Ana Lleo, Director of Scientific Publications and Strategic Partnerships at European Medical Journal (EMJ), recently shared insights into the preparations and anticipated impact of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2026. This comprehensive discussion, held during a virtual media briefing in late 2024, outlined EMJ’s strategic alignment with EASL’s mission to advance hepatology and foster global scientific exchange. The upcoming congress, slated for June 24-27, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, is poised to be a pivotal event for liver disease research and clinical practice.
Background: The Evolving Landscape of Hepatology and Scientific Communication
The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) stands as a leading scientific organization dedicated to advancing hepatology. Established in 1966, EASL’s primary mission revolves around promoting research in liver disease, disseminating scientific knowledge, and improving patient care across Europe and beyond. Its annual congress is recognized as the largest and most influential event in the field of hepatology, drawing thousands of clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals from around the globe. These congresses serve as critical platforms for presenting groundbreaking research, fostering collaborations, and shaping the future of liver medicine.
Over its decades of existence, EASL has witnessed and driven monumental shifts in hepatology. Early congresses focused on fundamental understanding of liver physiology and pathology, with a gradual progression towards infectious diseases like hepatitis B and C. The latter half of the 20th century saw significant strides in diagnostics and treatment for these viral hepatitis forms. More recently, the focus has broadened to encompass metabolic liver diseases such as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), now increasingly termed Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). Liver cancer, autoimmune liver diseases, and genetic conditions also form significant pillars of EASL’s scientific agenda. Each congress reflects the current epidemiological challenges and scientific breakthroughs, continually adapting its program to address the most pressing issues in liver health.
EMJ’s Mission in Medical Publishing
The European Medical Journal (EMJ) complements EASL's mission through its dedication to high-quality medical publishing. EMJ operates as an independent medical publisher, producing a suite of peer-reviewed journals and reviews across various therapeutic areas, including hepatology. Its core mission is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and clinical practice by providing healthcare professionals with timely, unbiased, and comprehensive scientific information. EMJ aims to facilitate knowledge transfer, support continuing medical education, and contribute to evidence-based medicine. The journal’s editorial independence and rigorous peer-review process ensure the integrity and scientific merit of its published content.
EMJ’s publications cover a wide spectrum of medical disciplines, offering congress reports, review articles, expert opinions, and original research. For hepatology, EMJ regularly publishes content derived from major conferences like EASL, distilling key takeaways and presenting them in an accessible format. This commitment to disseminating complex scientific information plays a crucial role in keeping the global medical community abreast of the latest advancements and therapeutic strategies.
The Strategic Partnership Between EASL and EMJ
The collaboration between EASL and EMJ represents a synergistic relationship rooted in their shared commitment to advancing liver science. EMJ often serves as a media partner for EASL congresses, producing dedicated reports and special issues that summarize the most impactful presentations and discussions. This partnership extends beyond mere reporting; it involves a concerted effort to amplify the reach and longevity of the scientific discourse initiated at the congress. By publishing comprehensive summaries and expert commentaries, EMJ helps to extend the educational impact of EASL events far beyond their physical duration.
Ana Lleo, in her role as Director of Scientific Publications and Strategic Partnerships at EMJ, is instrumental in cultivating and executing these collaborations. Her background in scientific communication and her deep understanding of the medical publishing landscape position her uniquely to articulate EMJ’s strategic vision for engaging with leading organizations like EASL. Lleo emphasized that EMJ's role is not just to report, but to contextualize and synthesize the vast amount of information presented, making it more digestible and actionable for clinicians and researchers globally.
Ana Lleo’s Vision for Scientific Dissemination
Ana Lleo brings extensive experience in medical publishing and a keen understanding of the evolving challenges in scientific communication. Before her current role at EMJ, she held various positions focused on editorial strategy and digital content development within the medical publishing sector. Her expertise spans manuscript acquisition, peer-review management, and the strategic dissemination of scientific findings through diverse platforms. At EMJ, Lleo leads initiatives to enhance the journal's digital presence, foster international collaborations, and ensure the highest standards of editorial quality.
Lleo articulated her vision for EMJ’s contribution to the scientific community: "Our goal is to ensure that critical research findings do not remain confined within conference halls but are effectively translated into accessible knowledge that can influence clinical practice and future research directions. We see ourselves as a vital conduit, connecting researchers, clinicians, and ultimately, patients, to the most current evidence in hepatology." She highlighted the increasing importance of dynamic content formats and digital platforms in achieving this broad dissemination.
