About Us
European Federation of Sexology
The European Federation of Sexology (EFS) is the leading organization in Europe dedicated to advancing the field of sexology, promoting sexual health, and supporting professionals working across research, education, and clinical practice.
Recognizing sexuality as a fundamental aspect of human life, health, and human rights, EFS brings together experts and institutions committed to fostering knowledge, ethical standards, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
What is the European Federation of Sexology
The European Federation of Sexology is a multidisciplinary network that connects professionals and organizations working in the field of sexual health across Europe.
Founded in 1988, the federation aims to promote the development of sexology through education, research, and international cooperation.
EFS acts as a central hub for clinicians, researchers, educators, and institutions involved in understanding and improving human sexuality and wellbeing.
A multidisciplinary approach to sexology
Sexology is an interdisciplinary field that integrates medicine, psychology, sociology, and education to address the complexity of human sexuality.
EFS supports this holistic approach by encouraging collaboration between different disciplines, ensuring that sexual health is addressed from biological, psychological, and social perspectives.
EFS Mission
The mission of EFS is to promote excellence and ethical practice in sexology, contributing to a society where sexual health, intimacy, and diversity are respected and supported.
The federation is committed to:
- Promoting sexual rights and wellbeing
- Encouraging scientific research and education
- Supporting inclusive and non-discriminatory practices
- Fighting stigma, prejudice, and violence related to sexuality
EFS History
The European Federation of Sexology (EFS) was founded as a non-profit Association by Willy Pasini, together with the Maurice Chalumeau Fund from the University of Geneva in Switzerland 1991 following the Swiss Civil Code. The Founding Members of EFS are recognised as Willy Pasini, Robert Porto, Erwin Haeberle, Maj Brit Bergström-Walan, Piet Nijs, Gorm Wagner & Gilbert Tordjman.
The five Past Presidents of EFS are Willy Pasini (1988-1992), Robert Porto (1992-2006), Antonio Palha (2006-2010), Chiara Simonelli (2010-2017) & Kevan Wylie (2017-2020). The current president is Mehmet Sungur who started official duties on 1st July 2020.
The original statutes of the Federation from 1991 have been revised on three occasions in 2002, 2006 and 2016.
On 3rd September 2020 nine founding members met by telecall and agreed to establish EFS as a legally registered Association in Croatia. The participants were Mehmet Sungur (President EFS), Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad (General Secretary EFS), Kevan Wylie (Past President EFS), Goran Arbanas (Treasurer & Executive Committee Member based in Zagreb, Croatia), Helle Nygaard Gerbild. Evie Kirana, Filippo Nimbi, Francesca Tripodi & Tiina Vilponen.
What EFS Does?
The European Federation of Sexology carries out a wide range of activities aimed at advancing knowledge and professional standards in the field.
These include:
- Organizing international congresses and scientific events
- Supporting research and publications in sexology
- Developing educational standards and training programs
- Collaborating with European and international organizations
One of its key initiatives is the biennial congress, which gathers professionals from multiple disciplines to share knowledge and best practices in sexual health.
A European Network of Experts
EFS represents a vast network of associations, institutions, and professionals working in the field of sexology.
By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the federation strengthens the development of sexual health policies, research, and clinical practices at a European level.
Executive committee
It is in charge of and responsible for the management of the Federation, and of any form of activity in accordance with resolutions of the General Assembly
Officers
The executive committee includes 4 officers: President, President Elect/Past President, Secretary General and Treasurer.
President
Past President
General Secretary
Treasurer
Scientific Committee
Takes part in realizing the scientific program for the EFS Congress, structuring monothematic courses to be offered to the Member Societies and drafting documents for insiders such as guidelines and e-books.
Training and Education
Develops and proposes the European Standards for training in sexology at different levels (Sex Educator, Counsellor and Therapist), to accredit European courses, seminaries and trainings and to collaborate with the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) for the EFS & ESSM Certified Psycho-Sexologist (ECPS) exams.
Congress committee
It is in charge of and responsible for the management of the congresses and events organized by the EFS
Liaison, Membership and Fundraising
Takes part in getting connected with members and other entities, defining collaborations and projects.
Social Media committee
Manages social networks and media contacts for the broadcasting of scientific news.