WCN

Kintsugi and kidney care: Young nephrologists in Japan share insights ahead of WCN’26 

In Japan, the art of kintsugi repairs broken pottery with adhesive and powdered gold, transforming fracture into renewed strength.   As the global kidney care community prepares to gather in Yokohama for WCN’26, Japan’s approach to kidney health offers a compelling parallel: working with impairment to preserve function, extending quality of life in an aging society, and continuously strengthening systems of care through early detection and...

Experience WCN’26 wherever you are: Join virtually 

Virtual registration brings the World Congress of Nephrology 2026 straight to you, no matter where you are.   As a virtual delegate, you get access to live streaming of all 13 sessions in the Main Hall (Plenary Hall) from March 28–31, with live transcriptions in Japanese and English and more than 50 other languages. You will also have access to over 100 hours of...

Save the date for the Professor Donal O’Donoghue Global Kidney Policy Forum during WCN’26: Shaping the future of kidney health policy in North and East Asia  

What does it take to move from policy commitments to real improvements in kidney care, and how can those lessons be applied across regions?  On March 28, 2026*, the Professor Donal O'Donoghue Global Kidney Policy Forum (PDOGKPF) will bring together policymakers, clinical leaders, and advocates to explore practical ways to strengthen kidney care systems in the ISN North and East Asia region, focusing on approaches that translate into measurable progress for patients.  Held at the WCN'26 in...

From funding to frontline impact — Join ISN Grant sessions at WCN’26 

In 2025, ISN Grants supported educational and capacity-building activities worldwide in response to local needs:  The Educational Ambassadors Program supported 5 ambassadors for targeted training visits in Peru, Rwanda, Pakistan, the Maldives, and Tajikistan   23 ISN Fellowships, 14 Interventional Nephrology Scholarships, and 4 Clinical Research Grants were awarded  Emerging Leaders Program cohort 3 worked on exciting projects spotlighting the role of non-physician health workers in kidney care; Members of cohort 4 have now been selected    7 Sister Renal and Transplant Centers pairs graduated from the program  The Continuing Medical...

“Stay on top of the evidence base” — Adeera Levin on WCN’26 HIT sessions 

At WCN’26, the high-impact trials (HIT) and late-breaking clinical trials (LBCT) sessions will show you what matters most for patient care right now. From headline results to ongoing studies, attendees will gain insights to translate evidence into better clinical decisions.   Adeera Levin, chair of both the ISN–Advancing Clinical Trials Committee and the WCN’26 LBCT Advisory Group, explains that these sessions highlight the clinical trials most impactful to kidney care professionals, “This helps...

Advancing kidney care through global partnerships and collaboration: WCN’26 joint sessions 

Kidney care challenges vary from region to region, but the drive to find solutions is universal. WCN'26 joint sessions bring together global partners to present diverse experiences and practical insights to advance best practices in kidney care and improve patient outcomes, no matter where they live.   Explore WCN’26 joint sessions  Discover a selection of standout sessions...

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,...

The power of polypills: Rethinking CKD therapy — a WCN’26 plenary with Anthony Rodgers  

Anthony Rodgers has led the development of a groundbreaking and affordable four-in-one cardiovascular "polypill" and directed major clinical trial programs in both developed and developing countries. At WCN'26, he will deliver the plenary lecture, "The potential of polypills in CKD," exploring how polypills could simplify therapies, improve adherence, and reduce cardiovascular risk in people...

New at WCN’26: Courses now included in the congress registration fee!* 

The WCN'26 program on Saturday, March 28, 2026, offers interactive courses designed to sharpen skills, deepen knowledge, and enhance patient care.     Explore WCN’26 courses  Register for WCN'26 at early bird rates  Submit your abstract    Cancer and Kidney Disease: The Growing Intersection of Their Genesis and Treatment Gain an up-to-date overview of onco-nephrology through expert-led, case-based sessions. This clinically focused...

