ABSTRACT Which mechanisms can the owners of a large firm use to ensure control when the firm grows, diversifies and merges with others and they lose some ownership? We discuss the sometimes conflicting relationships among the founders, shareholders, and managers of the Madrid to Zaragoza and Alicante Railway Company, a Spanish firm that was in operation between 1856 and 1941. We review the mechanisms through which communication among the stakeholders flowed in an effort to bridge possible conflicts of interests. From a historical perspective, we also show the effectiveness of the mechanisms adopted by the owners (mainly the Rothschild family) to ensure control over the company. We highlight how the executive committee played a key role in taking control of the firm. Rather than documenting a classic principal – agent conflict between owners and managers, this paper demonstrates how agency problems were mitigated through a combination of trusted managerial elites, committee-based governance, and shareholder control mechanisms. In doing so, it qualifies agency theory by showing how governance arrangements were contingent on historically specific institutional and ownership structures.

Gynecomastia, defined as thebenign proliferation of male breast glandular tissue, is a common condition in both adolescence and adulthood, often associated with physical discomfort and psychological distress. Despite its high prevalence, clinical management is frequently inconsistent and lacks standardized, evidence-based recommendations. The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) convened a multidisciplinary expert panel to develop updated clinical practice guidelines for the evaluation and management of gynecomastia. Recommendations were formulated based on a systematic review of the available literature and developed through expert consensus according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system. The document was critically reviewed and approved by the SIAMS Executive Committee. The guidelines address physiological, pharmacological, pathological, congenital, and genetic forms of gynecomastia, providing a structured diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Clinical assessment, including detailed history and examination, is the cornerstone of diagnosis, and should be complemented by targeted hormonal and imaging investigations when appropriate. Observation is recommended for physiological or recent-onset cases. Pharmacological therapy may be considered in selected idiopathic or painful forms, whereas testosterone replacement should be restricted to men with proven hypogonadism. Surgery is indicated for long-standing fibrotic gynecomastia or significant psychological distress. Psychological support is also advised, especially for adolescents. These SIAMS Guidelines provide an evidence-based, standardized framework for the diagnosis and management of gynecomastia, promoting individualized, multidisciplinary care and identifying priorities for future research.

Can natural cycles (NC) be effectively utilized in advanced maternal age (AMA) undergoing oocyte donation, without compromising live birth rates (LBRs) and miscarriage outcomes, when compared to artificial cycles (ACs)? In donor oocyte embryo transfer cycles, NC demonstrated superior outcomes in reproductive efficacy and obstetrical safety compared to AC, independent of the recipient's age. Previous studies have posited that NC may result in better outcomes when compared to AC embryo transfer, including a lower risk of miscarriage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Recent studies support that NC-frozen embryo transfer (FET) decreases obstetrical and neonatal complications compared to AC-FET, even if LBR differences remain controversial in some general populations. There is limited research on the use of NCs in women of AMA. This retrospective, multicentre, cohort study included all single blastocyst embryo transfers following oocyte donation performed between January 2010 and December 2023, subdivided according to the type of endometrial preparation performed (NC or AC). The oocyte donation model was chosen to minimize the potential confounding effect related to poor oocyte competence in older women and the influence of ovarian stimulation performed during autologous IVF on endometrial receptivity prior to a fresh embryo transfer. The main objective of the study was to compare LBR. Secondary outcomes included hCG-positive pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, obstetric, and perinatal outcomes. Confounder-adjustment was performed using a multivariable generalized estimating equations model regression analysis, adjusting for multiple confounders. A sub-analysis compared results when the AC protocol was optimized with progesterone (P4) monitoring and rescue therapy. Additionally, an interaction variable was added to the final multivariable model to assess whether female recipient age may modify the effect of each type of endometrial preparation on LBRs. In total, 67048 embryo transfers were analysed, including NC (n = 6922) and AC (n = 60126). The NC group demonstrated consistent superiority over AC after adjustment for confounders across all transfers. NC was associated with a higher LBR (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.29-1.47; P < 0.01) and significantly lower miscarriage rate per hCG-positive pregnancy (aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.61-0.76; P < 0.01). This superiority persisted even in optimized AC cycles with P4 monitoring and rescue therapy (LBR aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.31-1.54; P < 0.01). Furthermore, NC was associated with significantly lower obstetrical risks in singleton pregnancies, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56-0.94; P = 0.01), Caesarean delivery (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96; P < 0.01), and large for gestational age (aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67-0.89; P < 0.01). The interaction between endometrial preparation method and female recipient age was not statistically significant (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99-1.03). The retrospective nature of the study and the inherent risk of bias related to unmeasured confounding factors may have impacted the results. Another limitation is the low percentage of NC included in the study (10.32% of all cycles), which could be related to the low uptake to this treatment modality in real-life practice. NC may offer superior reproductive outcomes and is associated with lower obstetrical risks, with differences unlikely to be modified by female age. Therefore, it seems reasonable to suggest NC for older women, as they could benefit from the decreased risk of miscarriage and hypertension during pregnancy. No specific funding was obtained for this study. A.R.N. has received research grants (to institution) from Theramex; Consulting and Speakers' fees and travel support from Organon and Merck KgaA; S.S.-R. has received consulting fees from Organon, IBSA, and Besins; Speakers' fees and travel support from Organon, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Theramex, IBSA, Gedeon Richter, Abbott, and Besins. He has also received travel support from Organon, Ferring, Theramex, IBSA, Gedeon-Richter, Abbott, and Besins. He holds stocks/shares with IVIRMA Lisboa. He is a member of the ESHRE Executive Committee and was the Senior Deputy of Safety and Quality for ESHRE. N/A.