Evolution of Scientific Communication in Hepatology
The landscape of scientific communication has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, a shift that significantly impacts how congresses like EASL 2026 and publishers like EMJ operate. The advent of digital technologies has revolutionized information access, moving away from traditional print-only models to a multifaceted digital ecosystem. Open Access publishing has gained significant traction, promoting wider availability of research findings, often challenging established subscription models. Pre-print servers allow researchers to share their work rapidly before formal peer review, accelerating the pace of scientific discourse.
These changes present both opportunities and challenges. While digital platforms offer unprecedented reach, they also necessitate robust strategies for quality control and information curation. Lleo noted, "The sheer volume of scientific output requires publishers to be more discerning and innovative in how they present information. It's not just about publishing; it's about curating, validating, and contextualizing." EMJ has actively adapted by enhancing its online presence, developing multimedia content, and focusing on rapid publication of high-impact research. The partnership with EASL allows EMJ to capture the essence of live scientific exchange and translate it into enduring, accessible resources. This evolution dictates a more dynamic approach to congress reporting, moving beyond simple summaries to analytical pieces that highlight implications and future directions.
Lessons from Previous EASL Congresses
Insights gained from EASL 2024 (held in Milan) and preliminary planning for EASL 2025 (hypothetically scheduled for Amsterdam) are crucial in shaping the strategic approach for EASL 2026. EASL 2024 demonstrated a strong return to in-person engagement post-pandemic, coupled with continued advancements in hybrid formats to maximize global participation. Key themes from 2024 included the ongoing redefinition of MASLD/MASH, new frontiers in AI applications for diagnostics and prognostics in liver disease, and emerging data on highly personalized treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Lleo emphasized that each congress builds upon the last, refining formats and scientific priorities. "EASL's commitment to innovation extends not only to the science presented but also to the very structure and accessibility of the congress itself," she stated. "We observed in 2024 a significant push towards integrating patient perspectives more directly into scientific sessions, and a continued emphasis on global health disparities in liver disease. These are trends we anticipate will be even more pronounced in 2026." The feedback mechanisms from previous congresses, including delegate surveys and scientific committee evaluations, directly inform the planning for subsequent events, ensuring continuous improvement in content relevance, logistical efficiency, and overall delegate experience.
Key Developments: Shaping EASL 2026 and EMJ’s Role
EASL 2026 is being meticulously planned to address the most pressing and emerging challenges in hepatology, integrating cutting-edge research with practical clinical applications. Ana Lleo detailed several key developments that will define the congress and EMJ’s strategic engagement. The overarching theme for EASL 2026, as outlined by the organizing committee, will focus on "Precision Hepatology: Integrating Multi-Omics and AI for Personalized Liver Care." This theme reflects the rapid advancements in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutic decision-making for liver diseases.
Overarching Scientific Focus for EASL 2026
The scientific program for EASL 2026 will be structured around several core pillars, each reflecting a critical area of innovation and unmet need in hepatology. Lleo highlighted these anticipated focal points:
Precision Medicine in Hepatology
This pillar will explore how multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics) are being integrated to understand disease heterogeneity and predict treatment response. Sessions will delve into the identification of novel biomarkers for early disease detection, risk stratification, and monitoring therapeutic efficacy across various liver conditions, including MASLD/MASH, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and autoimmune hepatitis. The goal is to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to highly individualized patient management.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health in Liver Diagnostics and Therapeutics
EASL 2026 will showcase the latest applications of AI and machine learning algorithms in analyzing complex medical imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound), histological slides, and clinical data to improve diagnostic accuracy and predict disease progression. Discussions will also cover the use of digital health tools, telemedicine, and wearable devices for remote monitoring and patient management, particularly in chronic liver diseases. Ethical considerations and regulatory challenges associated with AI implementation in clinical practice will also be addressed.
Global Health Disparities and Equitable Access to Liver Care
Recognizing that liver diseases disproportionately affect certain populations and regions, EASL 2026 will dedicate significant attention to global health equity. Sessions will explore strategies to improve access to diagnostics, screening programs, and treatments in low- and middle-income countries. The role of international collaborations, public health initiatives, and policy changes in reducing the global burden of viral hepatitis, liver cancer, and other liver diseases will be a central theme.
