The aim of this new space in the journal is to provide a place where young researchers can review the most relevant clinical and research topics in the field of gastroenterology and gastrointestinal diseases.
The section will appear in each issue of the journal and will be edited by the young groups of the main gastroenterology-related scientific societies: Asociación Española de Gastroenterología [the Spanish Association of Gastroenterology] (AEG), Asociación Española para el Estudio del Hígado [the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver] (AEEH) and Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa [the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis] (GETECCU). Each issue of the journal will feature the "Young Corner" section with a review by one of the three young groups on a rotating basis ensuring equal participation and broad coverage of the different topics of interest. Specific topics in each area of specialisation will be addressed and interspersed with issues featuring more general topics orientated towards training in scientific research.
This space will serve as a valuable resource for supporting and updating young researchers and interested readers by providing a platform to share knowledge and keep abreast with developments in the field. The "Young Corner" is also a clear commitment to teamwork and collaboration promoted by the different young groups of the societies involved.
What is a young group?Each of the various scientific societies involved in the speciality of gastroenterology in Spain have a "young group" representing their younger members, to respond to the specific needs they have at this stage of their careers, which in many cases is when they first embark on research.
The main objectives of the young groups, regardless of the specific discipline, are to provide support and impetus for research activities, as well as facilitate the exchange of knowledge and communication with other more experienced members of the scientific society. It is also an ideal setting for getting to know and improving relationships with colleagues from other national or international centres with whom, apart from being of the same generation, we share common scientific interests.
AEEH (Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver) YOUNG GROUPThe AEEH young group was created in 2015 and currently has more than 500 members with representation in all of Spain's autonomous regions. It is coordinated by two directors and a third person acts as a link between the Group and the AEEH Board of Directors.
The main functions of the group are based on three pillars: (i) to organise regular teaching activities on clinical and essential hepatology topics; (ii) to stimulate collaborative research by giving prominence to young hepatologists and basic researchers; (iii) to provide a working framework that promotes the scientific and professional development of its members.
As part of this work, the young group has six scholarships which are awarded each year at the AEEH Congress. These include grants for training sojourns for residents in different countries, as well as grants aimed at expanding studies for the development of basic clinical research lines. Also awarded annually are the Juan Rodés grants, for further learning experiences in an overseas centre for a year, and the Juan Córdoba grant, aimed at promoting multicentre collaboration among emerging researchers.
The young group holds its annual meeting at the heart of the AEEH Congress, providing a meeting point for young hepatologists and researchers from all over the country. At the meeting there is interaction both with Rising Star awards (two awards given annually by the AEEH based on the scientific trajectory of young researchers in the area of hepatology) and with more established profiles to promote learning among members. In addition, the status of scholarships awarded by our society is updated and applications for the following year are encouraged. Essentially, our group represents a multidisciplinary space for collaboration and learning for young researchers, beyond the limits of the liver, in which we urge you to take part.
AEG (Spanish Association of Gastroenterology) YOUNG GROUPThe AEG young group was set up in 2017 and is now an international group of young gastroenterologists with common scientific and educational goals. It has more than 600 members from hospitals in Spain, Europe and Latin America.
The group is run by a team of five members, headed by a main coordinator, renewed every two to four years. The main coordinator is a member of the group on the AEG board.
The basic pillars of this group are research, teaching and the promotion of links with other societies.
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From the research point of view, it promotes and facilitates the development of collaborative projects, through logistical support, dissemination and funding by way of competitive grants for projects carried out by members of the group.
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We also work intensively on the organisation of high quality and interesting teaching products, in close cooperation with the AEG teaching committee.
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Last of all, the relationship with other national and international societies is fundamental, and activities of various kinds are organised to strengthen these ties.
The group meets annually at the AEG Congress, pooling the proposals of its members and consolidating relationships.
To join the group, simply apply in the member area of the AEG website (www.aegastro.com).
GETECCU (Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) YOUNG GroupGRUPO JOVEN GETECCU (GJG), GETECCU's young group, was created in 2007 and has continued to develop since then. In fact it currently represents approximately one third of all the society's members.
The young group's activities are organised through four coordinators, elected at the annual meeting by the group's members, whose mandate lasts four years, with half of the committee being renewed every two years. One of the members of the GJG coordinating committee will be part of the GETECCU board, and will have to attend and fulfil the same duties as a full board member.
Its main function is to support the setting up of studies proposed within the group, through the evaluation and discussion of research protocols, serving as an intermediary for their subsequent evaluation by GETECCU's research area and providing the opportunity to present progress and results at the young group's annual meeting. A specific SOP is available for the evaluation of research studies promoted within the group.
The annual meeting of the young group (this year celebrating its 27th edition), which is also free to enrol in, includes talks on theory and practical workshops to update knowledge, at this particular edition, on inflammatory bowel disease.
The young group also runs courses and workshops, both online and face-to-face, focusing on topics that could be useful for its members.
If you are interested in starting a study within the young group or have any questions, our email address is grupojoven@geteccu.org or you can visit our website: https://geteccu.org/grupos-de-trabajo/grupo-joven-geteccu.
