Connecting the past and shaping the future
2026-04-28
Connecting the past and shaping the future: The World Federation of Neuroradiological Societies and the XXIII Symposium Neuroradiologicum in London
Wan-Yuo Guo World Federation of Neuroradiological Societies, Chicago, IL, USA
Received: 11 March 2026 / Accepted: 13 March 2026 / Published online: 26 March 2026
Few medical specialties illustrate the dynamic interplay between technological innovation and international scientific collaboration as vividly as neuroradiology. Over the past century, the discipline has evolved from the early era of skull radiography and contrast ventriculography to become an indispensable component of modern neuroscience and clinical medicine. Advances in imaging technologies, interventional techniques, and computational analysis have profoundly transformed the diagnosis and management of neurological diseases. Equally significant has been the development of international scientific networks that facilitate the exchange of ideas and innovations across borders.
Two institutions have played particularly important roles in shaping this global community: the Symposium Neuroradiologicum (SNR) and the World Federation of Neuroradiological Societies (WFNRS). As the neuroradiology community prepares for the XXIII Symposium Neuroradiologicum in London in 2026, we reach a moment that invites reflection on the historical development of our discipline while simultaneously looking toward its future. The London meeting will coincide with the publication of A World History of Neuroradiology: 1990 to Present Day, marking the 40th anniversary of the WFNRS and providing a valuable opportunity to document and celebrate the global evolution of neuroradiology.
The Symposium Neuroradiologicum: a tradition of scientific dialogue
The origins of the Symposium Neuroradiologicum date back to 1939, when a meeting entitled Conférences et Travaux Pratiques de Radiologie Crânienne was held in Antwerp, Belgium. This gathering, retrospectively recognized as the first SNR, brought together early pioneers of cranial radiology who sought to exchange ideas and demonstrate emerging techniques. Although modest in scale, the meeting established a tradition that would profoundly influence the development of neuroradiology as an international scientific discipline.
From its inception, the SNR was conceived not merely as a congress but as a scientific symposium emphasizing open discussion and critical exchange of ideas. Participants were encouraged to present new observations and engage in dialogue regarding their interpretation and implications. As Greitz emphasized in his historical reflection on the SNR, the meeting was designed to create an intellectual environment in which neuroradiologists from different countries could freely discuss scientific advances and emerging concepts within the discipline.
Over subsequent decades, the SNR developed into the premier global forum for neuroradiological science. Its scientific program has consistently reflected the major technological milestones of the field from skull radiography and pneumoencephalography to cerebral angiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and modern endovascular therapies. More recently, advances in artificial intelligence, quantitative imaging, and data-driven medicine have further expanded the intellectual scope of neuroradiology.
Equally significant has been the geographical evolution of the symposium. While early meetings were largely concentrated in Europe and North America, the SNR progressively expanded to other regions of the world, reflecting the globalization of neuroradiology and the growing diversity of its scientific community. The XXI Symposium Neuroradiologicum held in Taipei in 2018 represented an important milestone in this process, highlighting the rapid development of neuroradiology in Asia and reinforcing the truly international character of the meeting. This continuing expansion underscores the importance of ensuring that the SNR remains an inclusive platform representing the global neuroradiology community.
The World Federation of Neuroradiological Societies
The World Federation of Neuroradiological Societies (WFNRS) was founded in 1990 with the objective of strengthening collaboration among neuroradiology societies worldwide. Over the past three decades, the Federation has developed into a global network representing more than forty member societies across all continents.
The mission of the WFNRS is to promote international cooperation in education, research, and clinical practice. By facilitating dialogue among national and regional societies, the Federation helps ensure that advances in neuroradiology can be shared widely and that opportunities for professional development remain accessible to colleagues from diverse regions. Within this framework, the WFNRS maintains a close relationship with the Symposium Neuroradiologicum. While each SNR meeting is organized locally by its host president and committee, the Federation provides continuity and global representation, ensuring that the symposium remains aligned with the broader goals of the international neuroradiology community.
The relationship between WFNRS and SNR illustrates the complementary nature of these institutions: the Federation provides the organizational framework that unites neuroradiology societies worldwide, while the SNR serves as the scientific gathering point where this global community meets every four years.