Emerging Therapies for Chronic Liver Diseases
The congress will feature late-breaking clinical trial results and preclinical data on novel therapeutic agents. This includes advancements in anti-fibrotic therapies, new drug classes for MASLD/MASH (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists, FXR agonists, THR-β agonists), gene therapies for rare genetic liver disorders (e.g., Wilson’s disease, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency), and innovative immunotherapies for liver cancer. Regenerative medicine approaches, including stem cell therapies and organoids, will also be discussed as future prospects.
Microbiota-Gut-Liver Axis in Health and Disease
Building on rapidly expanding research, this area will explore the intricate interplay between the gut microbiome, diet, and liver health. Sessions will cover how dysbiosis contributes to the pathogenesis of MASLD/MASH, ALD, and other liver conditions, and the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting the microbiome, such as fecal microbiota transplantation or precision pre/probiotics.
Technological Advancements in Congress Format
EASL 2026 will leverage the latest technological innovations to enhance the delegate experience, both for in-person attendees in Vienna and for those participating remotely. Lleo explained, "The pandemic accelerated the adoption of hybrid models, and we are now moving beyond simple streaming to truly integrated virtual experiences."
Enhanced Hybrid Model
The congress will offer a sophisticated hybrid format, ensuring that virtual attendees have near-equal access to scientific content, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions. This includes live-streamed sessions with real-time Q&A, on-demand access to all presentations, and dedicated virtual networking lounges.
AI-Driven Personalization and Navigation
Artificial intelligence will be employed to personalize the congress experience. AI-powered recommendation engines will suggest relevant sessions, abstracts, and exhibitors to delegates based on their profiles, interests, and past interactions. This will help attendees navigate the vast program more efficiently and discover content tailored to their specific needs.
Interactive and Immersive Learning Experiences
Beyond traditional lectures, EASL 2026 will incorporate more interactive elements. This includes virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) demonstrations for surgical techniques or anatomical visualizations, interactive workshops with real-time polling, and case-based discussions facilitated by advanced digital platforms. Gamification elements might also be introduced to enhance engagement in educational modules.
Advanced Networking Platforms
Dedicated digital platforms will facilitate networking between in-person and virtual attendees. These platforms will allow delegates to schedule meetings, exchange contact information, and participate in topic-specific forums, fostering collaborations that extend beyond the congress dates.
EMJ’s Evolving Strategy for Content Dissemination
EMJ is adapting its publishing strategy to align with these technological shifts and the evolving needs of the scientific community. Ana Lleo outlined several key strategic initiatives:
Rapid Publication of Congress Highlights
EMJ will prioritize the rapid publication of congress highlights, including key abstracts, expert commentaries on major presentations, and summaries of late-breaking clinical trials. This ensures that the most impactful findings are disseminated to a global audience quickly.
Multimedia Content Integration
Beyond traditional text, EMJ will increasingly integrate multimedia content. This includes video interviews with key opinion leaders, podcasts discussing congress themes, and interactive infographics summarizing complex data. "We recognize that different audiences consume information in different ways," Lleo noted, "and multimedia allows us to cater to these diverse preferences."
Special Issues and Supplements
EMJ plans to publish special issues or supplements specifically dedicated to EASL 2026, featuring extended articles, comprehensive reviews, and expert perspectives on the congress's most significant scientific advancements. These will serve as enduring resources for the hepatology community.
Pre-Publication Access and Digital-First Approach
To accelerate knowledge dissemination, EMJ will continue to enhance its digital-first publishing model, offering online pre-publication access to articles as soon as they complete peer review. This ensures that critical information is available to researchers and clinicians without delay.
Enhanced Engagement with Authors and Reviewers
EMJ is investing in technologies and processes to streamline the author and reviewer experience, aiming for faster peer review cycles and improved communication. This includes leveraging AI tools for initial manuscript screening and reviewer matching.
New Collaboration Models and Initiatives
EASL 2026 will also feature new models of collaboration, reflecting a broader trend towards interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Cross-Specialty Symposia
Given the systemic nature of many liver diseases, EASL 2026 will host more cross-specialty symposia involving experts from cardiology, endocrinology, oncology, and immunology. This aims to foster a more holistic understanding of patient care.
