VIENNA — This year’s European Congress of Radiology (ECR), dedicated to the next generation of innovations in radiology, has just concluded at the Austria Center Vienna. The gathering brought together 18,861 participants from 127 countries, a 9% increase over last year.
The ECR, one of the largest medical congresses in Europe and the second largest radiological congress in the world, was held from 28 February to 3 March 2024, both on-site and online.
Five days of reflections, discussions and immersive experiences brought the theme of the meeting, “Next Generation Radiology”, to life. The ECR focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest technologies were presented under this theme.
The congress began with an opening ceremony where the President of the European Society of Radiology (ESR), Professor Carlo Catalano, was joined on stage by Ameca, the world’s most advanced robotic humanoid. Together, they painted a compelling picture of the future of radiology and the central role that AI will play in the era of transformative medical imaging.
The future of radiology was at the heart of this year’s gathering. The AI Expo and Theatre and Cube hosted companies and experts who showcased cutting-edge technologies in AI, machine learning, and interventional radiology. In addition, the vibrant industry expo, featuring over 230 leading companies, served as a hub for collaboration, business, and social interaction.
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“Artificial intelligence took center stage this year, showcasing its central role in revolutionizing our medical field. Our tech expo proudly hosted over 230 companies showcasing their breakthrough technology, AI applications, and transformative innovations that will improve diagnosis, image analysis, and patient care. In particular, we were proud to once again host the AI Theater and AI Expo at this year’s meeting, a hub dedicated to showcasing and discussing the role of artificial intelligence in shaping radiology,” said Catalano, who is also the ECR 2024 Congress President.
Beyond scientific discourse, ECR 2024 celebrated diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming participants from 127 countries and spanning a range of disciplines and backgrounds.
The relaunch of the connAction program saw speakers from diverse medical professions engage in a multidisciplinary discourse designed to foster the cross-pollination of ideas and highlight the collaborative ethos at the heart of modern healthcare.
“Looking ahead, the future of our technical exhibition at ECR promises to be even more dynamic. With the rapid advancements in AI and technology, and its increasing integration into radiology practices, we anticipate exponential growth in innovative solutions and collaborations in the future. Our commitment to fostering these advancements ensures that future ECRs will continue to serve as an epicenter for the latest developments, driving excellence and efficiency in radiology worldwide,” said Catalano.
ECR 2025 will take place from February 26 to March 2.