Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is with great pleasure and honor that I warmly invite you to the 25th European Congress of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, taking place in the historic city of Kraków, Poland, from March 23rd to 27th, 2026.

As we are preparing our congress in this beautiful cultural center of Europe, we stand at a pivotal moment for our field. The demographic landscape across Europe continues to evolve dramatically, with aging populations, increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, and changing patterns of disability presenting both challenges and opportunities for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.

Our specialty has never been more vital to society. As life expectancy increases, our role extends beyond recovery from acute conditions to the optimization of function and quality of life throughout the lifespan. We are increasingly called upon to address complex health needs, support independent living, and facilitate social participation for all individuals with functional limitations.

Research excellence remains the cornerstone of our progress. This congress will showcase cutting-edge investigations that are expanding our understanding of rehabilitation mechanisms and outcomes. I encourage you all to engage deeply with the scientific program, which reflects the remarkable breadth and depth of our field today.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming rehabilitation practice. This congress will explore how we can responsibly integrate these innovations to improve patient care while maintaining the human connection that defines our specialty.

Our greatest challenge remains the translation of research findings into everyday clinical practice. The gap between what we know and what we do must be narrowed if we are to fulfill our potential. Our congress will feature dedicated sessions on implementation science and knowledge translation strategies that can help us bring evidence-based interventions to all patients who could benefit.

Kraków, with its rich academic tradition and cultural heritage, provides the perfect backdrop for our professional exchanges. I hope you will also take time to experience the warmth of Polish hospitality and the beauty of this remarkable city.

I look forward to engaging discussions, inspiring presentations, and the formation of new collaborations that will advance our specialty. Together, we will shape the future of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in service to our patients and communities across Europe and beyond.

Welcome to Kraków!

Sincerely,

Klemen Grabljevec, MD FEBPRM

President

European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ESPRM)