ISTH 2026 Congress Chronicle: February Edition

​

By: Walter Ageno, M.D.
Chair, ISTH 2026 Annual Congress Planning Committee (ACPC)

 

As we have now completed the abstract submission period, I'm proud to announce that the ISTH has received 3,188 abstracts, the most abstract submissions we have received in over 10 years, and 45% more than we received in 2025.

 

This signals extremely high engagement with the ISTH 2026 Congress, where the international experts in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis are planning to share the latest research and insights.

​

With registration now officially open, we are excited to begin welcoming the global thrombosis and hemostasis community to what will be an exceptional scientific meeting. I encourage you to register as soon as possible and begin planning your stay.

​

Official ISTH 2026 Congress hotel accommodations are now available, offering convenient access to the venue and the opportunity to stay alongside colleagues from around the world.

​

In this edition of the Congress Chronicle, I would like to share a behind-the-scenes look at how the ISTH 2026 Congress program is developed, from abstract reviews to our outstanding line-up of plenary speakers. Enjoy a glimpse of how it all comes together!

​

A closer look at the abstracts process

​

Now that all abstracts are received, the exciting (and detailed) review process begins. Have you ever wondered how it all works?

 

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the ISTH Congress abstract review process:

​

• February 2: Abstract submission deadline

• Month of February: Submitted abstracts undergo a formal review by the 14 Theme Committees in collaboration with approximately 800 ISTH reviewers. Each reviewer is assigned no more than 30 abstracts, and every abstract is evaluated by 3-5 reviewers to generate a robust average score. Following the review period, the ISTH compiles reviewer scores, comments and supporting data and provides these materials to the Theme Committees.

• Early March: Each Theme Committee meets by video conference to finalize its recommendations and submit proposed abstract sessions to the ACPC.

• Mid-March: The ACPC and Theme Committee Leads meet to review all proposals, finalize abstract sessions, select moderators and confirm scheduling. This is an exciting meeting as we really start to see the program take shape!

• Early April: Abstract notifications are sent to presenting authors, as well as travel award notifications.

• May 27-June 5: This is the late-breakthrough abstract submission period. The main objective of late-breakthrough abstracts is to provide novel, just-released and highly-innovative research that was not available at the time of the regular abstract submission period (not just a repository for work that could have been submitted during the regular abstract submission period).

• June 10–17: The ACPC reviews all late-breakthrough submissions and selects up to eight abstracts for inclusion in the late-breakthrough plenary session.

 

We also encourage those submitting abstracts to consider submitting their research for simultaneous publication in major journals in the field. Sharing research findings at both the ISTH Congress and in a peer-reviewed journal offers expanded visibility and reaches a wider global audience. Learn more about simultaneous publication by reviewing the opportunities and rules outlined to guide your submission.

 

Additionally, we are often asked about the ISTH position on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the abstract submission process. At this time, the use of AI is permitted for abstract preparation; however, all submitters must attest that they have carefully reviewed any AI-generated content to ensure accuracy and scientific integrity prior to submission.

 

While we recognize the growing role of AI in research and scientific communication, we are not currently using AI for abstract review or scheduling. We believe that existing AI tools are not yet sufficiently advanced to reliably evaluate scientific quality or to appropriately manage abstract placement.

 

Exciting updates on the Congress program

 

Creating the ISTH 2026 Congress program is a thoughtful, collaborative process that brings together experts from across the world. Our goal is to build a scientific program that reflects both scientific excellence and the evolving needs of our community, including basic science, translational research and clinical practice.

​

The Theme Committees started working on topics for the program right after the end of the previous Congress (in our case, ISTH 2025 in Washington, D.C.). The eight members of the ACPC (Chair and Vice Chair, Clinical Chair and Vice Chair, Basic Science Chair and Vice Chair, three liaisons with the SSC, Early Career and Education Committees), along with the Theme Committees Chairs, met in September 2025 to discuss the proposals and select topics and speakers for the plenaries and the State-of-the-Art Sessions.

