EPICON: Epidemiology for technology

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. The conference is hosted and locally organised by the University of Twente (Department of Health Technology and Services Research, HTSR), under the auspices of the Netherlands Epidemiology Society (VvE). EPICON brings together clinicians, researchers, policymakers, technological innovators and students to explore how epidemiology can drive technological innovation and improve healthcare processes and outcomes.

General information

The Programme

EPICON focuses on the intersection of epidemiology and technology, demonstrating how epidemiological insights support the design, application, and evaluation of new technologies. In this way, the conference serves as a bridge between research, innovation, and clinical practice, both regionally and nationally. International and national keynote speakers, including Prof. Alex Friedrich (UKM), Prof. Sabine Siesling (University of Twente & IKNL), and Dr. Marjolein den Ouden (Saxion University of Applied Sciences & ROC van Twente), will share their perspectives on the future of research, education, healthcare, and technology. Deepen your expertise in masterclasses on infectious diseases, education, and biomarker-driven medication research, discover how epidemiology drives technological innovation in healthcare, explore the facilities of the University of Twente, and connect with peers during an inspiring social programme.

Submit Your Abstract and Join the Scientific Programme

We invite all researchers in the field of epidemiology to present their work at EPICON 2026 by submitting an abstract for review by the Scientific Committee, either for an oral or poster presentation. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your research, exchange ideas, and connect with a broad community of experts in the rapidly evolving field of epidemiology and healthcare technology.

Abstracts are welcome across a wide range of topics, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature and scope of the conference. We particularly encourage submissions that explore how epidemiology can contribute to the development or application of healthcare technologies, including prediction, implementation, artificial intelligence, development or evaluation of methodologies, education, drug research, remote monitoring, qualitative and mixed-methods research, literature reviews, and other relevant areas.

The abstract submission platform opened on 6 January 2026. The deadline for submissions is 22 February 2026 at 23:59 PM.

Ticketing

To attend this 2-day event, you must register by purchasing a ticket. Ticket prices start from €225 for VvE members and €275 for non-members.

Please note: until 25 April, you can purchase your early bird ticket at a significant discount (€50 cheaper than a regular ticket)!

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.