Patient-Scientist Partnerships
Building on previous efforts, the congress will further integrate patient advocacy groups and patient representatives into the scientific program. This includes dedicated patient forums, co-chaired sessions, and opportunities for patients to share their perspectives on research priorities and treatment outcomes. "Patient voices are essential," Lleo emphasized, "they provide invaluable insights that guide our research and clinical focus."
Industry-Academia Innovation Hubs
EASL 2026 will facilitate enhanced interaction between academic researchers and industry partners through dedicated innovation hubs. These platforms will showcase emerging technologies, foster early-stage collaborations, and accelerate the translation of research findings into clinical applications. Start-up pitches and investor forums may also be integrated.
Focus on Specific Disease Areas and Anticipated Breakthroughs
While the overarching theme is precision hepatology, several specific disease areas are expected to be hotbeds of discussion and potential breakthroughs at EASL 2026.
MASLD/MASH Therapies
The landscape for MASLD/MASH therapeutics is rapidly evolving. EASL 2026 is expected to feature pivotal Phase 3 trial data for several new drug candidates, potentially leading to the first approved pharmacological treatments for MASH. Discussions will focus on combination therapies, non-invasive diagnostic tools, and long-term management strategies.
HBV Functional Cure
Significant progress is being made towards achieving a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The congress will highlight advancements in novel antiviral agents, immunomodulators, and gene-editing approaches aimed at eradicating the virus from infected hepatocytes.
Advanced Liver Cancer Treatments
For hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma, EASL 2026 will showcase progress in targeted therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and combination strategies. The role of personalized oncology approaches, including molecular profiling and liquid biopsies, will be central to discussions on improving patient outcomes.
Genetic Liver Diseases
Breakthroughs in gene therapy and gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9) for genetic liver diseases like Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson's disease, and inherited metabolic disorders are anticipated. Early clinical data and preclinical studies demonstrating the potential for curative treatments will be a highlight.
Sustainability and Inclusivity in Congress Planning
EASL 2026 is committed to integrating principles of sustainability and inclusivity into all aspects of its planning and execution. Lleo noted that these are not just buzzwords but fundamental commitments.
Environmental Sustainability
Efforts will be made to minimize the environmental footprint of the congress. This includes reducing waste, promoting sustainable catering practices, encouraging public transport, and offsetting carbon emissions. The choice of venue (Vienna) and its infrastructure plays a role in facilitating these initiatives.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
EASL is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive scientific community. The program committee will ensure diverse representation among speakers, chairs, and abstract reviewers in terms of gender, geography, career stage, and ethnicity. Initiatives to support early career researchers and delegates from underrepresented regions will be emphasized.
Accessibility
The congress venue and digital platforms will be designed to be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring that all delegates can participate fully in the scientific exchange. This includes providing appropriate accommodations and support services.
Impact: Reaching Diverse Stakeholders
The comprehensive scope and innovative format of EASL 2026, coupled with EMJ’s strategic dissemination efforts, are designed to create a far-reaching impact across multiple stakeholder groups within the global health ecosystem. Ana Lleo underscored that the ultimate goal is to translate scientific progress into tangible benefits for patients worldwide.
Impact on Researchers and Clinicians
For researchers and clinicians, EASL 2026 represents an unparalleled opportunity for professional development, knowledge acquisition, and networking. The congress provides a critical platform for presenting novel research findings, fostering intellectual exchange, and identifying future research directions.
Knowledge Exchange and Skill Enhancement
Attendees gain access to the latest scientific breakthroughs, clinical trial results, and updates on diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines. The diverse program, including plenary sessions, symposia, workshops, and abstract presentations, covers the entire spectrum of hepatology, enabling clinicians to stay current with best practices and researchers to explore new avenues of investigation. Lleo noted, "For many, EASL is the primary source of cutting-edge information that directly informs their daily practice and research agendas." Specialized workshops and masterclasses will also offer opportunities for hands-on training and skill enhancement in areas like advanced imaging interpretation or biopsy techniques.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
The congress serves as a vital hub for networking, connecting established leaders with emerging talents, and fostering international collaborations. These interactions often lead to multi-center studies, joint research projects, and mentorship opportunities. The enhanced digital networking platforms for EASL 2026 are specifically designed to facilitate these connections, bridging geographical divides. EMJ's post-congress publications further support this by highlighting key opinion leaders and their work, making it easier for researchers to identify potential collaborators.
