Vienna, Austria – March 11, 2026 – Knowledge took centre stage in Vienna last week as the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2026 welcomed a record-breaking 22,418 participants from 121 countries. This represents more than a 9 percent increase in comparison to ECR 2025. With five days dedicated to learning, innovation and collaboration the congress shone a spotlight on the ideas, technologies and expertise driving the future of radiology.
Under the theme “Rays of Knowledge” the meeting reflected the essence of radiology and became a celebration of education and discovery. Inspired by Europe’s tradition of scholarship, the Austria Center Vienna was transformed into a classical setting inspired by ancient Greece, with marble-style architecture, statues of Greek gods and ancient motifs creating an atmosphere where knowledge and learning were illuminated at every turn.
“Radiology is fundamentally about revealing what cannot be seen, and that idea lay at the heart of our theme”, stated Prof. Minerva Becker, ECR 2026 Congress President. “I have been inspired to see colleagues from around the world come together to share their own rays of knowledge, challenge one another and advance our understanding of radiology. The energy and openness of this exchange is a reminder that knowledge grows brightest when it is shared, and that collaboration will continue to illuminate the future of our profession.”
The congress opened with the spectacular Opening Ceremony “LIGHT,” featuring live performances from internationally renowned artists including opera singer Angela Gheorghiu, rising star Bamlak Werner, the Neue Wiener Stimmen Choir, and the Vienna Arts Orchestra, delivering an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Education and scientific exchange remained at the heart of the meeting. The congress featured three highly anticipated plenary lectures from distinguished speakers. Dr. Nina Kottler and Dr. Charles Kahn gave a profound joint lecture, offering an analysis of artificial intelligence in medical imaging and asking if radiologists have opened Pandora’s box with this new technology. In her powerful talk, neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor then delivered insights from her personal and professional experience in whole brain living and the anatomy of choice. Finally, through stunning visualisations Valérie Vilgrain shared the wonders of the liver in the concluding plenary of this year.
As in previous years, artificial intelligence remained a major focus of discussion. Developments in AI were explored in the returning AI Theatre and Pixel Pandemonium programmes, while the In Focus programme, titled “The Art of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice” gave more practical advice on how AI could be applied in a clinical setting.
In addition to AI, interventional radiology was strongly represented, with new technologies unveiled at the congress and showcased through dedicated sessions in The Cube.
ECR 2026 also introduced several new session formats designed to bring fresh perspectives to the programme. The “Out of the Box” sessions explored how imaging can be applied beyond medicine, including in fields such as art and history. The “How We Do It: Fundamentals of Radiological Practice” series encouraged presenters and attendees to share practical clinical experience rather than traditional lecture-based teaching. Meanwhile, the multidisciplinary “Decoding the Diagnosis: Radiology Meets Pathology” sessions paired imaging findings with their pathological counterparts, helping participants strengthen diagnostic confidence.
The popular Imaging Interpretation Quizzes also returned as a highlight, challenging participants’ diagnostic skills in an engaging format, this year with the themes “Radiology Jeopardy” and “Sparta vs Athens”.
Radiography too, remained an important part of the congress programme. As the official congress of the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), ECR welcomed radiographers and professionals from allied disciplines to participate in the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The technical exhibition impressed attendees, with industry partners showcasing the latest innovations in imaging technology, software and services. The exhibition has grown year on year and hosted more than 220 companies at this congress.
Outside of science, the ECR’s many social events provided astonishing memories for participants. Alongside the Radiographer Evening, the Palace Party proved particularly popular. Located in the Hofburg Palace, the sell-out event saw light and shadow, musicians, dancers, drag artists and myth-born creatures guiding attendees into a celebration worthy of the gods.
View the ECR 2026 photo gallery highlights here.