Dear Colleagues, dear Friends,

The European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR), the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies (UENPS) and the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) have combined their efforts for the 3^rd Congress of joint European Neonatal Societies (jENS 2019). Organised from 17-21 September 2019 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, we promise you a unique event in the field of Neonatology.

The congress will highlight the most advanced scientific research and clinical care programmes available nowadays. Covering state-of-the-art basic and clinical research to patient-centred care and clinical guidelines, a panel of more than 120 leading international experts will review hot topics such as stabilisation of the preterm infant, neonatal neuroprotection, infant-family-centred developmental care, neonatologist-performed echocardiography, neonatal gastroenterology and nutrition as well as non-invasive support and ventilation, just to mention a few.

Networking and interactivity between speakers, attendees, key opinion leaders, industry and organising societies will be the focus of jENS 2019. Innovative and interactive tools such as a specially-designed app, live broadcasts, e-posters, direct communication between speakers and the audience and much more will make the congress a truly inspiring experience.

We would also like to encourage our young investigators to apply for the various dedicated prizes available: the ESPR Travel Grants, the Young Investigator Awards and the Bengt Robertson Award for research concerning the neonatal lung. In parallel, we will honour the lifetime achievements of some of our most seasoned members and partners by handing out the jENS Awards.

This 3^rd edition of jENS will take place in Maastricht, beautifully situated along the green banks of the River Maas. The city certainly deserves a visit and without doubt represents a congress location with a unique and authentic energy.

The jENS 2019 organising societies and scientific committee warmly welcome you to this 3^rd congress edition and thank all presenters and supporters for their great commitment. We wish you a fruitful exchange with leading experts in the field of Neonatology and are convinced that together, we will make the 3^rd jENS an unforgettable experience towards developing and applying research.

Enjoy the congress!