Clinical tuberculosis (TB) research has been hampered by a lack of reliable predictors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection progression and active TB treatment's cure, relapse, and failure. Given host and bacterial variability, large sample sizes from harmonized datasets are needed to study infrequent endpoints. Therefore, global observational research consortia, such as Regional Prospective Observational Research in Tuberculosis (RePORT) International (RI), can help make meaningful inroads into successful TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. RePORT International was created in 2012 by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) with bilateral country funding. The Consortium's country networks (Brazil, India, Indonesia, Korea, Philippines, South Africa, and Uganda) use a common protocol to recruit for 2 participant cohorts (active TB and close contacts). A coordinating center, led by a multinational executive committee, provides early-stage investigator research and mentorship opportunities, guidance on quality-assured data and specimen collection, and scientific direction while allowing networks to pursue geographically relevant research and implementation. Consortium biorepositories house 632 000+ specimens with associated epidemiological data from ∼11 900 participants. There have been 67 country- and consortium-wide projects via multiple funding sources, resulting in about 200 publications covering epidemiology, drug resistance, biomarkers, comorbidities, transcriptomics, diagnostics, and immunology. Capacity building is conducted through research fellowships and collaborations with other consortia including with a public resource database and data/specimen dashboard. Public health research has had funding limitations on ideal patient enrollment and follow-up, as well as the maintenance of research infrastructure and personnel. However, RI is well prepared to meet these challenges while supporting better point-of-care diagnostics, screening for asymptomatic TB, post-TB care, and successful treatment outcomes.

Succession planning is important within the public sector to ensure continuity in service delivery. Just like at the national level, county governments have less effective succession planning strategies driven by poor talent management and human resource development practices. This study sought to establish the influence of corporate mentorship on service delivery in counties in the Western Region, Kenya, and to examine the moderating effect of leadership style on the relationship between corporate mentorship and service delivery in counties in the Western Region, Kenya. The study was based on the Leadership Pipeline Theory and social learning theory. The study used descriptive and cause-effect designs. It used primary data, through structured questionnaires on a Likert scale, and interviews were administered to a target population of 243 top-level managers (chief executive committee members), middle-level managers (chief officers), and low-level managers (directors and functional heads in Kakamega, Vihiga, and Busia Counties. Stratified simple random sampling was used to select 151 respondents; reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha through a pilot study at Bungoma County, and content validity was tested using expert opinions while construct validity was tested using factor analysis. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings were presented using tables. The findings revealed that there is a significant positive effect of corporate mentorship (β1=0.254, P=0.000) on service delivery in counties in the Western Region, Kenya. Further, it was evident that there is a significant moderating effect of leadership style on the relationship between succession planning and service delivery in counties in the Western region as the R-squared moved from 36.0% to 56.9% (P=0.000). The study concluded that leadership style plays a crucial role in maximizing the impact of corporate mentorship efforts. The study recommended that county governments institutionalize structured corporate mentorship programs aimed at developing employees’ professional and managerial competencies. County executives should integrate mentorship and leadership training into their human resource policies to ensure continuity in professional growth and service excellence.

