Sydney Tang, SPWG chair, on the global voices, groundbreaking science, and real-world impact of the WCN’26 scientific program
By bringing together experts from diverse regions and disciplines, the WCN’26 Scientific Program Working Group (SPWG) ensures that the World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) delivers scientific content that is of the highest quality and globally representative. We spoke with Sydney Tang, WCN’26 SPWG chair, to explore the many facets of next year’s scientific program, including its global significance, exciting sessions, and cutting-edge science.
Explore the complete WCN’26 scientific program
What makes WCN’26 essential for the global kidney community?
“WCN’26 is a meticulously designed global nephrology congress that embraces a comprehensive repertoire of clinical and basic sciences across disease spectrum, pattern, mechanisms, and resource settings with speakers across expertise, geography, and stages of career.”
Which sessions are you particularly excited about this year?
“The high-quality plenary lecture speakers from around the world covering a wide range of contemporary cutting-edge science in kidney care and beyond.”
Don’t miss:
- Anthony Rodgers on the potential of polypills
- Dennis Lo on creating paradigm shifts in medical diagnostics using liquid biopsy
- Katzutoshi Mori on the dynamics, and function and regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum
- Paola Romagnani on the knowns and unknowns of Podocytopathies
How does WCN’26 address regional differences in kidney care?
“There are specific sessions, such as CKD care across different income settings, global equity in AKI care, and building transplant programs in resource-limited settings.”
Highlights include:
- Global Kidney Policy Forum: Japan’s CKD Strategy in Action — Lessons From an Aging Society
- Global Kidney Policy Forum: Kidney Care Challenges and Opportunities in North and East Asia
- From Ground Zero: Building Kidney Transplant Programs in Resource-limited Settings
- The Future of AKI Care: New Therapies, Recovery Paradigms, and Global Equity
Are there sessions that focus on translating cutting-edge science into practical applications for patient care?
“Definitely! Ranging from artificial intelligence in kidney care, bioengineering the kidney of the future, and cutting-edge basic sciences in diabetic kidney disease, FSGS, and spatial transcriptomics.”
Look out for:
- AI in Kidney Care: From Predictive Models to Pathology Support
- B Cell Targeting in Glomerular Disease
- Bioengineering the Kidney of the Future: ISN-JSN Joint Session
- Genetic Testing in Kidney Disease: Interpretation and Patient Perspectives
Over 3,000 abstracts were submitted for WCN’26 — a testament to the commitment and collaboration of the global kidney community. Thank you to all who contributed. Join the global kidney community at WCN’26 in Yokohama to be part of this global exchange of ideas. Register at the early bird rate until January 14.
