The publication of “Celebrating 50 Years of EGPRN – A Legacy of Excellence in General Practice Research” marks an important milestone for EGPRN and for the wider academic community of family medicine in Europe.
As editor and initiator of the book, my aim was to capture the spirit of EGPRN — a community built on collaboration, mentorship, scientific curiosity, and friendship across borders. The volume brings together reflections from former Chairs, historical milestones, research achievements, educational initiatives, and the evolution of primary care research over five decades.
Working on this project was a remarkable journey. Through archival materials, interviews, and contributions from colleagues across Europe, it became clear that EGPRN has always been far more than a scientific network. It has provided a space where young researchers found support, international collaborations emerged, and generations of family doctors contributed to advancing primary care research.
The book highlights both the historical development of EGPRN and its future direction — including research capacity building, mentorship, international collaboration, and innovation in primary care research.
I am deeply grateful to all former Chairs, Executive Board members, contributors, and colleagues who shared their memories, reflections, photographs, and experiences. Their voices transformed this publication into a collective story of European family medicine research.
I hope this volume will celebrate the achievements of the past 50 years while also inspiring the next generation of researchers in general practice and family medicine.
Prof. Radost Asenova
Executive Board Member, European General Practice Research Network
Executive Board Member, WONCA Europe