Founded in Lyon in 1963 as Association Européenne pour la Cardiologie Pédiatrique, the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC) now is the world’s leading professional community dedicated to paediatric and congenital cardiology.
For more than 60 years, AEPC has brought together specialists committed to advancing clinical care, research, education, and collaboration in congenital and paediatric cardiology and its related disciplines. Today, AEPC represents a vibrant and ever-growing international network of over 1,500 members from across Europe and around the world.
Our members include paediatric cardiologists, congenital heart specialists, surgeons, intensivists, imaging experts, nurses, researchers, and allied healthcare professionals - all working together to improve outcomes for children and adults with congenital heart disease.
AEPC is dedicated to:
Advancing excellence in paediatric and congenital cardiology
Promoting high standards in clinical practice, education, and research
Supporting professional development and lifelong learning
Encouraging international collaboration and knowledge exchange
Improving care for patients with congenital heart disease across all ages
Through its activities, educational programmes, scientific initiatives, and working groups, AEPC continues to shape the future of congenital cardiology worldwide.
Although rooted in Europe, AEPC has grown into a global association with members from multiple continents. Most European countries are represented within the Association by an elected National Delegate, helping ensure strong collaboration, representation, and engagement across the network.
AEPC also collaborates with leading international organisations and societies in the field of cardiovascular medicine and congenital heart disease, including the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and its affiliated bodies.
We warmly welcome new members who bring fresh perspectives, innovation, and expertise to our growing community.
A key strength of AEPC is its active and dynamic Working Groups, which represent the many subspecialties within paediatric and congenital cardiology.
These groups provide valuable platforms for collaboration, research, education, and professional exchange among experts with shared interests, as well as foster multidisciplinary cooperation with professionals from related fields.
Through the Working Groups, AEPC supports innovation, promotes best practices, and encourages the development of future leaders in congenital cardiology.
Education and professional development are central to AEPC’s mission.
Each year, AEPC organises:
The AEPC Annual Meeting, including update course and scientific symposia
The AEPC exam in paediatric and congenital cardiology, part of the AEPC Certification of basic training in paediatric and congenital cardiology
Teaching courses for trainees in paediatric cardiology
Webinars, educational initiatives, and collaborative programmes
These activities provide opportunities for members to share knowledge, present research, strengthen professional networks, and stay at the forefront of developments in the field.
AEPC’s official journal, Cardiology in the Young (CitY), is an internationally recognised publication covering all aspects of paediatric and congenital cardiology.
AEPC members receive complimentary access to the journal as part of their membership benefits, alongside a wide range of educational, scientific, and networking opportunities.
AEPC is more than a professional association - it is a collaborative community dedicated to improving the lives of patients with congenital heart disease through science, education, innovation, and partnership.
We invite healthcare professionals, researchers, and trainees with an interest in paediatric and congenital cardiology to become part of our international network and contribute to the future of the field.