January 2025 IDDSI e-blast: IDDSI EU Congress, IDDSI Academy Pilot and Upcoming Events and Webinars

IDDSI EU Congress Feb 28, 2025 and IDDSI Academy Pilot Feb 27, 2025

IDDSI Academy Pilot

In recent times IDDSI has been asked about IDDSI-approved training and certification opportunities. In 2025, IDDSI Global is proud to launch the IDDSI Academy, providing formal certification and training in the IDDSI Framework, Testing methods and application of IDDSI. IDDSI Academy training will be run only by IDDSI Global, with teaching material provided by subject matter experts. The new IDDSI certification system provides graded theoretical and practical knowledge, with qualifications that are a personal achievement, and portable in the similar way to CPR training and certification.

The IDDSI Academy Certified Practitioner (IDDSI ACP) training will be launched in Florence on 27 February 2025, immediately prior to the EU IDDSI Conference. Limited to 50 spaces, this hands-on training provides in depth practical IDDSI training and complex problem-solving opportunities, guided by subject matter experts from the fields of oral processing, dysphagia, nutrition, culinary and engineering professionals with more than a decade designing and working with IDDSI and decades more working with thick liquids and texture modified foods in a range of settings. The program brings together oral physiology, food science and the OHKTM dedicated method of approaching the IDDSI continuum of liquids and foods. The course will address practice points relevant to people working with babies, infants, children and adults.

The practicum forms part of the competency training towards becoming an IDDSI ACP, with theoretical training provided on-line, at your convenience, to complete training. As the inaugural practicum, this course further allows participants to provide IDDSI Global with feedback, aligning with the highest quality improvement processes. IDDSI ICP training is suitable for health professionals, chefs, cooks, food service managers, nurses, health auditors and others interested in gaining practitioner credentialling of IDDSI.

Register now for the EU IDDSI Congress in beautiful

Florence, Italy!

The EU IDDSI Reference Groups & IDDSI Global will be hosting our 1st European Union IDDSI Congress at the Auditorium at the Duomo in Florence, Italy on Friday, February 28, 2025. The pre-congress IDDSI Academy Pilot will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Friday, February 28th, 2025

Join Us for the 2025 IDDSI Congress: From Theory to Practice

Discover cutting-edge practices, groundbreaking research, and innovative solutions in dysphagia management at this premier event!

📅 Date: February 28th, 2025

📍 Location: Auditorium at the Duomo in Florence, Italy

Why Attend?

This year’s congress offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice in dysphagia management. The program features:

Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Caterina Perra, President of Italian Odontogeriatrics Association & Dr. Catriona Steele, President of Dysphagia Research Society/Research Scientist

Topic: The Importance of Being Able to Eat: Focus on the importance of food, culture and what we need to be able to eat food?

Speaker Spotlight

Professor Catriona Steele is Senior Scientist and Director of the Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Laboratory at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – University Health Network, and professor in the department of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on swallowing physiology and rehabilitation, with a particular focus on the impact of texture modification on swallowing function.

✅ Showcase of IDDSI Implementation in Europe

Learn how IDDSI guidelines are making a difference in diverse European regions.

✅ Keynote Presentation by EU Leaders

Hear from experts on the practical application of IDDSI in dysphagia care.

✅ Scientific Presentations by Renowned Leaders

Gain insights from Dr. Carlo Pedrolli, Dr. Julie Cichero, Dr. Laura Piazza, Dr. Andrea Bandini, Dr. Lisa Sossen, Dr. Ben Hanson

✅ Welcome Address & International Update

Be inspired by IDDSI Chairperson & CEO, Peter Lam, as he shares global developments in dysphagia management.

✅ Interactive Panel Discussions

Join conversations on current and emerging practices supporting individuals with eating and drinking difficulties.

✅ Dedicated Networking Opportunities

Engage with industry leaders, researchers, and peers through structured networking sessions and exhibitor interactions.

Who Should Attend?

Healthcare professionals
Researchers and academics
Policy makers
Industry representatives
Anyone passionate about advancing dysphagia care

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today to be part of this transformative event.

For all the details, click on the Early Bird Brochure button below:

EU Early Bird Brochure

Come and interact with our Exhibitors!

Premium Exhibitors:

Congress Exhibitors:

Call for Posters

The EUIRG is also excited to invite submissions for poster presentations for the upcoming European Union International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Congress 2025.

This event provides an excellent opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and students to share their work, exchange ideas, and network with peers from diverse fields.

The Poster Session will be held on Friday, February 28th, 2025. Abstract Submission Deadline: January 13th, 2025. Scan the QR code for more details or click on the link HERE:

Webinars and IDDSI Learning

Webinar: Connecting the Dots: Matching Swallow Dysfunction and IDDSI Levels

Presented by: Mary Rybicki & Katrina Woodward from the USIRG

Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Length: 120 minutes

Healthy Aging, a dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is hosting this 2-hour IDDSI presentation and discussion.

All are welcome to join this education event. For dietitians, earn 2 CPEUs. If you are a member of Healthy Aging DPG, your handout and CPE certificate are free. Non-members can pay a small fee to access these resources and the CPE Certificate.

To register and for more information please go to: this link