​

We are looking forward to featuring an exciting line-up of plenary speakers who are leaders in the field. Plenary sessions will take place on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the meeting. These sessions will highlight groundbreaking science, offer global perspectives and set the tone for each day of the Congress.

 

Here’s the full line-up:

​

​

​

​

 

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

 

 

I also encourage you to view the Program-at-a-Glance and the newly released itinerary planner for a closer look at what to expect at the Congress, including some exciting changes and updates this year.

 

For example, we have reshaped the structure of some State-of-the-Art Sessions to make them even more interactive and engaging. We have also reorganized and renamed the “Masterclasses” to “Expert Insights Sessions,” and moved the time of these sessions from early morning to the lunch hour. Expert Insight Sessions will be offered each day from 12:15-13:00 for a focused review of clinical and scientific topics, as well as the chance to engage with recognized leaders in the field.

 

A final word

​

As we look ahead, make sure to register as early as possible and secure your hotel accommodations for the best rates. Email meetings@isth.org if you have any questions.

 

Paris promises to be a memorable location for learning and collaboration, and based on the energy we are already seeing, this is a Congress that you will not want to miss!

 

+++

​

Previous editions

​

The road to Paris begins: Introducing the ISTH 2026 Congress Chronicle

 

By Walter Ageno, M.D., Chair, ISTH 2026 Annual Congress Planning Committee

​

Join me on the road to Paris! I look forward to welcoming the global thrombosis and hemostasis community to Europe and to one of the world’s most inspiring cities for the ISTH 2026 Congress, taking place July 11–15, 2026, in Paris, France.

​

I am happy to launch this ISTH 2026 series of the Congress Chronicle, a bi-monthly update that will highlight key milestones, including scientific updates, deadlines, program developments and opportunities to get involved as we move closer to the Congress.

​

As Chair of the Annual Congress Planning Committee (ACPC), I am honored to help shape the ISTH 2026 scientific program to reflect the depth and diversity of research and clinical expertise across our global community.

 

Attendees will enjoy the latest advances in basic, translational and clinical science, as well as interactive educational sessions, engaging plenary sessions (learn more about the plenary speakers), networking opportunities and spaces for discussion and collaboration. It will be an event that you truly do not want to miss. View an ISTH Congress Guide with the latest information and links.

​

For all the information about ISTH 2026, make sure to visit www.isthcongress.org.

​

Meet the ACPC

​

I’m happy to introduce our ISTH 2026 Congress leaders who comprise the ACPC. The ACPC leads the development of the clinical, translational and basic science components of the Congress. I am proud to lead this fantastic group of leaders who are working hard to make the Congress an incredible event.

​

• Chair: Walter Ageno (Italy)

• Vice Chair: Marc Carrier (Canada)

• Basic Chair: Francoise Dignat-George (France)

• Basic Vice Chair: Patricia Liaw (Canada)

• Clinical Chair: Cihan Ay (Austria)

• Clinical Vice Chair: Robert Sidonio (U.S.)

• Education Committee Liaison: Geoff Barnes (U.S.)

• SSC Liaison: Joost Meijers (The Netherlands)

• Early Career Committee Liaison: Aaron Iding (The Netherlands) 

 

Abstract submission is now open

 

One of the most exciting milestones on our journey to Paris has now arrived: Abstract submission is now open! Please submit your abstract by February 2, 2026.

 

I encourage everyone to begin preparing submissions, whether you are an early career professional or a seasoned researcher. Presenting your work at ISTH 2026 is a unique opportunity to share your findings, gain feedback from peers and contribute to the scientific dialogue that drives progress in the field. Click here to view ISTH 2026 abstract guidelines and access the submission portal.

 

It is also a great opportunity to expand your visibility by submitting an abstract study for simultaneous publication, which offers enhanced global reach and readership. Learn more about simultaneous publication opportunities.

 

Get started now to allow plenty of time before the abstract submission deadline on February 2, 2026. In future editions of the Congress Chronicle, we will share more details about key deadlines and what to expect in the months leading up to ISTH 2026.

 

I hope you will follow along. Until then, make sure to mark your calendar for ISTH 2026!