Submitted by: SHRISTI SUBEDI
Program: BSc. Medical Imaging Technology
Institution: Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Center
Conference Title: ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2026
Venue: Capetown, South Africa
Conference Dates: May 9 – May 14, 2026
Date of Submission: June 10, 2026
1. Introduction
The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) & International Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (ISMRT) Annual Meeting and Exhibition is one of the largest gatherings of MR professionals and is held annually. In 2026, I had the incredible opportunity to have my abstract accepted for presentation at this prestigious international conference.
However, as an undergraduate student preparing to begin my professional journey in the coming months, attending such a global event seemed financially challenging. With great hope, I applied for a travel bursary from the World Radiography Educational Trust Foundation (WRETF). A few months later, I received the wonderful news: “We will award you a travel bursary of £750 from The World Radiography Education Trust Fund.” This generous support made my participation in the conference possible. The conference provided me with the opportunity to network with renowned MR professionals, Researchers, Physicists, Engineers, Radiographers, and Technologists from around the world. I gained valuable insights into the diversity and advancement of the field of Medical Imaging and was inspired by the enthusiasm, knowledge, and dedication shared by professionals across different specialties and countries. For me, this experience was not only academically enriching but also personally motivating, as it strengthened my passion and confidence to continue growing in the field of Medical Imaging and research.
2. Conference Overview
The ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting and Exhibition 2026 was held in Capetown International Convention Centre, Capetown, South Africa. The conference was 6 days long (from 9th May to 14th May). It comprised of daily educational sessions, Lunch breaks, Scientific sessions, Power Pitch Sessions, Traditional Posters, Flash Presentations, Digital Posters, Award sessions and Technical exhibitions by different vendors. The conference focused on several important areas, including:
• Advanced Image Acquisition and Analysis
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging
• Neuroimaging
• Quantitative MRI
• MRI Safety
• Clinical and Research Applications
• Physics and Engineering
• Contrast Mechanisms
• Pediatric Intensive
• Diffusion MRI
3. Conference Activities and Sessions Attended
During the conference, I attended multiple scientific and educational sessions related to Physics and Engineering, Image Acquisition and Analysis, Diffusion MRI, Low Field MRI, Transferable skills and recent technological developments.
Some of the sessions included:
• Demystifying MRI Reconstruction: Classical Foundations to AI Frontiers
• Basic MR Acquisition: Learning How To Navigate Through k-Space
• From the Top: Pediatric Neuro MRI Protocols and Pathology
• Newbie Reception
• Research methodology sessions
• Low Field MRI
• Contrast Optimization for All Field Strengths
• Diffusion
• MR Engineering — MRI Coils
• Analysis Pipelines: Demos
• MR of Cancer
• Opening Reception
• Open-Source Tools and Resources in Contrast Quantification with Live Demonstra-
tions I: Relaxation and Diffusion
• Advances in MRI Radiomics for Disease Characterization and Outcome Prediction
• Demystifying Research: Getting Going in the Field
• Mentoring Circle
Newbie reception and Opening reception were networking sessions held on 9th May and 10th May in the respective evening. CAMERA Africa had conducted the Low Field MRI session on 12th May. I attended the session and took part in assembling the MR Hardwares. Later in the evening, I attended the CAMERA Networking Dinner session at VA Waterfront. Mentoring Circle was scheduled for May 13. I was the mentee with my Mentors Professor Jana Hutter and Professor Tchoyoson Lim for AI Reconstruction and Neuroimaging. I got to know how Professor Hutter is contributing in the women healthcare with her signal processing techniques and Professor Lim contributing in Neuroimaging as a Senior Neuroradiologist. This fourty minutes session (twenty minutes with each mentor) made me question myself- What will I contribute as a Medical Imaging Professional?, Where does my interest lies?
4. Research Presentation
I presented my research titled:
“Safety matters in the magnetic field: Insights from an MRI safety awareness survey ” The presentation highlighted the need for comprehensive MRI safety education and training in Nepal, particularly among diploma graduates and MRI professionals working in the Madhesh Pradesh Province. A questionnaire survey was conducted among MRI professionals working across different provinces of Nepal through Google Form and the knowledge was evaluated. It was the traditional poster presentation. The feedback from experts and participants were highly valuable and provided important insights for future improvement and research development.
5. Professional Networking and Insights
The conference provided opportunities to interact with international researchers, radiographers, MRI technologists, and students. These interactions helped me gain insights into global research trends, professional practices, and future academic opportunities. Networking with professionals from different countries also improved my understanding of collaborative research and international standards in medical imaging. The exciting part is, I made friends from diverse nations and cultures.
6. Personal and Professional Impact
Attending this conference significantly contributed to my academic and professional growth. It improved my confidence in presenting research internationally and expanded my knowledge regarding advanced imaging techniques and current developments in MRI. The experience motivated me to continue engaging in research activities and pursue further learning in the field of medical imaging.
7. Conference Photographs
8. Conclusion
The ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting and Exhibition 2026 was an enriching and educational experience that enhanced my academic understanding, professional exposure, and research skills. The conference broadened my perspective regarding advancements in MRI and medical imaging research.
9. Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the World Radiography Educational Trust Foundation (WRETF) for providing financial support and making my participation in this conference possible.
I am also thankful to my mentors and colleagues for their encouragement and guidance.
