Yesterday’s Inaugural Ceremony provided a high-tech glimpse into the future, a step back into the past and discussed some current perspectives on how cardiovascular medicine can make real progress.
“At the ESC, we are not asking whether artificial intelligence (AI) will transform cardiology,” stated ESC President, Professor Thomas F. Lüscher. “The question is whether we will shape that transformation with judgement,” he said, noting: “AI can assist us, it can sharpen our vision, it can reveal patterns we could not otherwise see, but responsibility cannot just migrate to a machine.”
In his Presidential Address, Prof. Lüscher described some of the ways that AI can be applied to cardiology. Key studies are already demonstrating improvements, for example, in ECG interpretation, diagnosis of complex cases, prognosis prediction and individualisation of treatment. He discussed some of the pitfalls including deskilling, cognitive surrender and hallucinations, highlighting the need for quality standards. Taking all this into account, Prof. Lüscher outlined the main characteristics needed by the cardiologist of tomorrow. These include the ability to combine clinical expertise with digital literacy and to develop skills in critical reasoning, data analysis and ethics. Human skills, such as empathy, must never be forgotten, and he noted that AI may in fact, result in healthcare professionals having more time for discussions with patients.
Professor Tomasz Guzik, ESC Congress Programme Committee Chair, then outlined some of the highlights that attendees can expect at ESC Congress 2026, describing it as “the full cardiovascular landscape in one programme,” with Hot Lines, ESC Guidelines, immersive tracks and a Research Gateway overflowing with new science and clinical cases. He emphasised the truly global nature of the proceedings – with faculty from over 80 countries and presenters from more than 100 countries across the world. “The congress reaches well beyond the venue,” he said and encouraged participants to revisit discussions and continue the conversations long after the end of August.
In a celebration of excellence, 586 new Fellows of the ESC (FESC) from 76 countries, were welcomed. Paying tribute to pioneers whose vision and scientific rigour have shaped cardiology – Lina Badimon, John Cleland and Gilles Montalescot – received the ESC Gold Medal. And for their lasting impact within the ESC, Amelia Meier, Petar Seferovic and David Wood were honoured with the ESC President’s Award.
Prof. Lüscher’s concluding message was a powerful one: “Together we learn. Together we discover. Together we innovate. And together we improve cardiovascular health for people around the world.” With Prof. Guzik, he then declared ESC Congress 2026 open!