The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Leadership Institute developed the first structured leadership program designed specifically for neurosurgeons. Led by the experts in neurosurgery, health care administration, and business, the program provides formal leadership training and mentorship aimed at advancing neurosurgeons' professional development at local, regional, national, and international levels. The CNS Leadership Institute offers 2 curricula tailored for junior and senior faculty. Training begins with assigned readings, webinars, and online lectures that establish essential leadership principles. Core learning occurs during 2 in-person courses featuring interactive lectures, feedback sessions, and a longitudinal leadership project guided by national mentors. Program outcomes were assessed through a 40-question survey of alumni evaluating training effectiveness, skill application, and career advancement. Since 2016, 195 neurosurgeons have completed the CNS Leadership Institute. Among the 77 survey respondents, 70.1% reported significant professional advancement (new leadership role or job transition), and 64.8% directly attributed their advancement in skills and insights acquired through the program. Overall program effectiveness was rated 4.4 of 5, and the mean likelihood-to-recommend was 8.95 (95% CI: 8.70-9.20), yielding a Net Promoter Score of +63 (95% CI: +49 to +77). Alumni have assumed prominent roles including 16 Residency Program Directors, 3 Department Chairs, 1 Vice Dean, 4 Service Line Leaders, 13 CNS Executive Committee members, and over 100 committee or editorial board appointments critical to the specialty. The CNS Leadership Institute equips neurosurgeons with structured leadership training, mentorship, and practical tools to enhance their effectiveness as leaders. Survey results confirm that the program has a measurable impact on participants' career trajectories and professional growth. This initiative provides a reproducible model for cultivating the next generation of neurosurgical leaders and advancing the specialty's capacity for strategic, transformational leadership.

This paper examines the evolution of the electoral system in the territory of Kazakhstan in the 1920s ‒ 1930s. Considering that the institution of elections under the Soviet system was formed on the basis of the specific principle of non-alternativeness (lack of choice) and was consistently entrenched both in the center and locally, attention should be paid to the conditions of its formation, the regulatory framework, and the specifics of its dissemination. The country's population was integrated into the new realities of political life when, according to the Constitution, citizens gained the right to participate in the life of the state; however, at the same time, a certain part of them was deprived of this right if their involvement with "exploitative elements" was revealed. Ideologization, proclaimed equality, and harsh repressive policies became characteristic components of the country's electoral system as well. Under these conditions, the state authorities carried out extensive organizational work to promote the new model of electoral campaigns; a large number of people were involved in agitation activities among candidates and electors, and corresponding literature was developed. At the same time, it is necessary to point out the colossal financial resources spent on organizing the entire election procedure. The aim of the research is related to the analysis of the history of preparing and conducting electoral campaigns in the Kazakh SSR in the 1920s ‒ 1930s, identifying their features, problems, and contradictions, as well as assessing the role of elections in the process of forming the Soviet political system in the region. A distinctive feature of this work is also the regional aspect of studying the stated issues. To achieve the aim and the set tasks, archival materials from the fonds of the State Archive of the Pavlodar Region (Pavlodar City Executive Committee of Workers', Peasants', and Red Army Deputies; Pavlodar Uyezd Committee of the Medical Sanitary Labor Union; Pavlodar District Executive Committee of Soviets of Workers', Peasants', and Red Army Deputies) were used, specifically within the framework of regulatory acts of authorities, reports of local executive committees, and electoral commissions. The source base of the research also included Soviet-era journals, analyzed from the perspective of their coverage of this topic. In the course of analyzing the historiography on the topic of the work, the main approaches, problems, and directions of its study were identified. Thus, the institution of elections to the Soviets became part of the process of "Sovietization" of society. These processes unfolded in parallel with a wide range of state-initiated campaigns of the period, such as the eradication of illiteracy, korenizatsiya (indigenization), anti-religious measures, and other initiatives aimed at reshaping the socio-political order and incorporating broad segments of the population, including residents of auls (villages), into newly constructed systems of social relations. Within this context, electoral practices acquired a ritualized character, serving as a symbolic mechanism through which citizens were formally integrated into political life.

