Introducing the ESPEN early career faculty to the scientific and clinical community

The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) Early Career Faculty (ECF) was established in 2019 to support the professional and scientific development of early-career professionals in clinical nutrition and metabolism. This paper introduces the ESPEN ECF, its rationale, objectives, core activities, and role within the scientific and clinical community. The Current ESPEN ECF consists of 27 members from 18 countries across four continents, representing diverse healthcare and scientific backgrounds. ESPEN ECF promotes international networking, multidisciplinary collaboration, research engagement, educational participation, and active involvement in ESPEN initiatives among early-career researchers in the ESPEN community. Through collaboration across different healthcare systems and disciplines, the ECF contributes to scientific exchange, dissemination of evidence-based practice, and professional development in the field. In addition, ECF members support local implementation of ESPEN initiatives through collaboration with national PEN societies, educational activities, guideline dissemination, and public awareness initiatives. By fostering collaboration, inclusiveness, and engagement of early-career professionals internationally, the ESPEN ECF contributes to professional development, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in clinical nutrition research and education and has the potential to support patient care.