See also: YCOHNS: over 30 years of supporting the next generation of ENT consultants
At the European Laryngological Society (ELS) Congress in May 2025, Young ELS – a vibrant new network for trainees, ENT specialists and researchers with a keen interest for laryngology – was officially launched.
From idea to reality
While the ELS has long been a leading international platform for experts, there was no dedicated space for young professionals to meet, collaborate and get involved in research and education in the field of laryngology. For early-career colleagues, the step toward senior involvement can feel unclear and intimidating – it’s not always clear where to begin, how to get involved or who to approach. Likewise, senior members eager to inspire the next generation may not always know how to connect meaningfully with younger peers.
What began as an idea between Juliët Schuering (The Netherlands) and new colleagues at the Winter Laryngology Days has since evolved into a formal initiative – Young ELS – to bridge that gap and foster a space where young laryngologists can connect, grow and innovate together.
"Young ELS is more than a network – it’s a community where early-career professionals can connect, grow and innovate together"
What is Young ELS?
Young ELS is more than a network – it’s a community within ELS uniting early-career professionals including residents, young researchers and junior ENT specialists with a keen interest in laryngology.
Its mission:
- Promote career development in both research and clinical practice by encouraging active involvement in ELS congresses, courses, committees and collaborative research projects.
- Foster a strong, supportive network, not only between juniors and senior mentors but also among young laryngologists worldwide who can support and learn from each other.
- Provide accessible educational resources, such as practical instructional videos (e.g. ‘Stroboscopy – How to describe the findings’), to support daily clinical work and enhance expertise.
- Highlight training opportunities and events, keeping young professionals up to date with developments in the field.
Rapid growing community
The response has been enthusiastic: within two months of its launch, Young ELS welcomed over 100 members – a testament to the strong need for such a platform to shape the future of laryngology together.
The founding board consists of:
• President: Juliët Schuering (The Netherlands)
• Board Members: António Niclau Fernandes and João Viana Pinto (Portugal), Nia Labaš (Croatia), Coloma Grau-van Laak (Spain), and Daša Gluvajić (Slovenia)
"Our vision is to actively shape ENT careers and experiences, embrace the family community and shape the future"
What’s ahead
Young ELS is actively working to expand its reach and impact. Key plans for the coming year include:
- Launching a country-representative board to strengthen local connections and representation.
- Developing a Research Opportunities Hub, where members can find and share collaborative projects within the ELS community.
- Expanding educational offerings: a growing video library (Young ELS Basic Laryngology) will soon be available in the ELS Member Zone.
- Providing on-demand access to recordings from the 2025 ELS Congress in Warsaw and the monthly Monday Meetings (held every first Monday at 18:00 CEST), available in the memberzone. Together, these resources ensure that high-quality laryngology education is accessible anytime, anywhere.
Looking ahead, In November 2026, Young ELS will also contribute to the ELS Workshop on Neurolaryngology in Porto, Portugal – another exciting opportunity for young professionals to engage in high-level, hands-on learning together.
Through these initiatives, Young ELS aims to empower the next generation of laryngologists and make the society more accessible, inclusive and engaging than ever before.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram for updates and announcements!
Join the community
Young ELS warmly invites all interested trainees, ENT specialists and researchers <40 years to get involved.
The first two years of membership are free for ENT residents!
To join, simply follow the instructions at:
www.elsoc.org/membership/
or email: youngelsmembers@gmail.com
Stay connected
Follow Young ELS on Instagram @youngeuropeanlaryngologists to stay updated on events, news and member stories.The launch of Young ELS marks a crucial step in shaping the future of laryngology. By uniting and empowering early-career professionals, the community fosters a new strong, innovative generation of connected, confident and collaborative specialists. Join now and help shape what comes next.
For questions and membership enquiries contact:
Juliëtta Schuering, President Young ELS.
youngelsmembers@gmail.com
What is the Young ELS - ELSOC
Instagram: @youngeuropeanlaryngologists
Declaration of competing interests: None declared.