The second session of the Central Executive Committee of the Kyrgyz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, which took place from December 12 to 21, 1929, adopted the main guidelines and indicators of the people’s political plan. On December 21, the Council of People’s Commissars of the republic approved a five-year plan. The session also considered the issue of revitalizing the work of grassroots Soviets. The adopted resolution noted that the implementation of the assigned tasks for the socialist reconstruction of agriculture and the implementation of the cotton program require maximum effort and clarity in the work of all Soviet and economic bodies, attracting the attention of the broad working and *dekhkan* masses to them, and the organization of workers for their practical implementation.

As a result of the revolution that took place in Russia in October 1917, the Bolshevik party came to power, which attempted to introduce a socialist system throughout the territory of the former Russian Empire. As you know, the social support of the communists was workers and peasants. In other words, the political rhetoric of the Bolsheviks was based on the slogan of liberating broad sections of the population and affirming the principles of social equality. However, such transformational efforts inevitably met with significant resistance from those social groups that previously occupied a dominant position in regional power structures. The civil war on the territory of the former Russian Empire, which began after the October Revolution and lasted until 1923, acquired the character of a national liberation movement in Central Asia. This was due to the continuation of the colonial policy of the new government, including the Bolsheviks, which largely reproduced the inertia of tsarist chauvinism in relation to the indigenous peoples of the region. In Soviet historiography, this movement was called "Basmache movement". In some regions, it continued almost until the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. At the end of 1918 - the beginning of 1919, the anti-Soviet forces practically took control of the Fergana Valley. The success of this movement, which later received the general name "basmachestvo", was due to the wide support from all strata of the local population. The movement had not only moral and material support from the common people, but also the personal participation of many common people. Even yesterday's farmers, cattle breeders and artisans, despite the lack of weapons and lack of previous experience of participation in military operations, being convinced of the justice of their struggle against the oppressors, put up active resistance and often won victories over the units of the Red Army. In Turkestan, including the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan, for the protection of the Soviet power, the Central Executive Committee of the Turkestan ASSR on July 10, 1918 decided to create a headquarters for the defense of Turkestan. Representatives of the local population were involved in defensive measures, and the formation of units of the Red Army began to be carried out on a voluntary basis. In addition, volunteer detachments of local residents began to be created in various regions to fight against publishers and protect Soviet power. The formation of national military units became an important turning point during the Civil War and contributed to the strengthening of the local population's trust in the Soviet government. One of the most outstanding military leaders to emerge from the Kyrgyz people in the 1920s and 1930s was Arstanaly Osmonbekov, a brilliant figure who made a significant contribution to the establishment and defense of Soviet power, as well as to the development of Soviet Kyrgyz statehood. The first Red Army commander, A. Osmonbekov, from 1920 onward, led the Kyrgyz Cavalry Division he created, with which he actively fought against the Basmachi. For his significant contribution to strengthening Soviet power and successful actions against anti-Soviet groups, he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner in 1923.

This article analyses the impact of the Great Patriotic War on the population, its composition and structure. The focus of this study is Sverdlovsk Oblast, a rear region of the country, where demographic processes are distinguished by their unique characteristics and the interplay of demographic and non-demographic factors in population reproduction. The body of sources on demographic development is quite extensive, primarily consisting of mass sources: population censuses, current records of population movement (registry office records of births, deaths, marriages and divorces, and migration records kept by police authorities). Documents from the Peoples Commissariats of the RSFSR, regional executive committees of the Soviets of Workers’ Deputies, departments of health, public education, social security, etc. are rich in information about the demographic system. The author identifies three sets of historical sources that were utilized in the research: records of the gender and age composition of the rural population from a specific point in time; data from the Department for Evacuee Affairs; and information on the registration of voters for the Supreme Soviet of the USSR from February 1946. The analysed historical sources make it possible to assess changes in the vectors of demographic development in the region and show the impact of the war on population dynamics, the composition and structure of the region’s population, assess the deformation of reproduction, the role of the migration factor in the formation of the population, and changes in the sex-age composition and gender imbalance. The long-term impact on the region’s demographic sphere became the legacy of the war.