WCN’26 plenary: Dennis Lo on diagnostic breakthroughs with liquid biopsy  

  Dennis Lo, Li Ka Shing professor of medicine and professor of chemical pathology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, will deliver a WCN’26 plenary on “Creating paradigm shifts in medical diagnostics using liquid biopsy”, exploring how this technology is reshaping diagnostics and its implications for kidney care.  WCN’26 registration opens tomorrow!  Explore the WCN’26 preliminary...

Stand out and avoid pitfalls: Tips for abstract submitters 

        WCN Abstract Working Group co-chairs Alessia Fornoni (left) and Bianca Davidson  According to WCN Abstract Working Group co-chair* Alessia Fornoni, WCN is "designed to promote 'bedside to research and back' networking opportunities with a global impact." Submitting an abstract is therefore not only about presenting results but also about:  Gaining visibility  Building connections  Receiving valuable feedback from...

Spotlight on podocytopathies: Knowns and unknowns – a WCN’26 plenary preview 

Paola Romagnani will present on how the balance between podocyte injury and the kidney’s repair mechanisms shapes disease progression, influencing outcomes from reversible lesions to more severe forms such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or collapsing glomerulopathy. Registration for WCN’26 opens September 16 – find out more!  Learn more about Professor Romagnani 

Kazutoshi Mori to deliver key WCN’26 plenary on quality control of proteins and the endoplasmic reticulum 

Kazutoshi Mori, distinguished professor at Kyoto University’s Institute for Advanced Study, will present the WCN’26 plenary session “Dynamics of the function and regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum.” The lecture will explore how cellular stress responses are managed within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), with implications for chronic diseases, including those affecting the kidneys.   Registration for...

“It’s important to share what we do” — why presenting your work matters   

Presenting an abstract at the ISN World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) is a chance to be part of something bigger — a global exchange of ideas that drives innovation and improves lives.  Join experts and changemakers from around the world to share breakthroughs, spark collaboration, and make your mark on the future of kidney care.  Showcase...

Strengthening ties to advance regional and global kidney care: ISN Affiliated societies meet at WCN’25 

At the recent WCN'25 in New Delhi, India, leaders from 17 of the ISN's 120 Affiliated societies* convened for the ISN Affiliated Societies Meeting.  This important event provided a platform for representatives to network, share updates, and explore potential collaborations within ISN initiatives.   Learning how kidney care practices differ across countries offered participants an enriching opportunity...

The ISN and AFRAN strengthen ties to advance kidney care in Africa and beyond 

The ISN and the African Association of Nephrology (AFRAN) signed a new agreement at WCN'25 to strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at: Improving the number of nephrologists in Africa Supporting sustainable kidney care Improving patient outcomes regionally and globally AFRAN President Hany Hafez (seated, far left), ISN Immediate Past President Masaomi Nangaku (seated, second from right), and ISN Core...

Meet new ISN Leadership: Watch an interview with President Tonelli

The ISN warmly welcomes the incoming President, Marcello Tonelli, and the 2025-27 ISN executive committee and council. Meet the 2025-27 ISN executive committee members Meet the 2025-27 ISN council members Immediate Past President Masaomi Nangaku passes the gavel to Marcello Tonelli at WCN'25 WCN'25 Social Media Team member Suman Behera interviewed Professor Tonelli at WCN'25: In the interview, Professor...

WCN’25 on demand: Top global experts, hot topics, unlimited learning

Explore hundreds of hours of captivating WCN'25 content at the ISN Academy, or relive your in-person experience. Learn from more than 249 global experts and elevate your expertise! WCN'25 content is available for purchase for non-members. ISN members enjoy unlimited access to WCN'25 content on demand: ISN Members — visit the Academy  (Join/renew your ISN...

WCN’25 Sessions: Science and Strategy for Kidney Health Professionals 

The WCN'25 scientific program spans four key themes, offering something for everyone. Whether your focus is on improving kidney health worldwide, holistic care, chronic kidney management, or cutting-edge advances in genetics and AI, you'll find sessions designed to inform, inspire, and shape the future of global kidney care.  "Better Kidney Health" includes:  Making the Case: Investing...