ESCCAR brings together researchers dedicated to the study of intracellular pathogens such as Coxiella, Chlamydia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Bartonella. Its origins date back to the 1960s, driven by the need to share knowledge on microorganisms of major historical and public health importance. Advances in epidemiology, microbiology and genomics have since transformed the field. Since the first international conference in 1967, the community has grown through strong scientific collaboration.