Connecting the global Penta infectious diseases community
The Penta ID Network Meeting (PIM) is an invitation-only event organised by Penta. Every two years, it brings 200+ clinicians, researchers, regulators and industry partners together to propose new studies, form collaborations, and set research priorities for children and pregnant people worldwide.
PIM is where paediatric infectious disease research gets discussed and decided. Over 25 years and 16 editions, PIM has been the catalyst for many of the field’s most significant international research initiatives in paediatric infectious diseases. For partners, this means early visibility into research priorities, direct dialogue with investigators before trials are designed, and association with a Network whose work shapes global paediatric care.
PIM 2026, Palermo, Italy
The 16th edition of PIM brought the Penta community together to address the most pressing challenges in paediatric infectious disease — and for the first time, the entire Penta ID Network could join online, extending the reach of the meeting beyond the room.
Lectures, debates and discussion forums sparked collaboration between clinicians, scientists, regulators and industry, all working towards better outcomes for newborns, children, adolescents and pregnant people.
We were also honoured to welcome the Penta Young Reporters, who helped translate complex science into clear, engaging language for their peers, and the 2026 Brighter Future Award winners, recognised for their impact on maternal and child health across six global regions and the Young Researcher category.
PIM 2026 was made possible with financial grants from ViiV Healthcare and Gilead, and with the valued support and contribution of our partners Enanta Pharmaceuticals and Zhuhai Trinomab Pharmaceutical. PIM was also proud to showcase the local Sicilian heritage, thanks to Casa Rossa, San Benedetto and Romano Winery for providing the regional olive oil, bottled water and wine enjoyed throughout our meeting and networking events.
PIM 2026 in numbers
294
participants (220 in person, 74 online)
28%
first-time attendees – a growing global network
91%
rated the meeting good or excellent
95%
rated the scientific content and presentation as excellent or very good
80%
likely or very likely to follow up on a new collaboration sparked at PIM
87%
plan to apply insights or learning from PIM in their work
Why partner with PIM
Access to the people driving paediatric infectious disease research is hard to come by. PIM brings them into one room (and online) once every two years.
By partnering with PIM, you can support an independent, trusted network where clinicians, researchers, regulators, industry and community members share knowledge, develop new research and build lasting partnerships. Your contribution directly funds the people and activities that make PIM possible.
Interested in partnering with PIM 2028? Get in touch to discuss partnership opportunities.
PIM FAQs
What is the Penta ID Network Meeting?
The Penta ID Network meeting (PIM) is a meeting held every two years to strengthen connections between the Penta ID Network and collaborating institutions, industries, and international organizations. The PIM (previously known as the Penta Investigator’s Meeting) has been held in several location across Italy over the last 25 years. These meetings have been an excellent opportunity to foster valuable interactions between Network Members, researchers, leading worldwide experts in paediatric infectious diseases and representatives from regulators and pharmaceutical companies. More than 200 people from Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia attend each meeting to discuss relevant scientific topics, proposals for new studies and clinical issues related to the use of anti-infective therapies in children. The outcome of these meeting has been very positive and resulted in many new collaborative projects.
Is PIM the only meeting Penta holds?
At Penta, we also organise scientific meetings twice a year in June and December to support Penta’s activiites and future planning. The December meetings are focused on the Penta working groups; their activities and opportunities for the future, whereas the June meetings are broader in scope for horizon scanning and discussing new opportunities.
These face to face meetings are not the only way to keep informed with Penta activities and engage with the Penta ID Network. To find out more and to keep up-to-date you can:
- Review our annual report
- Join the live Penta Aperitivo webinars to stay informed on the latest updates in infectious disease
- Subscribe to our monthly Penta Newsletter to hear the latest on all Penta’s activities
- Are you an early career researcher (ECR)? You can attend our Penta Café and our ECR learning hub sessions held every 2 months, an opportunity for ECRs across the globe to connect, share knowledge and strengthen their skills.
Who is in charge for the PIM agenda and organisation?
The PIM is coordinated by the Penta Network, Education & Training Team who oversee organisational aspects of the meeting and develop the scientific programme, in collaboration with the Scientific Steering Committee.
Who is invited to the PIM?
The Penta ID Network has expanded substantially over the years, and we do our best to invite as many people as possible to attend in person. We ensure we have representation from our membership across geographical regions and disease areas. Those participating in key Penta groups are invited to attend, such as; Board of Directors, Scientific Steering Committee, Network Engagement Committee, representatives from Working Groups, as well as lead Penta investigators, Clinical Trial Unit representatives and representatives from collaborating organizations and research groups (e.g. ESPID, IMPAACT, NIH, WHO, EMA, IVAI etc).
What is expected from PIM attendees?
Collaboration and interaction is central to the PIM. We expect our PIM participants to actively engage in discussions, contribute their ideas, opinions and expertise, and ask questions. Participants should be accommodating of different viewpoints, and we encourage networking and for collaborations to be formed. Following the PIM, we ask participants to reflect on the discussions and outcomes from the meeting, and to take the opportunity to reach out to those they have connected with. Additionally, participants are expected to provide feedback to support the Penta Team in the development of future meetings.
I’m an early career researcher. How can I make the most out of PIM?
PIM is an excellent opportunity to hear from senior and world-leading clincians, researchers and scientists in the area of paediatric infectious disease. PIM provides the opportunity to build relationships, expand contacts and potentially uncover new opportunities. Here’s some tips to help you get started:
- Check out the overview of speakers and chairs which will be avaliable on our website.
- Engage in meeting discussions and activities, demonstrate your expertise and willingness to contribute.
- Actively listen to other’s perspectives, experiences and challenges, this can provide valuable insights into their needs and interests.
What if I am not invited to attend PIM in-person?
Penta ID Network members who are not invited to attend PIM in person are still important to us and we still want to collaborate and engage with you. We aim to make the PIM open to all Penta ID Network Members to attend online.
Looking back at past PIM meetings