Career Development
For early career researchers, EASL 2026 offers invaluable exposure, opportunities to present their work, and interactions with leading experts. Dedicated sessions on career pathways, grant writing, and scientific publishing will provide guidance and support for the next generation of hepatologists. Awards and recognition for outstanding abstracts and presentations further incentivize high-quality research.
Impact on Patients and Patient Advocacy Groups
Integrating patient perspectives is a growing priority for EASL, and 2026 will further solidify this commitment. The impact on patients and advocacy groups is multifaceted, focusing on empowerment, education, and direct engagement.
Empowerment Through Information
By disseminating clear, accessible information about disease progression, new treatments, and lifestyle interventions, EASL and EMJ empower patients to better understand their conditions and engage more actively in their own care. EMJ’s role in translating complex scientific jargon into understandable language is crucial here.
Integration of Patient Perspectives
Patient advocacy groups will have a more prominent role in EASL 2026. This includes participation in program development, co-chairing sessions, and presenting on patient-reported outcomes and unmet needs. Dedicated patient forums will provide a safe space for patients and caregivers to share experiences and learn from experts. Lleo emphasized, "Hearing directly from patients helps researchers and clinicians prioritize what truly matters in terms of quality of life and treatment goals."
Advocacy and Policy Influence
Patient groups leverage the platform of EASL to advocate for increased research funding, improved access to diagnostics and treatments, and better public health policies related to liver disease. The congress provides a unified voice for patient communities, amplifying their calls for action to policymakers and pharmaceutical companies.
Impact on the Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industry
The pharmaceutical and biotech industry plays a critical role in translating scientific discoveries into clinical therapies. EASL 2026 offers a unique environment for industry stakeholders to engage with the scientific community.
Showcasing Innovation and R&D
Industry partners utilize the exhibition halls and sponsored symposia to showcase their latest research, pipeline developments, and approved therapies. This provides an opportunity to interact directly with key opinion leaders, prescribers, and potential collaborators. Lleo noted, "EASL is a crucial venue for industry to demonstrate their commitment to advancing liver health and to gather feedback from the clinical community."
Clinical Trial Recruitment and Insights
The congress is a prime location for identifying potential clinical trial sites and investigators. Presentations of late-breaking clinical trial data are eagerly anticipated, providing critical insights into the efficacy and safety of new therapeutic agents. These data inform future research directions and commercialization strategies.
Partnerships and Investment Opportunities
EASL facilitates partnerships between academic institutions, biotech startups, and larger pharmaceutical companies. Innovation hubs and dedicated networking events can lead to investment opportunities, licensing agreements, and collaborative research ventures that accelerate drug development.
Impact on Policy Makers and Public Health Officials
Research presented at EASL has significant implications for public health policy, prevention strategies, and resource allocation. Policy makers and public health officials attend to gain insights that can inform their decisions.
Evidence-Based Policy Making
The robust scientific evidence presented at EASL 2026 provides a foundation for evidence-based policy making related to liver disease screening, prevention programs (e.g., vaccination for hepatitis B, alcohol harm reduction), and treatment guidelines. Data on disease prevalence, economic burden, and treatment effectiveness directly influence public health strategies.
Global Health Initiatives
Discussions on global health disparities and equitable access to care can galvanize international efforts to combat liver diseases, particularly in resource-limited settings. Policy makers can use the data and expert consensus from EASL to advocate for funding and support for global health initiatives.
Resource Allocation
Understanding the evolving landscape of liver disease and the cost-effectiveness of new interventions helps officials make informed decisions about healthcare resource allocation, ensuring that public health systems are equipped to address the most pressing liver health challenges.
Impact on Medical Publishers (like EMJ)
For medical publishers, EASL 2026 is a cornerstone event that shapes their content strategy, identifies key trends, and reinforces their role in scientific dissemination.
Content Generation and Curation
EASL provides a wealth of high-quality content for EMJ. From abstract summaries to expert interviews and comprehensive reviews of plenary sessions, the congress directly fuels EMJ’s editorial calendar. Lleo stated, "EASL is a rich source of information that allows us to produce highly relevant and impactful content for our readership throughout the year."
