Cannes, France – November 27, 2025 – Last week, the European Society of Radiology (ESR) held its Annual Leadership Meeting (ALM) 2025 at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, gathering leaders of national and subspecialty societies, ESR committees, industry partners, and invited experts for a day of strategic discussion on the future of radiology. Held at a time of rapid scientific and technological change, the meeting provided a platform to examine how imaging can better meet Europe’s evolving healthcare needs.
Early detection and population screening formed a major focus of this year’s programme. Presentations examined progress in lung cancer screening, the growing role of CT-based coronary artery calcium scoring for cardiovascular risk assessment, and the potential of MRI-based pathways in prostate cancer screening. Together, these sessions underscored radiology’s central role in shaping earlier, more effective diagnosis of major diseases.
Artificial intelligence was another defining theme. Participants explored how radiologists can be prepared to guide AI implementation through dedicated training, ethical and regulatory awareness, and a strong understanding of workflows and system design. The meeting also addressed the challenges of bringing AI tools into practice, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary evaluation, responsible procurement, and realistic assessment of clinical benefit. The potential of generative AI to relieve pressure on busy imaging departments was widely discussed, recognising both its promise and the need for robust oversight.
As well as trending topics, the event also offered an opportunity to present the ESR and EBR’s most recent initiatives, including the recent launch of the ESR Green ID certification scheme and the ESR INSPIRE volunteering programme. Important updates were also given on the continued expansion of the Modern Radiology eBook, developments across the ESR Journal Family, and the most recent activities of EuroSafe Imaging, the European School of Radiology (ESOR) and the European Diploma in Radiology (EDiR).
The meeting also provided an update on major EU-funded research efforts coordinated by the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR), such as the newly initiated RHYTHM project, which aims to improve radiation safety and imaging quality for young patients across Europe. EIBIR’s growing project portfolio reflects its role as a key driver of imaging research and innovation at the European level. Its coordinated platforms, data infrastructures, and capacity-building programmes continue to support harmonised imaging standards, improve international collaboration, and strengthen the scientific foundations of radiology practice.
“Radiology stands at a transformative crossroads, and this meeting demonstrated the determination of our community to steer that transformation with clarity, responsibility, and ambition”, stated ESR Chair of the Board of Directors Andrea Rockall. “From screening innovation to the ethical integration of AI, our focus is on building a future where imaging is more precise, equitable, and sustainable. The collaboration we saw in Cannes reinforces that we are ready to lead that progress together”.
Across sessions, participants reaffirmed the importance of coordinated action in areas such as screening implementation, AI adoption, quality and safety, and sustainable workforce solutions. These priorities align with broader ESR commitments to scientific excellence, innovation, and equitable access to care.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration as the ESR looks ahead to ECR 2026, where many of the themes discussed in Cannes will be further explored.
ALM 2026 will take place in Brussels on the occasion of the official opening of the ESR’s new Brussel’s office.
A recording of all presentations at the ALM 2025 is available on ESR Connect.