Documenting the modern era of neuroradiology
During the past three decades, neuroradiology has undergone an extraordinary period of development. Advances in imaging technology, computational methods, and interventional procedures have transformed the field and expanded its role within clinical neuroscience. Recognizing that this transformative era deserved systematic documentation and history belongs to everyone who is involved, the WFNRS initiated a major international publication project: A World History of Neuroradiology: 1990 to Present Day.
Edited by Professor Daniel Birchall, the volume brings together contributions from WFNRS member societies worldwide to document the evolution of the discipline during the modern era. The project represents a truly global scholarly effort. Authors from across multiple continents have documented the development of neuroradiology within their respective regions, describing not only scientific advances but also the establishment of training programs, professional societies, and international collaborations that have shaped the field. As Leonardi noted in his historical overview of neuroradiology, the development of the discipline has always been closely intertwined with international academic exchange and institutional growth.
Importantly, the book will be published as an open-access digital resource, ensuring that its contents remain freely accessible to readers worldwide. By adopting this approach, the WFNRS aims to preserve the collective memory of the neuroradiology community and make this knowledge available to every individual clinician and researcher of future generations. The publication of this volume in 2026, marking the 40th anniversary of the WFNRS, represents both a celebration of the Federation's achievements and a tribute to the international collaboration that has defined neuroradiology.
London 2026: a bridge across generations
Since its inauguration in 1939, the Symposium Neuroradiologicum has remained the most historic and distinctive global scientific meeting dedicated to neuroradiology. The XXIII Symposium Neuroradiologicum, scheduled to take place in London from 30 September to 4 October 2026, carries particular historical resonance. London previously hosted two symposia, respectively, in 1955 and 1990, making the 2026 meeting the third occasion on which the city will welcome the global neuroradiology community.
This sequence creates a unique historical bridge linking three generations of neuroradiologists. Each London meeting reflects the scientific landscape of its time while connecting past achievements with future directions for the discipline. The 2026 meeting will also be organized jointly with the 49th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR) and the annual meeting of the British Society of Neuroradiologists (BSNR). This collaborative format underscores the increasingly interconnected nature of modern medical science and highlights the importance of partnerships between international and regional professional societies.
The scientific program will encompass a broad spectrum of topics including diagnostic neuroradiology, interventional neuroradiology, advanced imaging technologies, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence. Equally important will be the opportunities for interdisciplinary dialogue, mentorship, and professional exchange among participants from around the world.
From innovation to impact
The theme chosen for the XXIII SNR "Mind the Future: From Innovation to Impact" reflects a central challenge facing contemporary neuroradiology. Advances in imaging technology and computational science are rapidly transforming our ability to visualize and understand the human brain. Artificial intelligence and data-driven approaches promise to reshape many aspects of clinical practice and research.
However, the ultimate value of these innovations lies not in technological novelty but in their capacity to improve patient care and deepen our understanding of neurological diseases. Achieving this goal requires collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and national boundaries. International scientific meetings such as the SNR play a critical role in facilitating these collaborations by bringing together clinicians, researchers, engineers, and educators within a shared intellectual environment.
Looking toward the future
The history of neuroradiology demonstrates that progress in our field has always depended on the exchange of ideas across cultures, institutions, and continents. The SNR and the WFNRS together embody this enduring spirit of international collaboration. As the neuroradiology community approaches the centenary of the first Symposium Neuroradiologicum in 2039, we are reminded that our discipline continues to evolve within an increasingly interconnected scientific world. The XXIII Symposium Neuroradiologicum in London will provide an important milestone along this journey bringing together generations of neuroradiologists, celebrating the achievements of the past, and inspiring the innovations that will shape the future of global neuroradiology for another century ahead.
Acknowledgements The author would like to sincerely thank Paul M. Parizel for his valuable insights and contributions to the historical context presented in this manuscript. Parts of the text were informed by and based on his work: Parizel PM. A Brief History of the Symposium Neuroradiologicum (Chapter 1), in: Birchall D, A History of World Neuroradiology, 2026, pp. 3-27.
Author contributions Wan-Yuo Guo is the only one author of this work and is correspondent to the work.
Data availability No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
References
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