Expanding the Frontiers of Liver Health
The EASL Congress 2025 brought over 8,000 international delegates together at the RAI Amsterdam, setting the stage for one of the most dynamic scientific gatherings in hepatology. With more than 2,500 abstracts and a robust programme spanning the full spectrum of liver research and care, the Congress proved to be a powerhouse of knowledge, collaboration, and discovery.
Among the many impactful sessions at the Congress, GRIPonMASH held a session titled “Get a GRIP on MASH: Exploring New Horizons in Liver Research,” which offered engaging and forward-looking perspectives on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and related areas of innovation.
Shifting the Paradigm: From Disease Management to Prevention
The session opened with a warm welcome from Jo Massoels (Echosens) and Prof. Dr. Oscar H. Franco (UMC Utrecht), who laid the foundation for an afternoon focused on expanding how we understand and address metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Moreover, Prof. Dr. Luca Miele (Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS) discussed the rationale behind GRIPonMASH’s inclusion of individuals without established liver disease — highlighting the value of early detection, preventive health strategies, and a broader perspective on at-risk populations.
Scientific Innovation: Biomarkers and Artificial Intelligence
Innovation was front and center as Prof. Dr. Manuel Castro Cabezas (Julius Clinical/Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland) presented the project’s vision for biomarker discovery, which holds promise for transforming how liver disease is detected, monitored, and treated. The goal? To move from reactive care to personalised, predictive health strategies.
Following this, Dr. Maurice Michel (Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes) explored the role of artificial intelligence within the GRIPonMASH framework. From predictive modeling to data integration, AI is enabling smarter, faster, and more precise approaches to liver research.
Patient Voice and Collaborative Spirit
Milan Mishkovikj, of the European Liver Patients’ Association (ELPA) reminded us of the vital role of patients in shaping the future of hepatology. His message reinforced GRIPonMASH’s commitment to putting patients at the center — not just as study participants, but as partners in research and health equity.
A Toast to the Liver and to Connection
We closed the session on a high note — with a Colombian coffee salute led by Prof. Dr. Oscar H. Franco. More than a warm gesture, the toast also nodded to the growing body of research linking coffee consumption to liver health benefits — including lower risk of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee sparked spontaneous conversation, new connections, and a shared sense of purpose during the poster viewing and networking gathering that followed. It was a perfect moment of community after a focused session of science and strategy.
A warm thank you to everyone who attended, engaged, and shared in our vision. GRIPonMASH is committed to building a healthier future through innovation, prevention, and partnership. Your participation helps move that mission forward.
