20 Years of ESOR
For 20 years, ESOR has defined radiological eduation. We’ve financially supported over 1500 Scholars and Fellows to date. We’ve hosted hundreds of online and in-person courses in over 80 countries. After two decades, it’s time to look at our achievements, and celebrate what’s to come.
If ESOR has made a change to your life, to your career, or your love of learning, share your story with us on social media, or send us an email. We look forward to hearing your story!
ESOR at 20: Shaping the Future of Radiology Education
Freelance journalist Mélisande Rouger recently published an article on ESOR’s history which we invite you to read. This article is based on ESOR’s ECR2026 Studio Session 1 and Studio Session 2.
Few initiatives have shaped radiology education in Europe as profoundly as the European School of Radiology (ESOR).
Founded in 2006 as a flagship initiative of the European Society of Radiology (ESR), the school emerged from a bold ambition: to harmonise radiological education across Europe, empower young radiologists, and build a community of knowledge that would extend far beyond national borders.
Twenty years later, that vision has become a defining force in global radiology education.
In many ways, ESOR’s journey mirrors the evolution of radiology itself—towards a discipline that is more collaborative, more specialised, and more global than ever before.
Through scholarships, fellowships, specialised courses, and international collaborations, ESOR has helped thousands of radiologists access high-level training, develop subspecialty expertise, and connect with peers and mentors around the world. In doing so, the school has strengthened not only education but also the spirit of collaboration that increasingly defines the radiology community.
A European Vision for Radiology Education
Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis
Athens/GR
When ESOR was established, radiology training across Europe differed significantly from one country to another. Educational pathways were heterogeneous, and opportunities for young radiologists to gain international experience remained limited.
The creation of the school sought to address this challenge by building a common framework for radiological education and by fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and research.
For Professor Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis, founder and former Scientific and Educational Director of ESOR, the initiative represented a collective aspiration for the future of the specialty.
“ESOR was the fulfillment of a common European dream towards radiological education in Europe and it has proven ever since a multiplier in achieving these goals.”
From the outset, ESOR adopted an innovative educational model. Modular courses, interactive workshops, and collaborations with leading academic institutions created a dynamic learning environment that complemented national training systems while offering radiologists access to an international perspective.
But beyond programmes and curricula, ESOR quickly became something more.
It became a community.
Investing in the Next Generation
At the heart of ESOR’s mission lies a strong commitment to young radiologists. Scholarships and fellowships allow trainees to spend time in centres of excellence across Europe, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship from some of the most respected experts in the field.
These opportunities often prove transformative. For many participants, they represent not only a key moment in their training but also the beginning of lifelong professional relationships and international collaboration.
During her tenure as Scientific and Educational Director, Professor Valérie Vilgrain witnessed the growing reach of these initiatives and their impact on young professionals.
“These foundation courses allow a large number of young radiologists to get access to one of the best education,” she explained, highlighting the importance of making high-quality training widely accessible.
Over time, this expanding network of alumni, mentors, and institutions has formed what many now recognise as the ESOR community—a global network united by a shared commitment to excellence in radiology.
But ESOR’s impact extends far beyond education alone.
Valérie Vilgrain
Clichy/FR
Education in Partnership
Christian Loewe
Vienna/AT
A defining characteristic of the school has always been collaboration. ESOR works closely with national radiological societies, subspecialty organisations, academic institutions, and industry partners to develop educational programmes that reflect the evolving needs of the profession.
For Professor Christian Loewe, current Scientific and Educational Director of ESOR, this collaborative spirit remains central to the school’s philosophy.
“We really believe that we can achieve harmonized excellence in education only through partnership,” he said.
These partnerships span the entire radiology ecosystem. Academic departments contribute expertise and mentorship, professional societies support educational frameworks, and industry partners provide essential support for scholarships, fellowships, and innovative initiatives.
Together, they create an environment in which education, research, and technological innovation can evolve side by side.
Innovation and the Radiology of Tomorrow
Over the past two decades, radiology has undergone profound transformation. Advances in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and data science are reshaping clinical practice and opening new possibilities for diagnosis and patient care.
ESOR has continuously adapted its educational offer to reflect these developments.
Courses now address some of the most pressing challenges facing modern medicine—from lung cancer screening and cardiovascular imaging to the emerging role of imaging in neurodegenerative and mental health disorders.
For industry leaders, education plays a critical role in ensuring that technological innovation translates into meaningful clinical impact.
As Fulvio Renoldi Bracco, CEO of Bracco Imaging, emphasised, collaboration with the radiology community remains essential.
“Without a strong partnership with the physician community, that would not be possible,” he noted, underlining the importance of education in bringing innovation to patient care.
Fulvio Renoldi Bracco
Milan/IT
A Community Shaping the Future
More importantly, the story of ESOR is far from over.
Over the past twenty years, the school has trained thousands of radiologists and built a vibrant international network of educators, mentors, and young professionals.
It has also demonstrated remarkable adaptability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ESOR rapidly expanded its digital learning programmes while preserving the human dimension that lies at the heart of medical education.
Today, its educational model combines the reach of online learning with the irreplaceable value of in-person exchange.
As radiology continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace, the need for strong, collaborative education has never been greater.
Twenty years after its creation, ESOR stands not only as a school, but as a global community helping to shape the future of radiology.
Every year, we publish a report which goes into detail about our activities. Take a look – you might even find your name there!
Learn more about the ESOR story from our sessions at ECR 2025 and 2026!