The Best Conversations Start Early: Coffee Reflections Ahead of EADV 2026

For centuries, Vienna's famous coffee houses have brought together people from different disciplines to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and discuss what comes next in science, culture and philosophy. So, what better host city for EADV 2026? 
As the dermatology community prepares to gather in the Austrian capital for the congress, we grabbed a coffee with three leaders from across UCB to discuss the conversations they believe will shape this year's meeting and what they are most looking forward to in Vienna.

Donatello Crocetta, Chief Medical Officer and Global Head of Medical Affairs

•    Coffee order? Flat white (no sugar)
•    Most looking forward to at EADV? Showcasing today's progress and tomorrow's innovation across dermatology.

"Every year I have EADV marked in my calendar as a key highlight, as it’s always a fantastic opportunity to share the breadth of our scientific innovation.” 

“What interests me this year is not the size of the program, but its span. Our 23 accepted abstracts range from mechanistic work in atopic dermatitis through three-year extension data, head-to-head comparison, prospective observational cohorts, registry outcomes and analyses across hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. Each advances the evidence base in its own way, with the greatest value emerging when considered together.”

"The value is in triangulation. When trial data, real-world effectiveness, and registry outcomes point the same way, you move from efficacy towards how these diseases actually behave under treatment." 

"Earlier intervention is the discussion I'm most looking forward to, particularly at EADV 2026. Across multiple datasets, we're seeing signals that earlier disease control may improve long-term outcomes. Yet, many patients still reach specialist care years after diagnosis, often biologic-naïve. Whether that's a true window of opportunity or a consequence of how care is sequenced, we don't yet know. That's the question we should be designing studies to answer." 

“I am also pleased that we will share another abstract in atopic dermatitis. This data offers just one window into UCB's continued investment in differentiated science and our commitment to addressing the needs of people living with immune-mediated diseases, not just for today but for the future, across dermatology and immunology.”

Samantha Clarke, Global Head of Dermatology, HS (Hidradenitis Suppurativa) 

•    Coffee order? Americano with hot milk
•    Most looking forward to at EADV? Continuing to lead the community towards an HS-free world, bringing our HS Leadership Vision to life through science, conversations and collaborations that can help drive change for people living with HS.

"For me, one of the most exciting parts of this year's EADV is seeing hidradenitis suppurativa take centre stage in our scientific story. The breadth of data we're sharing builds on our growing understanding of how earlier intervention and sustained disease control improves long term outcomes and may prevent progression before irreversible impact occurs. And improved quality of life may help improve outcomes for people living with HS.”

“Just as importantly, we're continuing to generate evidence across different patient populations and real-world clinical settings. Research that reflects the diversity of patient experience is essential if we want scientific advances to translate into meaningful change for the people who need it most."

"This year is also a special moment because we're now into the second year of our HS Vision commitment. Through our ambition to Revolutionize Science, Redefine Care and Restore Humanity, we've set out a shared mission to help create a better future for people living with HS by 2028. Ultimately, at UCB we imagine an HS-free world, and we're taking steps to make it a reality.” 

“EADV is an important opportunity to bring our vision to life. The science we share contributes directly to our work to Revolutionize Science, but the conversations it inspires also help drive earlier care, stronger collaboration and greater understanding of the lived experience of HS." 

Eimear O’Brien, Patient Engagement & Advocacy Lead, Dermatology

•    Coffee order? Latte
•    Most looking forward to at EADV? Hearing directly from the patient community and exploring how we can continue working together to create meaningful change.

"When people think about congresses like EADV, it's often the scientific presentations and new research that come to mind first. And rightly so: science is what drives progress. But one of the things I value most is the opportunity to connect with patient organizations and advocates who help ensure that progress remains grounded in the realities of lived experience."

"The patient voice has become an increasingly important part of meetings like EADV, and that's something worth celebrating. Across dermatology, we're seeing a growing recognition that better outcomes don't just come from science alone. What excites me is seeing how these conversations continue to evolve. Whether we're discussing barriers to care, health equity, stigma, quality of life or the importance of seeking support earlier, patient organizations bring perspectives that cannot be captured through research alone. They help challenge assumptions, highlight unmet needs and keep us focused on what matters most."

"So, as we prepare for EADV, I'm looking forward to reconnecting with existing partners, meeting new voices from across the patient community and continuing to explore how we can work together to create lasting impact. Because while scientific progress is essential, real change happens when we ensure patients are part of the conversation every step of the way."

These perspectives from colleagues offer just a glimpse of the conversations shaping our plans for EADV 2026. We'll be continuing those discussions in Vienna, sharing reflections, insights and highlights from across the congress, hopefully with a coffee in hand. Stay tuned!