Minerva Becker, President of the European Society of Radiology (ESR), reflected on the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2026, highlighting its success and the evolving landscape of radiology.
Becker stated that ECR 2026's theme, ‘Rays of Knowledge’, was realized through record abstract submissions exceeding 11,000 and a significant increase in participant numbers. The congress prioritized education with hands-on workshops, new session formats, and extensive digital learning.
A key takeaway was the mature discussion around Artificial Intelligence (AI), moving beyond theoretical concepts to practical clinical workflow integration. Discussions focused on responsible implementation, AI's proven value, and its role in supporting radiologists and enhancing patient care.
The congress also underscored radiology's expanding role beyond image interpretation. Inaugural sessions on Alzheimer's disease demonstrated imaging's centrality in diagnosis and treatment, while discussions on the European Cardiovascular Health Plan emphasized radiology's role in prevention and public health.
Becker noted that AI is transitioning from experimental stages to becoming part of everyday radiology, driven by practical integration into reporting environments, regulatory clarity under the European AI Act, and mandatory AI literacy in professional training. For AI to become standard practice, seamless workflow integration, transparent regulation, and comprehensive education are crucial.
In head and neck imaging, advances include AI-supported analysis, radiomics for outcome modeling, and faster MRI scans through deep learning reconstructions. Photon-counting CT also enhances visualization with attention to radiation dose.
ECR 2026 strengthened interdisciplinary dialogue through dedicated sessions and collaborations, positioning radiology as a strategic clinical partner rather than a service specialty. This involves active participation in multidisciplinary teams, shaping clinical decisions, and focusing on patient outcomes.
The ESR will focus on translating inspiration into implementation, emphasizing accessible learning, stronger training standards, and continued support for multidisciplinary imaging. Key areas for community focus include earlier diagnosis, better patient follow-up, prevention, clinical decision-making, and responsible AI integration.
Looking ahead, ECR 2027’s theme, ‘Healthcare Reimagined: Updating the Role of Radiology’, signals a continued shift towards redefining radiology as a visible, clinical, strategic, and data-driven partner in patient care, with a focus on AI integration, workflow redesign, governance, and trust.