The UMCG Cohort Symposium 2026 brings together researchers, healthcare professionals and data experts to explore how cohort and biobank research can drive data-driven innovation in healthcare. The symposium focuses on connecting data, disciplines and partners, with an emphasis on both scientific progress and societal impact.
Following a shared lunch, the afternoon programme opens with two keynote lectures. These keynotes address the linking of data across different layers of healthcare to strengthen prevention and population health research, as well as the development of the UMCG AI Factory as a key enabler of advanced data science and clinical innovation.
The remainder of the programme consists of two rounds of interactive breakout sessions. Participants can choose between sessions on data innovation, collaboration and applied use cases.
Topics include practical experiences with data linkage, secure data sharing with external and societal partners, valorisation and impact of cohort research, cross-cohort collaboration, and the application of AI in cohort and biobank research. Real-world examples illustrate how collaboration across care pathways and disciplines can lead to meaningful insights.
The symposium concludes with a series of pitches followed by a closing session.
The programme will be available soon, and registration will open shortly.
