ECR 2026 Draws Record-Breaking 22,418 Participants to Vienna

The European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2026 set a new attendance record, welcoming 22,418 participants from 121 countries to Vienna for five days of scientific programming, industry exhibition and professional dialogue from 4 to 8 March 2026.

The figure represents an increase of more than nine per cent on ECR 2025, making it the largest gathering in the congress's history. ECR 2026 is organised annually under the auspices of the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and this year carried the theme "Rays of Knowledge," reflecting a deliberate focus on education and the sharing of radiological expertise across the profession.

The programme included a first-ever Alzheimer's Day, co-sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company and Siemens Healthineers, recognising the growing role of radiology in diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative conditions. The congress also provided the platform for the launch of the European Lung Cancer Screening Alliance (ELCSA), jointly announced by the ESR and the European Respiratory Society (ERS).

The ESR noted that the record turnout reflects the depth of interest in radiology as a scientific and clinical discipline and the continued strength of ECR as the premier meeting point for the global imaging community. The official congress report is available on the ESR website.