There is something special about an ASGBI Congress when the programme genuinely reflects the breadth, energy and ambition of modern general surgery. This year’s International Surgical Congress in Brighton on 12–14 May does exactly that. It is bold, clinically grounded, forward-looking and, above all, designed with your suggestions, and fit for the surgeons who are delivering care on the front line of the NHS every day.
From the very start, the meeting sets its stall out as one that blends innovation with reality. The opening symposia tackle fluorescence-guided surgery, AI in clinical practice, same-day colectomy and healthcare resilience, not as abstract concepts, but as tools and challenges that are already shaping how we work. Alongside this, we will celebrate excellence and inspiration through our Presidential Welcome, Motivational Lecture and the prestigious Bland-Sutton Lecture, reminding us why professional community and shared purpose still matter in a demanding healthcare environment.
Clinically, the programme is rich and unapologetically relevant. There is a major hernia update in partnership with the British Hernia Society, contemporary upper GI and HPB sessions including acute CBD exploration and bariatric emergencies, and a strong focus on colorectal and emergency general surgery. The NELA 10-year report, research trial updates and patient safety symposia bring together evidence, outcomes and quality improvement in a way that directly connects research to day-to-day practice.
For those passionate about training, leadership and the future workforce, this Congress delivers in spades. Sessions on trauma training in the UK and USA, international perspectives on surgical training, the new JCST portfolio pathway, and the ASiT-led “State of Surgical Training” hackathon create space for honest discussion about how we train, support and retain the next generation of surgeons. These are not comfortable conversations, but they are essential ones.
What also sets this Congress apart is the opportunity to engage, not just attend. The Training Village, Masterclasses, FLS testing, video prize sessions and focused workshops provide hands-on learning and practical takeaways. Whether you are early in your consultant career, an established trainer, or approaching a new phase of professional life, there is content here that speaks to your practice, your development and your future.
Finally, ASGBI Congress is about more than the programme. It is about reconnecting with colleagues, building collaborations, supporting our trainees, and reminding ourselves that we are part of a profession that continues to evolve, innovate and care deeply about the standards we set for our patients and for one another.
Brighton 2026 promises to be a meeting that informs, challenges and inspires. I would strongly encourage you to make the time to join us, bring your teams, support your trainees, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of general surgery.
Mr Dimitrios Damaskos
Director of Scientific Programme
