ECR 2025 in Vienna: A global hub for radiology
As the second-largest radiology meeting worldwide, ECR continues to draw radiologists, radiographers, industry leaders, and multidisciplinary experts. This year's congress saw an all-time high of nearly 10,000 submitted abstracts, further demonstrating ECR’s scientific significance. For 5 days, attendees explored the latest research, cutting-edge technology, and innovative approaches shaping the future of medical imaging at the Austria Center Vienna.
Scientific Excellence and Key Program Highlights
Under the theme "Planet Radiology", ECR 2025 explored the intersection of radiology, sustainability, and global healthcare equity. The Opening Ceremony set the tone with spectacular musical and acrobatic performances, accompanied by speeches from Congress President Andrea Rockall, Deputy Head of the British Embassy Emma Baines, and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Among the program's standout elements:
- In Focus: Imagers Fixing the World – Showcasing projects advancing global health equity and planetary sustainability.
- AI Theatre and Exhibition – Highlighting the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning for medical imaging.
- Ask Me Anything Sessions – A new interactive format where attendees directly engaged with leading experts for in-depth discussions.
Sustainability at ECR 2025
ECR has been committed to sustainability and was awarded the Austrian Ecolabel (Österreichisches Umweltzeichen) for "Green Meetings & Green Events" for the first time in 2014. This year's initiatives included:
- Partnership with Austrian National Railways (ÖBB) to promote sustainable travel: More than 1,000 rail tickets were sold at a discounted rate with the ÖBB Congress Account. Choosing this form a transportation saved approximately 45 tons of CO₂️ emissions. Additionally, more than 1,200 attendees took the City Airport Train (CAT) to travel from Vienna Airport to the city.
- Planting a tree for each participant: ESR has pledged to plant one tree for every ECR 2025 participant. 20,522 attendees means over 20,000 trees which will be planted in Tanzania through the Trillion Trees Campaign. This initiative will be repeated at future ECRs.
- Reducing single-use plastics: ECR has been providing reusable water bottles as water stations to refill those for years. This year's bottles were made from more environmentally friendly materials than in previous years.
Additional initiatives included eco-friendly event logistics such as digital congress materials to minimize paper waste and sustainable exhibition concepts, with industry partners integrating green solutions.
Congress President Prof. Andrea Rockall: "This congress has truly embodied the spirit of 'Planet Radiology'. It has been a testament to radiology's power to shape a healthier planet. The energy, passion, and innovation I witnessed at ECR 2025 was nothing short of inspiring and I hope attendees have taken some of the important messages of the meeting home with them, using the blueprint we have provided to make medical imaging more sustainable and equitable."
Making ECR more accessible to parents and caregivers
A groundbreaking addition to this year's congress was the launch of the ECR childcare center. For the first time in ECR history, participants with young children could attend the event with peace of mind, knowing that a safe, engaging, and well-staffed space was available for their little ones. The center, equipped with age-appropriate toys, activities, and professional caregivers, was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. This initiative marks a significant step towards making ECR more inclusive for parents and caregivers. The European Society of Radiology (ESR) is dedicated to expanding this offering in future editions.
Looking Ahead: ECR 2026 in Vienna
The next European Congress of Radiology will take place from March 4 to March 8, 2026, once again in Vienna. As one of Europe's largest medical congresses, ECR will continue to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and address the evolving challenges of radiology.
More information about the European Congress of Radiology and information about sustainability at ECR.
