We are currently organizing the global scientific program for the 18th World Stroke Congress (WSC), to be held October 21–23, 2026, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. We invite proposals for Scientific and Educational sessions, with the goal of curating a dynamic and engaging program covering a wide range of topics related to stroke and cerebrovascular disease.

Abstract proposals may be submitted to assist the Scientific Committee in completing the program currently under development. The Committee is particularly interested in new, innovative, and forward-looking ideas or concepts that enhance the scientific content of the meeting. Only those who are selected to speak from each proposal will be notified, and submission of a proposal does not guarantee inclusion in the final program.

Each proposal will undergo a thorough review by the Scientific Program Committee of the WSC. Based on this review, proposals will be combined, and not all suggested speakers may be selected for inclusion in each session.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback on the inclusion or exclusion of topics or speakers.

The WSO is committed to ensuring a balanced program in terms of gender and geography, as well as adhering to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage proposals that support these objectives, and welcome submissions that feature early-career speakers (rising stars). The submission form will allow you to designate which speakers are classified as ‘early career.’

‘Early Career’ is defined as being within ten years of appointment to an academic or research position, with career disruptions taken into account.

Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to provide responses to all proposers regarding the outcome of their proposals. Only those selected for presentation in sessions will receive a formal invitation by email from the WSO.

Please note that all individuals submitting proposals are expected to present in person at the congress in Seoul. The option to present virtually will not be available. We kindly request that you only submit a proposal if you can attend in person.

We look forward to welcoming you to Seoul.

Session types

We welcome proposals for Main Theme sessions.

Main Theme Session: 90 minutes, 1 chair, up to 4 presentations.

We additionally would like to hear your feedback (with or without a formal session submission) on topics that you would like to see covered at the WSC that you find typically underrepresented at international stroke conferences.

WSO would like to thank all its members for helping to shape the future of stroke science and education by submitting ideas for the WSC 2026 scientific program.

Guidelines for submission

All proposals must be submitted in English by the deadline through the online system.

  • Title: 25 words maximum
  • Brief session description: 200 words maximum. Please explain the educational intention and purpose of the session.
  • Please consider gender balance and geographic variety of speakers/chairs in your proposal
  • Please consider including speakers in an early career-stage.
  • Please ensure that the presenters you are submitting intend to attend the Congress, in person, in Seoul.
  • Sessions are 90 minutes in length. Plenty of time should be devoted to discussion and interaction.

Proposal Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Aneurysm/AVM Intervention
  • Awareness
  • Basic Science
  • Biomarkers
  • Cardioembolism
  • Cognition and Dementia
  • Early (Young) Career
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Services
  • Intracranial Hemorrhage
  • Implementation & Knowledge Translation
  • Large Artery Disease
  • Neurocritical Care
  • Neuroimaging
  • Nursing
  • Outcomes
  • Pre-hospital Care
  • Prevention
  • Rehabilitation and Life After Stroke
  • Small Vessel Disease
  • Stroke in the Young and Uncommon Etiologies
  • Thrombectomy
  • Thrombolysis