Strategic communication has emerged as a critical driver of organizational performance in contemporary public sector management. In an environment characterized by increasing citizen expectations, decentralization, and accountability demands, public institutions are required not only to formulate sound policies but also to communicate them effectively to diverse stakeholders. This study assessed the effect of strategic communication on the performance of county government organizations in Kenya. The target population consisted of 1,190 County Executive Committee Members (CECs) and County Chief Officers (CCOs) across 34 counties, from which a sample of 299 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires. Regression analysis revealed that strategic communication had a significant positive effect on organizational performance (R = .427, R² = .183, Adjusted R² = .178, F (1,190) = 42.444, p &lt; .001), explaining 18.3% of the variation in performance. The findings showed that while leadership-driven and transparent communication channels are well established, notable gaps persist in inclusivity, bottom-up dialogue, and the consistency of feedback mechanisms. These shortcomings limit employee involvement in decision-making and reduce organizational cohesion. The study concludes that strategic communication is a key driver of county government performance but requires greater inclusivity and standardized practices across departments. It further recommends strengthening feedback loops, enhancing participatory communication, and leveraging digital platforms to improve transparency, trust, and service delivery.

2026 SCCM Executive Committee and Council

Introduction: Strategic leadership refers to an individual’s capacity to work strategically with others to deliver quality, efficient, and effective care to the person and their loved ones, contributing to organizational performance. While numerous leadership frameworks exist, few specifically address strategic nursing leadership. Objective: This article proposes a framework for the development of strategic leadership in nursing. Methods: The first version of the framework was developed as part of a doctoral study, which aimed to provide an in-depth description of the capacities associated with strategic leadership according to nurse managers (n = 31) from nursing directorates. The initial version of the framework guided the second study conducted with nurses’ members (n = 15) of the Executive Committees of the Council of Nurses. The revised reference framework guided the third study conducted with women nurses (n = 35) regarding strategic leadership in academic and clinical settings, using a gender-based approach. Results: The results of the first 2 studies describe 3 capacities that would be associated with strategic leadership in nursing: the capacity to integrate learning, the capacity to adapt to changes, and the capacity to manage social interactions, along with their main domains of influence. The third study explored the strategic leadership of women nurses in academic and clinical settings and made educational recommendations. Discussion and Conclusion: This framework offers a comprehensive strategy for fostering strategic nursing leadership. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening key domains of influence, thereby enhancing the impact of nurses in health care settings.

Introduction: Microaggressions are common in medical education but have been studied mainly in Western contexts. This study explored medical students’ experiences of microaggressions in Japan to contextualize them within broader sociocultural structures. Methods: Participants were recruited through the Japan Association for Medical Student Societies (Igakuren), the sole nationwide representative body. Eligible individuals were current executive committee members or physicians within six years of graduation who had previously served. Data gained from in-depth online interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-one participants reported diverse microaggressions during clinical training. To capture these, the conventional microaggression triangle (source, recipient, bystander) was expanded with a fourth element: topic. Three themes emerged: (i) microaggressions about marginalized patients, (ii) hierarchy and dehumanization of students, and (iii) managing microaggressions. These findings highlight how hierarchical norms and structural inequities perpetuate microaggressions in medical education in Japan. Discussion: Microaggressions in Japan reflect structural inequities and entrenched hierarchies, including gender-based discrimination, rather than isolated interpersonal slights. Addressing them requires empowering students, preparing faculty for constructive intervention, and reforming hierarchical norms. This study provides a culturally grounded perspective to advance global discussions on equity in health professions education.

By International Women’s Day 1975, a narrative was well in place that women’s liberation started in Australia in 1970. This article explores a little-recognised precursor: humanism and the commitment to civil liberties in the abortion law reform movement. It does this by looking at three women abortion law reform campaigners active in the 1960s, before Women’s Liberation reached Australia. The three women are: Beryl Henderson (b. 1897), who was a member of the founding executive committee of the British Abortion Law Reform Association when it was formed in 1936 and in 1968 began the Canberra branch of the Abortion Law Reform Association; Julia Freebury (b. 1923), an indefatigable worker for abortion law reform in New South Wales; and Beatrice Faust (b. 1939), founder of the Women’s Electoral Lobby, who in 1966 set up a sub-committee on abortion law reform in the recently formed Victorian Council of Civil Liberties.

