I assume many of you will have a kind of “déjà vu” reading this and yes, you are right. We already planned our IBC2020 to be held in Seoul, South Korea, but unfortunately a virus changed all our plans and we had to organize a virtual meeting instead which is not at all the same as meeting and talking in-person and being inspired from the stimulating atmosphere at an international conference. Thus, I hope you are as excited as I am to eventually meet for IBC2026 in Seoul.
Please note that this website will be the main source of information about IBC2026, including the scientific and social programs, registration fees and deadlines, travel and lodging information, and important updates on all of these. I encourage you to visit it regularly to stay in the loop.
We are very grateful to the co-chairs of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Sohee Park (president of the IBS Korean Region) and Ho Kim (former president of the IBS Korean Region), and all other members of the LOC for taking care of all aspects of our social activities in Seoul. Some of them were already involved in 2020 and we can luckily build on their expertise.
The International Program Committee (IPC) for IBC 2026, under the leadership of Frank Bretz from the Austro-Swiss Region (ROeS), has already met. They already received a huge number of proposals for invited sessions that are currently under review. In addition, we will offer the IBS networks (the Channel Network, the Sub-Sahara African Network – SUSAN, the Central European Network – CEN, the East Asian Network and the Hispanic International Network of the IBS) the opportunity to organize their own sessions to present the network and their research activities. Our Secretary Tarylee Reddy (South African Region) is taking care of these sessions. Our Incoming President Gabriela Cendoya (Argentinian Region) and our Treasurer Sarah Ratcliffe (ENAR) are organizing a session devoted to our female researchers in the IBS. Furthermore, Frank Bretz and I are planning a plenary session with a round table discussion on the topic of “Responding to Uncertainty in Times of Global Challenges” (tentative title) where we would like to discuss how to respond more proactively and visibly to urgent global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and artificial intelligence. As in previous IBCs, the program will of course in addition feature the Biometrics and JABES Showcase sessions, the Young Statisticians Showcase session, and the Presidential Keynote Address. The Education Committee (EC), chaired by Rafael Moral (British-Irish Region), is busy putting together the short course program.
As in the last years, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes logistics to be done to ensure that all aspects of the meeting organization run smoothly and lead to another highly successful conference. This includes among others negotiations with the conference site and potential hotels nearby, the abstract submission process and the continuous update of this website. We are extremely grateful to the International Biometric Office (IBO), in particular Peter Doherty, Alexander Iula, Ryan Dee, Heidi Lapka, Synatta Cooper, and Becca Anderson, who are taking care of all these issues with competent professional support of Jenna Beak from MCI. IBO already created the amazing design of our IBC2026 website. Further support will be provided by our new Sustainability Task Force, under the leadership of Andrea Berghold (ROeS), which takes care of our “ecological footprint” at IBC2026. We are therefore taking steps to limit paper programs, increase the use of recyclable materials throughout the conference, record sessions for use by those choosing to limit their carbon footprint, and expand our mobile application offerings. We are happy to take further ideas. Please let us know!
Let me now cordially invite all biometricians, other quantitative scientists with a keen interest in Biometry and in particular early career researchers, to participate in IBC2026 and help us in making IBC2026 a great success by sharing your ideas and suggestions with the organizing team. I never had the opportunity to visit Seoul before and I am really excited about the chance to experience such a vibrant city with a fascinating mixture of traditional culture and highly modern technology.
I look forward to seeing you all in Seoul in July 2026!
Iris Pigeot
Organizing President IBC2026
I warmly welcome both members and non-members of our society to take part in the upcoming International Biometric Conference (IBC)—a unique gathering that brings together researchers from around the world to share ideas, foster collaboration, and advance the frontiers of biometric science.
As we members know, the IBCs create special bonds among researchers that often extend far beyond the conference itself. For early-career scientists in particular, these meetings offer an exceptional opportunity to build meaningful connections that can shape and strengthen their professional paths.
Whether you're presenting your work, attending sessions, or simply engaging in conversation, the IBC provides a space for thoughtful exchange and professional growth. I look forward to welcoming you into this dynamic and inclusive community.
María Gabriela Cendoya
President 2026-2027
International Biometric Society