Identifying Key Opinion Leaders
The congress is a prime venue for identifying emerging researchers and established key opinion leaders (KOLs) who can contribute to EMJ’s publications as authors, reviewers, and editorial board members. Engaging with these experts ensures the quality and relevance of EMJ’s content.
Staying Abreast of Trends
Attending EASL allows EMJ’s editorial team to stay at the forefront of scientific and clinical developments in hepatology, anticipating future research directions and ensuring their publications remain timely and authoritative. This insight informs future journal themes and special issues.
Impact on the Global Health Community
Beyond individual stakeholders, EASL 2026 contributes significantly to the broader global health community, particularly in addressing the immense burden of liver disease worldwide.
Addressing Global Burden of Liver Disease
Liver diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. EASL 2026 will highlight the diverse epidemiological challenges across different regions, from viral hepatitis in Asia and Africa to MASLD/MASH in Western countries. The congress facilitates a global dialogue on common challenges and shared solutions.
Fostering International Collaboration
The international nature of EASL encourages cross-border collaborations on research, clinical trials, and public health initiatives. This global perspective is essential for tackling diseases that transcend national boundaries and for sharing best practices across diverse healthcare systems.
Advancing Scientific Understanding
Ultimately, the collective knowledge generated and disseminated at EASL 2026 advances the fundamental scientific understanding of the liver, its diseases, and potential cures. This foundational knowledge benefits everyone, from researchers in the lab to patients in the clinic, contributing to a healthier global population.
What Next: Milestones and Future Outlook
The planning for EASL 2026 is an ongoing, dynamic process, with several critical milestones on the horizon. Ana Lleo provided an overview of the anticipated timeline and EMJ’s continued commitment to supporting the scientific journey in hepatology. The congress in Vienna represents not just a standalone event but a significant waypoint in the continuous advancement of liver science.
EASL 2026 Planning Timeline: Key Milestones
The organizing committee for EASL 2026 operates on a detailed timeline to ensure a robust and impactful congress.
Abstract Submission Opening (Late 2025)
A crucial milestone will be the opening of abstract submissions, anticipated in late 2025. This period marks the formal call for researchers worldwide to submit their latest findings, which will form the core scientific content of the congress. The abstract submission process is highly competitive and rigorously peer-reviewed.
Early Bird Registration (Early 2026)
Early bird registration will open in early 2026, offering discounted rates for delegates. This period is vital for securing attendance and allows the organizing committee to gauge anticipated participation numbers.
Abstract Acceptance Notifications (Early-Mid 2026)
Following a comprehensive review process by the scientific committee, abstract acceptance notifications will be sent out in early to mid-2026. This is a critical moment for presenters, confirming their opportunity to share their research on a global stage.
Full Program Release (Mid 2026)
The complete scientific program, detailing all sessions, speakers, and presentation times, will be released a few months before the congress. This allows delegates to plan their attendance and tailor their schedules to their specific interests.
Congress Dates (June 24-27, 2026)
The congress itself, scheduled for June 24-27, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, will be the culmination of years of planning and research. This event will serve as the primary platform for knowledge exchange and networking.
Post-Congress Content Dissemination (Late 2026)
Following the congress, there will be a sustained effort to disseminate the key findings and discussions. This includes the publication of abstracts in official journals, as well as comprehensive reports and special issues by partners like EMJ.
EMJ’s Publication Schedule and Post-Congress Activities
EMJ has a well-defined strategy for maximizing the impact of EASL 2026 before, during, and after the event.
Pre-Congress Content
Leading up to EASL 2026, EMJ will publish preview articles, expert interviews, and thematic reviews that set the stage for the congress. These articles will highlight anticipated hot topics, introduce key speakers, and provide background context on emerging areas in hepatology. This content aims to build anticipation and provide delegates with a foundational understanding of critical themes.
On-Site Coverage and Daily Reports
During the congress, EMJ will deploy a dedicated editorial team to provide real-time coverage. This includes daily news reports, summaries of plenary sessions, interviews with leading experts, and highlights of late-breaking abstracts. This immediate dissemination ensures that those unable to attend in person, as well as attendees seeking quick recaps, stay informed.
Post-Congress Special Issues and Supplements
Following EASL 2026, EMJ will publish a comprehensive special issue or supplement dedicated to the congress. This publication will feature in-depth reviews of the most significant presentations, expert