Objective . To evaluate the results of implementing an organizational model of early detection, diagnosis and treatment of pharyngeal mycosis associated with respiratory diseases. Materials and methods . Evaluation of the implementation of an organizational model for providing medical care to patients with pharyngeal mycosis associated with respiratory diseases was conducted from September to December 2025 at the clinical base of the Dobrush Central District Hospital (hereinafter referred to as DCDH). The model includes an organizational algorithm of medical measures for early detection and diagnosis of pharyngeal mycosis in accordance with the joint order “On Improving Measures for Early Detection and Diagnosis of Pharyngeal Mycosis” issued by Gomel State Medical University (GomSMU) No. 350, and the Main Department of Healthcare of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee (MDH) No. 1031 dated July 22, 2025, using the artificial intelligence (AI) clinical decision support system “FaringoBot”. Clinical methods (otolaryngological examination, pharyngoscopy, microbiological and microscopic examination of pharyngeal secretions), medico-sociological methods (sociological survey of healthcare workers, patient questionnaires), as well as methods of medical analysis and statistical data processing were applied to assess the results of the algorithm’s implementation in the pilot region. Results . The organizational model has been introduced and successfully implemented in the pilot region. This model includes the organizational algorithm “Algorithm of Organizational Measures for Early Detection and Diagnosis of Pharyngeal Mycosis Associated with Respiratory Diseases” utilizing the AI-powered clinical decision support system assistant “FaringoBot”. Conclusion . The pilot project has demonstrated successful implementation and execution of the organizational model that includes organizational algorithm for medical treatments for early detection and diagnosis of pharyngeal mycosis, using the intelligent clinical decision support system AI assistant “FaringoBot” in medical practice expressed with statistically significant indicators in clinical practice. This organizational model was approved by the medical community.

Executive Committee changes at BADN

2026 Call for Applications: SRME Executive Committee

ObjectiveTo define and articulate research priorities in epilepsy identified by the European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies (ERN EpiCARE), addressing key unmet needs across the spectrum of rare and complex epilepsies.MethodsThis position paper was developed through a structured collaborative process involving patient associations and experts from EpiCARE Working Groups, the EpiCARE Executive Committee, and its Research Council. Contributions were integrated and harmonized to establish a shared set of research priorities reflecting clinical, translational, and methodological perspectives.ResultsSix priority areas were identified and examined: prevention of epileptogenesis and disease‐modifying challenges; genetics and targeted therapies; improved surgical decision‐making; innovative trial designs and outcome measures; artificial intelligence for diagnosis and prediction; understanding and preventing comorbidities and mortality. For each priority, the paper discusses the current state of research, identifies challenges, and proposes strategic directions for future investigations.SignificanceThis position paper provides a strategic framework to guide future research efforts, inform prioritization by funders and policymakers, and foster coordinated collaboration across stakeholders. By advancing these priorities, the epilepsy research community aims to improve patient care, reduce health disparities, and develop innovative solutions to address the complexities of epilepsy.Plain Language SummaryThis position paper, developed by the European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies (EpiCARE) in collaboration with its Patient Advocacy Group, defines six areas of research priorities in epilepsy. Each section describes key challenges, current knowledge, and areas for improvement. They focus on preventing epilepsy, developing targeted therapies, improving surgery and clinical trials, using artificial intelligence to support diagnosis, and addressing comorbidities such as cognition, sleep, and overall health. Each provides a roadmap for clinicians and researchers to guide their research projects within their areas of expertise. Collectively, these priorities converge on actions for improving diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes through European collaboration and sustainable research efforts.

This article examines the transformation of the treasury function within AESOP, the Association of European Schools of Planning, during the 2021–2025 mandate, in which the authors served respectively as treasurer and assistant treasurer. Drawing on internal reports, audit documents, governance materials, and the legacy of AESOP’s earlier digital transition through AEKOM (AESOP KnOwledge Management and Sharing), a threeyear project launched in 2019 after preparatory work beginning in 2017–2018, the paper argues that recent treasury reform should be understood as part of a broader process of institutional capacity building. This process is visible not only in financial reorganisation, but also in the association’s infrastructural, normative, and constitutional development: the open-source digital infrastructures initiated through AEKOM, the approval of the 2024 AESOP Core Curriculum, and the 2023 update of the AESOP Charter. Against this background, the article shows that the treasury increasingly operates at the intersection of stewardship, compliance, infrastructural maintenance, and strategic governance. The most technocratic aspects of financial management – including membership-fee administration, payment flows, accounting closure, filings, banking, VAT treatment, traceability, and auditable procedures – are better handled through external professional services. By contrast, strategic functions concerning reserves, priorities, inter-organisational positioning, and long-term institutional orientation should remain with the Executive Committee under the authority of CoRep. The article concludes that, for transnational academic associations in Europe, professionalising technical financial management can strengthen rather than weaken institutional autonomy, provided that strategy remains anchored in the association’s mission, constitutional framework, digital infrastructures, and collective governance.