ICR 2026: the International Congress of Radiology comes to Cartagena for its centennial

For the first time in decades, the International Congress of Radiology (ICR) is being held in Latin America — and not at just any time: during the centennial of the International Society of Radiology (ISR). Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, will host an event that promises to be historic for the Spanish-speaking radiology community.

Key facts

The ISR centennial: 100 years of global radiology

The International Society of Radiology was founded in 1926 with the mission of advancing radiology worldwide. A hundred years later, the celebration moves to Cartagena in a significant gesture: recognizing that the future of radiology is not defined only in Chicago, Vienna, or Seoul, but also in Latin America, where millions of patients still lack access to quality diagnostic imaging.

As part of the centennial, the ISR launched the Beclere-Fuchs Foundation, dedicated to raising funds for education, radiation safety, workforce development, and equitable access to diagnostic imaging in low- and middle-income countries.

Main topics at ICR 2026

The program covers the themes transforming radiology globally:

ISR-IAEA scholarships: an opportunity for LATAM professionals

One of the most valuable aspects of ICR 2026 is the ISR-IAEA scholarship program (International Atomic Energy Agency). These scholarships are specifically designed for professionals from low- and middle-income countries, covering registration and in some cases travel expenses.

If you're a radiologist, technologist, or resident in Latin America and the congress cost is a barrier, this program could be your gateway. Check the details at the ISR website.

Why Cartagena matters

Hosting ICR in Colombia has practical implications:

• Accessibility for LATAM: Direct flights from Lima, Mexico City, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Santiago. Significantly more accessible than Chicago or Vienna for regional professionals.
• Cost: Cartagena offers accommodation and dining at a fraction of the cost of typical ICR host cities.
• Regional networking: The opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the region, equipment distributors with local presence, and healthtech companies that understand Latin American regulations.
• Language: Much of the program will be in Spanish, removing the language barrier that many LATAM professionals face at international congresses.

Who should attend?

• Radiologists and residents from any Latin American country — a unique chance to access ISR-level content without crossing continents
• Medical directors and administrators of imaging centers looking to update their operations
• Medical technology companies seeking to position themselves in the Colombian and regional market
• Radiology societies from the region looking to strengthen ties with the ISR

Connection to other events

ICR 2026 takes place just two weeks after JPR 2026 in São Paulo (April 30 – May 3). For those who can attend both, it's an exceptional opportunity to cover the two largest radiology markets in LATAM in less than a month.

How to prepare

1. Review the program at icr2026.org and select the sessions that interest you most
2. Check ISR-IAEA scholarships if budget is a factor
3. Book accommodation early — Cartagena is a tourist destination and hotels near the Convention Center fill up fast
4. Prepare specific questions — these congresses are most valuable when you arrive with a clear objective

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Planning to attend ICR 2026 in Cartagena? Write to us at hola@davix.health — we'd love to connect during the event.