Key Takeaways from the 2025 E-Cigarette Summit

• The E-Cigarette Summit invites industry experts to discuss nicotine and vaping.
• Industry representatives are welcome to attend, but only independent experts can present.
• Evidence-based policy, harm reduction, and clear communication were highlighted as significant factors.
• The need for quit smoking support for all groups was emphasised.
• New Zealand and Sweden were highlighted as examples of science-led approaches to smoking reduction.
•  From 2026, the summit will be rebranded as The Nicotine Summit.

The E-Cigarette Summit, which took place on 5th December 2025, is the UK’s leading annual conference dedicated to the science, policy, and public health implications of nicotine and vaping.

Now in its 13th year, the Summit has become a cornerstone event for researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and advocates seeking open, evidence-based dialogue on tobacco harm reduction and the rapidly evolving nicotine landscape.

While industry representatives are welcome to attend and engage in the discussions, the Summit maintains a strict policy that only independent experts and stakeholders may present, ensuring an open and unbiased forum for evidence-based dialogue.

This year’s summit at the Royal College of Physicians in London was divided into four sessions:

• Nicotine, Science & Tobacco Policy
• Industry, Nicotine & Regulation
• Tobacco Harm Reduction, Cessation & Health
• Tobacco, Nicotine & Public Health

The Summit focused on a number of topics, including the importance of evidence-based policy and clear communication.

• Evidence-based policy is essential: The Summit reinforced that effective nicotine and tobacco regulation should be grounded in the latest scientific evidence, not polarised debate or misinformation.
• Harm reduction works: Leading experts highlighted that switching from smoking to vaping or other non-combustible nicotine products can significantly reduce health risks, and that these options should be accessible to adults who smoke.
• Clear communication matters: Many speakers stressed the importance of honest, transparent communication about the relative risks of nicotine products, to help consumers make informed choices and to rebuild trust in public health advice.
• Regulation is evolving: The UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, new product standards, and upcoming regulations on nicotine pouches were discussed as ways to protect public health—especially young people—while supporting harm reduction for adults.
• Support for all groups: The Summit showcased innovative approaches to helping people with complex needs, mental health conditions, or in vulnerable situations to quit smoking, and called for policies that do not leave anyone behind.
• Global lessons: International experiences, especially from New Zealand and Scandinavia, demonstrated that pragmatic, science-led approaches can accelerate declines in smoking and improve public health outcomes.
• The landscape is changing: With new products, shifting consumer trends, and a forthcoming rebrand to The Nicotine Summit, the event reflected the rapidly evolving world of nicotine and tobacco alternatives.

Reflecting the growing diversity of nicotine products and the expanding scope of scientific and regulatory debate, the conference will be rebranded as The Nicotine Summit from 2026.

This new name signals a broader focus to include all aspects of nicotine science, innovation, and policy, ensuring the event remains at the forefront of public health dialogue.

Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal & External Affairs at Haypp, comments:

“Meetings like these help us focus on what truly matters: evidence, open discussion, and shared progress.”