ISMRM and ISMRT bring global MR meeting to Cape Town

By AI, Created 5:01 PM UTC, June 01, 2026, /AGP/ – The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and the International Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists held their 2026 annual meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, drawing thousands of attendees and passing leadership to new presidents. The societies said the event underscored global collaboration in MR and set up the next annual meeting in Vancouver in 2027.

Why it matters: - The annual meeting is a major global gathering for magnetic resonance researchers, clinicians, radiographers, technologists, students and industry leaders. - The Cape Town event highlighted a push for broader international collaboration, education and clinical advancement in MR. - The meeting also marked a leadership transition for both ISMRM and ISMRT as the societies look toward their next phase of growth.

What happened: - ISMRM and ISMRT held the 2026 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Cape Town, South Africa, from 09-14 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. - The meeting centered on the theme Ubuntu, meaning “I am, because we are.” - Thousands of attendees gathered from around the world, including clinicians, scientists, radiographers, technologists, students, researchers and industry leaders. - The event included plenary sessions, named lectures, study groups, power pitch presentations, digital posters, a new MRI Reading Room simulation experience, mentoring opportunities and expanded global engagement initiatives. - Petra Hüppi, M.D., became 2026-2027 ISMRM President. - Nina Salman, M.Sc., B.Sc., became 2026-2027 ISMRT President.

The details: - The scientific and educational program focused on magnetic resonance research, clinical practice, education and technology. - The new MRI Reading Room simulation experience added a hands-on learning element to the meeting. - Expanded global engagement initiatives were designed to strengthen collaboration across the MR community. - Hüppi said ISMRM will continue developing new technologies, new ways to diagnose diseases, community exchange, careers and the society’s global reach. - Salman said her goal is to strengthen engagement, accessibility, collaboration and sustainable global growth for radiographers and technologists. - The societies framed the annual meeting as part of a broader commitment to inclusivity, scientific excellence and patient benefit.

Between the lines: - The choice of Cape Town and the Ubuntu theme signaled an emphasis on global participation and shared purpose, not just technical exchange. - The leadership remarks suggest both societies want to widen access and deepen professional development across regions and career stages. - The event’s programming mix shows the meeting is evolving beyond lectures into simulation, mentoring and community-building.

What’s next: - The ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition will next be held in Vancouver, BC, Canada, from 08-13 May 2027. - ISMRM directs readers to more information on the society’s website. - The new presidents are expected to steer the societies into the Vancouver meeting cycle with continued focus on global growth and collaboration.

The bottom line: - ISMRM and ISMRT used the Cape Town meeting to showcase a more connected, globally oriented MR community while handing leadership to new presidents and setting the stage for Vancouver in 2027.