, and dialogue. It was here that Socrates asked questions that shaped the foundations of reason, where Plato envisioned ideal forms, and where Aristotle explored the essence of nature and the human condition. This heritage is not a relic of the past—it lives on, and it resonates with the spirit of thoracic surgery today: a discipline that constantly questions, refines, and advances in pursuit of excellence.
In that tradition, our meeting will be a forum not only for the dissemination of the latest scientific knowledge – ranging from surgical techniques and oncologic strategies to novel technologies – but also for critical dialogue, mentorship, and collective reflection on where we are, and where we must go next.
To our trainees and emerging surgeons: like the students of the Athenian academies, come curious and open-minded. This is your space to question, learn, and grow.
To our experienced colleagues and mentors: your wisdom is the compass that helps the next generation navigate complexity with confidence. Share generously, guide patiently.
Beyond the lecture halls, Athens offers an atmosphere that is uniquely suited to learning and connection. As you walk its storied streets – from the steps of the Acropolis to the vibrant cafés of Plaka – you will feel the pulse of a city that knows how to mix contemplation with conviviality.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Program Committee, I welcome you to ESTS 2026 in Athens, where history meets science, and where thought, like surgery, is a craft we are honored to practice together.
