To ensure that we meet the needs of our attendees and stakeholders, the evolution and innovation of our Congress is essential. Alignment across all of our Congresses, based on comprehensive and evidence-based educational needs that inform any content and format changes, needs to take place to implement timely and relevant changes as needed.
To better align with our Strategic Plan and Educational Strategy Roadmap, the Society moved from an ISTH member bid process for the ISTH Congress destination to a centralized Society application process and election of the Annual Congress Planning Committee Chair, which is separate from the Congress destination process. This means that the development of the clinical, translation, and basic science components of the Congress will be conducted by the Society’s Annual Congress Planning Committee (ACPC), led by the Chair.
While the processes will be independent of each other, maintaining the international uniqueness of the ISTH is critical. Any active ISTH member is eligible to submit an application and election as the ACPC Chair, but preference will be given to those from the region where the congress is being held. Regardless of location, all candidates will need to meet the requirements as detailed below. Therefore, we will not accept Chair Applications submitted as a bid that includes a destination or venue.
We are pleased to announce that applications for the 2028 Annual Congress Planning Committee Chair position are now open. The deadline to submit is October 31, 2025.
Who is eligible for election to the Annual Congress Planning Committee Chair position?
The following is a list of the key competencies and requirements for the election of a Chair as defined in the full roles and responsibilities document.
- Active member in good standing of the Society, with a strong familiarity of the ISTH Society and Congresses.
- Can commit the time and effort to this significant role in relation to other Society and non-Society commitments and responsibilities.
- Demonstrated scientific qualifications and involvement, commitment, and contributions to the international T&H field.
- Willingness and interest to be actively engaged and to give our Society’s interests and activities priority attention.
- Cannot be elected to consecutive terms.
The following attributes are fundamental:
Leadership
- Should have served in a leadership role at their institution, ISTH, or another society.
- Should have stature within the T&H community.
Characteristics
- Strong background in clinical, translational, or basic research.
- Exercise authority in the best interests of the congress and the Society, avoiding personal interest or that of any other organization.
Organization and Planning
- Should have an appreciation for the importance of organizational matters and collaborative approaches.
- Educational planning background with the ability to showcase clinical and scientific perspectives.
- Ability to work closely with ISTH HQ within tight timelines.
- Demonstrate the ability to engage in long-term tactical decision-making.
Time Allotment
- Willingness to commit to a 2–3-year term.
- Willingness to commit to 2-3 in-person meetings per year.
- Additional commitments as defined in the full roles and responsibilities.
Application Instructions
Please find the full application process for the 2028 ACPC Chair here. The ACPC Chair Roles & Responsibilities are located here. Kindly review each document before applying.To apply, click the "Apply Today!" icon above. Please note that you must be fully signed in to the My ISTH Community for the button to appear.
Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2025.