Will Tsang (ST1-3)
BRS President Professor Peter Andrews opened the 2025 Annual Meeting in sunny Edinburgh, welcoming over 180 delegates — a record turnout. The programme was packed with speakers pushing the boundaries of modern rhinology.
Highlights from day one included Professor Amin Javer presenting early results for sinonasal microbiome transplantation in recalcitrant CRS – an approach borrowed from GI medicine that may reshape our view of sinonasal infection and colonisation. The trial results are eagerly awaited. Sean Carrie presented on the NAIROS trial, while Professor Darlene Lubbe and Shaz Ahmed spoke on Transorbital Neuroendoscopic Surgery (TONES). Professor Claire Hopkins gave a compelling review of the evidence (or lack thereof) regarding emergency endoscopic sinus surgery in intracranial complications of acute rhinosinusitis. This highlighted the need for future collaborative research.
Free paper sessions were all well received; congratulations to James Hadley and Sophie Chamberlain on winning the top prize.
An evening drinks reception in the College library, followed by dinner in Playfair Hall and a lively ceilidh, rounded off a successful first day.
The second day opened with Professor Hesham Saleh’s insights into sinonasal vasculitis and reconstruction, followed by Rohit Gohil’s detailed septal perforation repair videos. Professor Dame Valerie Lund traced the evolution of rhinology in her lecture ‘Rhinology Rules: Revisited’, it was a privilege to hear her, given her direct contribution to the field. Professor Carl Snyderman’s talk highlighted both the technical and non-technical skills in the armamentarium of the modern rhinologist. A comprehensive panel discussion on facial pain chaired by Mr Raj Bhalla completed the programme.
The meeting ended with a warm welcome, and passing of the torch, to incoming BRS President, Ashok Rokade (above). BRS 2025 in Edinburgh was a combination of tradition with transformation and next year’s edition will be highly anticipated.
BRS Juniors Day
Max Roderick ENT CT2, Broomfield Hospital, East of England Deanery, UK and Joshua Michaels, ENT ST, BRS Juniors Committee Member 2024/25
The 2025 British Rhinological Society (BRS) Juniors Day convened in the historic city of Edinburgh, where clear blue skies and iconic landmarks like Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle set the perfect backdrop for an inspiring educational programme.
This year’s Juniors Day welcomed a record number of delegates, reflecting the growing engagement and momentum behind the BRS Juniors Committee’s commitment to research, development and high-quality education. Under the leadership of BRS Juniors President Edward Balai and BRS President Professor Peter Andrews, the day featured an outstanding speaker line-up from across the UK and beyond.
A central theme was rhinology fellowships, explored through first-hand accounts by both former fellows and fellowship directors. Talks addressed the clinical and professional impact of fellowships both in the UK and internationally, with valuable insight into the application process, day-to-day experience, and how such placements shape careers. The Q&A panel offered candid reflections on what makes an exceptional fellow, sparking lively discussion with the audience.
Further highlights included a thought-provoking session on rhinoplasty assessment by Rohit Gohil, and a deep dive into the new BRS Mentorship Scheme led by Archana Soni-Jaiswal, showcasing the Society’s commitment to supporting career development and guiding early-career consultants through the challenges of transitioning into senior roles.
One of the most engaging elements of the day was the interactive FRCS viva session, delivered with characteristic flair by Professor Claire Hopkins. Her dynamic format – placing consultants in the ‘hot seat’ – provided junior trainees with a valuable window into exam preparation and clinical reasoning under pressure.
An additional source of inspiration came from both ends of the training spectrum: a motivational talk by a medical student demonstrated the Society’s support for early engagement while the viva reminded all attendees of the ultimate goal in surgical training.
The day culminated in unforgettable keynote presentations from two of the most respected names in global rhinology: Professor Amin Javer (University of British Columbia), who presented on the sinonasal microbiome, and Professor Darlene Lubbe (University of Cape Town), who spoke on advances in transorbital surgery. Their contributions epitomised the innovative and boundary-pushing spirit within rhinology.
As the Juniors Day concluded, the torch was already being passed to the next generation. With the 2025/26 BRS Juniors Committee election process underway, the Society looks forward to continuing its mission of excellence, collaboration and inspiration at next year’s meeting.
