With the effects of climate change now starker than ever, the question of sustainability looms large for the medical imaging community. Implementing more environmentally friendly practices is a challenge that many radiology departments and industry partners currently face. We hope that next year’s congress will offer an initial blueprint to radiologists, a roadmap on how they can make these changes, taking inspiration from a huge variety of experts, innovations and ongoing projects that are leading the way towards a more sustainable future in imaging.
But ‘Planet Radiology’ is not only about our environmental footprints in radiology, and the pursuit of green practices. It is also a call for our community to consider the concept of planetary health. Across the world, we see a huge imbalance in society in the delivery of basic healthcare services. This disparity in health equity is one that must be addressed by all healthcare stakeholders, including radiologists. At ECR 2025, we will stress the urgency of this global health equity crisis, whilst shining a light on members of the medical imaging community who are working to end it through innovative and inspiring initiatives.
Finally, ‘Planet Radiology’ also encompasses the challenges and opportunities in science that can help shape our future. Artificial intelligence and big data are redefining medical imaging and at an exceptional pace. Technological advancements have the potential to improve sustainability, global health equity and patient outcomes in extraordinary ways. As crucial stakeholders in new technology, it is vital that radiologists support innovations in our field to enhance ‘Planet Radiology’ and planet Earth together.
As Europe’s largest congress for radiology and imaging, ECR represents an entire ecosystem of science, innovation, and networking waiting to be explored. It’s a world that invites radiologists, industry partners and other imaging professionals to become pioneers, uncovering the wonders of an unknown planet – all in the heart of Vienna.
Note: IT and administrative employees are invited to participate for free in ECR 2025 to ensure your entire team stays ahead of the curve: www.myesr.org/bring-your-it-and-admin-team-to-ecr-2025-for-free/