ECR 2026

The European Congress of Radiology 2026 took place in Vienna early in March.

The theme for this year was Rays of Knowledge, with the ancient Greek goddess of knowledge and wisdom Athena featuring prominently around the congress centre.

Congress president Professor Minerva Becker explained: “The owl accompanying Athena alludes to the ability to see in the dark and to discern truth and detail under the surface, like in the shadows. Just like radiologic imaging reveals the otherwise hidden anatomical structures and allows us to distinguish between normal and pathologic findings.”

Despite the international travel situation making it difficult for some exhibitors and delegates to get to Vienna, congress organisers reported this year’s attendance to be at a record high with 22,418 on site and online participants from 121 countries.

Three new session formats debuted this year: ‘Subspecialities on Stage’ focused on selected radiology subspecialities and current topics shaping their development, ‘How We Do It’ sessions addressed essential aspects of radiology practice via an interactive, experience-driven approach and the ‘Out of the Box’ sessions explored how imaging can be used for alternative academic purposes such as art and history.

Next year’s congress, which will again be held in Vienna, runs from March 3-7 and will have the theme of Healthcare Reimagined.