Healthcare faces major challenges. Patient populations are changing, pressure on capacity is increasing, and healthcare systems must adapt ever more quickly. In this dynamic environment, clinical epidemiology provides crucial guidance: it uncovers trends, effects, and outcomes, and can directly inform and accelerate the development and application of technology in healthcare, enabling smarter, more efficient, and future-proof solutions. For this reason, the University of Twente (department Health Technology and Services Research, HTSR) is organising the renewed epidemiology conference EPICON (formerly the WEON conference) on 25–26 June 2026, at the TechMed Centre, on the campus of the University of Twente). Hosted by the Dutch Society for Epidemiology (VvE), the conference brings together clinicians, researchers, policymakers, technological innovators, and students interested in exploring how epidemiology can drive technological innovation to improve healthcare processes and outcomes.
From Insight to Impact in Healthcare and Technology
EPICON focuses on the intersection of epidemiology and technology. Key themes include education, predictive modelling, real-world data, artificial intelligence, drug research, implementation, methodological development, and evaluation. All programme elements consistently show how epidemiological insights can guide the design, application, and assessment of new technologies, whether in data-driven decision-making, digital innovations in clinical practice, developing analytical methods, or shaping the skills of healthcare professionals. The conference serves as a bridge between research, innovation, and clinical practice, both regionally and nationally.
General information
What to Expect
The scientific sessions are built entirely from submitted abstracts for oral and poster presentations. This creates a programme covering all conference themes providing participants with new insights and innovative ideas. Leading keynote speakers will share their perspectives on the future of research, healthcare, and society. Our international keynote will provide an external perspective, inviting participants to reflect on how these insights can be mirrored and applied to their own regional and national context. Two regional/national keynotes will focus on education and research: Prof.dr. Sabine Siesling (full professor, Outcomes Research and Personalized Cancer Care at the University of Twente and Head Researcher of the Breast Cancer Team at IKNL, Netherlands comprehensive cancer organisation) and Dr. Marjolein den Ouden (Lector Technology, Health, and Care at Saxion University of Applied Sciences and Practice Chair in Health and Technology at ROC van Twente) will highlight how epidemiology informs teaching, training, and the scientific development of healthcare and technology. Participants can also deepen their knowledge in masterclasses on topics such as infectious diseases, education, or clinical research with healthy volunteers, always demonstrating how epidemiology can advance the development and application of technology in healthcare. Guided tours of the University of Twente’s state-of-the-art facilities and a rich social programme offer opportunities for networking and unexpected collaborations across all career stages.
Present Your Research and Secure Your Place
Researchers wishing to present their work can submit an abstract from 5 January to 22 February 2026, allowing them to be included in the scientific programme via an oral or poster presentation. Those wishing to attend the conference can now reserve a ticket; early-bird tickets are available until 25 April 2026. As places are limited, early registration is recommended.
Organisation
University of Twente | Health Technology & Services Research (HTSR)
The local organising committee of EPICON is managed by the Health Technology & Services Research (HTSR), a research group within the TechMed Centre at the University of Twente. HTSR focuses on research in health technology and healthcare innovation, with a mission to improve care processes and develop solutions to current challenges in healthcare. The overarching mission of the TechMed Centre is to connect science, technology, and healthcare, thereby contributing to better, more efficient, and future-proof care.
Association for Epidemiology (VvE)
EPICON (formerly the WEON conference) is an annual conference organised by the Association for Epidemiology (VvE). The VvE promotes the quality and development of the field of epidemiology, connects professionals and researchers, and makes current knowledge and developments in clinical epidemiology accessible. Through the collaboration between the VvE and HTSR, EPICON provides a platform where research, technology, and practice converge, both regionally, nationally, and internationally, with knowledge sharing, inspiration, and networking at its core.
