​​The ISTH Congress offers a variety of resources and activities for early career professionals including the Early Career Session, Expert Insight Sessions and the Early Career Lounge. Learn more about those offerings below:

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Early Career Session - Saturday, July 11 from 08:00-10:30

This session requires pre-registration and is for Early Career/Reach the World attendees ONLY.
 

Developed by the ISTH Early Career Committee, this session will be a unique opportunity for early career professionals to learn about the variety of career paths available and advice for how to prepare for transitions, interviews and becoming a leader.

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The program will include a welcome message from ISTH President Pantep Angchaisuksiri, a series of talks showcasing the career journeys of notable professionals in the field. Attendees will also participate in round table discussions covering advice on how to use their training to prepare for a career outside of academia, how to design their CV and market themselves, how to start a lab, and more.

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Expert Insight Sessions - Sunday-Tuesday from 12:15-13:00

These are 45-minute educational sessions featuring a 30-minute lecture by a leading expert, followed by 15 minutes of interactive Q&A. These sessions provide a deeper dive into clinical and scientific topics, offering practical applications, a dynamic learning experience, and the chance to engage with recognized leaders in the field. Speakers in particular will stimulate discussion by addressing practical questions during their presentation and providing answers based on their own experience in the field. ​

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Early Career Lounge

The Early Career Committee (ECC) invites you to join us at the Early Career Lounge! Located in the Exhibition Hall, this space is tailored to early career professionals. Enjoy networking opportunities and an exclusive space to take a break from 10:00 – 17:00 Sunday - Tuesday. See a schedule of activities hosted by the ISTH ECC below:

 

Sunday, July 12

• 10:45 – 11:15: ISTH Congress guide for first-timers and meet the ECC
  Will ISTH 2026 be your first ISTH Congress, or are you intrigued about optimizing your Congress experience? Join the ISTH ECC and fellow first-timers to glean insights on making the most of the Congress, from start to finish, and beyond.

• 12:15 – 12:45: Meet the SSC Leadership and learn how to get involved
  Join for an opportunity to connect with leaders of the ISTH Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC) and explore avenues for involvement. From joining an SSC subcommittee to serving as one of the early career designated co-chairs, the SSC offers a number of ways for early career professionals to get involved!

• 12:45 – 13:45: ISTH opportunities for early career professionals
  Join us to explore exciting early career opportunities available through ISTH, including  Training and Reach-the-World Fellowships, Fundamental Research Career Development Awards, the dynamic Mentor-Mentee Match Program, and much more. Don’t miss this unique chance to connect, ask questions, and discover how you can take your next step with ISTH!

• 16:00-16:30: How to secure funding and overall grant advice (co-led with Young EHA)

 

Monday, July 13

• 12:15 – 13:45: Approaching difficult conversations and conflict with mentors and colleagues

 

Tuesday, July 14

• 12:45 – 13:45: Networking with Industry: Research careers outside academia
  Join for an informal meet & greet with leading professionals working in industry. Connect, ask questions, and gain real-world insights into careers outside the traditional academic track.

• 16:00 – 17:00: ISTH 2026 Social: Congress Wrap-up - Where is the field heading?
  Reconnect with colleagues you have met during Congress and recharge before the last evening. Find out how to get involved in future ISTH programs and share your feedback for what you’d like to see at future Congresses.​​​​