ECR 2026: Conversations, connection and the energy that moves diagnostics forward

Each year, the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) brings together a mix of clinical insights, system-wide challenges, innovation, and, most importantly, people. This year was no different. From the moment the Austria Center doors opened on Wednesday morning, the atmosphere was one of energy, openness, and shared purpose, with conversations flowing well beyond the lecture theatres.

During the week, several themes took centre stage: rising demand for imaging, supporting stretched teams, and adopting technology in ways that help clinicians and patients. What stood out most wasn’t just the technology on display, but the quality of thoughtful and future-focused discussions grounded in real-world experience.

Connection and reflection
One of the most valuable aspects of ECR each year is the chance to reconnect. Many conversations were built on relationships formed over years; others were brand new, sparked by a shared interest, challenge, or idea. There’s something uniquely powerful about stepping away from day-to-day pressures and having space to get together, face-to-face.

We heard consistent messages: the need for practical solutions, collaboration across systems, and a continued focus on people, supporting clinicians, developing talent, and creating sustainable ways of working. These aren’t quick fixes. They’re long-term challenges that benefit from exactly the kind of open exchange ECR enables.

Clinical insight from the floor
One of the highlights of the conference was a session delivered by Caroline Byrne, Managing Director of Medica Ireland, which sparked strong engagement and follow-up conversations. Caroline explored the complexities of cross-border teleradiology, emphasising the importance of understanding legal and regulatory responsibilities, professional accountability, and clinical governance when reporting across jurisdictions. The session resonated because it addressed the practical, often complex issues that clinicians face, where patient safety, quality, and compliance must remain at the forefront.

Dr Jonathan Richenberg, Medical Director for Medica Ireland, also delivered an informative and thought-provoking session on testicular masses and how radiologists can adopt a decision tree approach to their diagnostic review and next steps for patient management.

Alongside the formal programme, many of our most valuable insights came from conversations throughout the week. Annabel Bentley, Medica’s Group Chief Medical Officer, spent time engaging with peers and clinicians, sharing perspectives on the importance of reducing unwarranted variations, using data responsibly, new models of care and ensuring governance keeps pace. These discussions reinforced a critical point: innovation must always be anchored in clinical quality, safety, and outcomes, not driven by technology.

Clinical themes we’re taking forward 
A few consistent clinical themes emerged from sessions and conversations across ECR:

The infamous ‘Medica Lunch’
A highlight for us, as ever, was ‘The Medica Lunch’, now an ECR tradition.

This year’s event was our biggest yet, with a fantastic turnout and a real buzz at the Flow Bar & Restaurant at the Melia. It was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces, alongside new ones, all taking time out of a busy conference to connect, share experiences, and enjoy great conversation.

There was no formal agenda, just space to talk openly, reflect, and build relationships – and that was achieved with aplomb. Radiologists, radiographers, sonographers, clients, industry and academic peers, and even competitors joined us for barrier-breaking chats and engagement.

What makes the lunch special isn’t its scale, but its spirit. It’s a chance to step away from the exhibition halls, slow the pace, and focus on the human side of what we all do. Judging by the energy in the room and all the feedback to our Medica attendees in recent days, these moments of connection matter more than ever.

Looking ahead
We left ECR 2026 feeling optimistic. The challenges facing diagnostic services are real and complex, but we see and hear huge commitment, creativity, and collaboration across the clinical community. Progress doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens through shared insight, trusted relationships, and a willingness to work together. We’re already looking ahead to the next ECR, where the conversations will continue, and where the infamous Medica lunch promises to be even bigger and better in 2027. Until then, thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with us in Vienna; it was a pleasure, as always.

Continuing the conversation
ECR is often the start of valuable conversations. Whether it’s to share best practices, compare experiences, or simply talk through common challenges, we’re always happy to continue those discussions with peers across the diagnostics community. If you’d like to continue the conversation or explore any of the themes raised at ECR 2026, our team would be delighted to hear from you. Get in touch  today, to find out how we can work together to move diagnostics forward.