BeSHG/NVHG 2026

Annual Conference 2026

In 2026, the Dutch and Belgian societies for Human Genetics will join forces for a cross-border meeting in the heart of Rotterdam. Building on the momentum of previous meetings—this year’s focus shifts toward integration and impact: how novel technologies and insights can be responsibly and effectively implemented to improve health across the lifespan.

This joint NVHG–BESHG meeting is organized in close collaboration with VKGL and VKGN.

The scientific program will highlight:

• Archaeogenetics – what ancient DNA teaches us about human history, disease, and evolution

• Successful Aging – genetic and biological insights into exceptional longevity

• From Technology to Implementation – practical pathways for introducing new genomic and data-driven tools into healthcare

• Bridging Discovery and Care – ensuring that scientific breakthroughs translate into meaningful patient benefit

This joint NVHG–BESHG meeting brings together the “Lower Countries” in a unique collaboration for 2026, offering a vibrant platform for exchange, connection, and inspiration across our communities.

Mark your calendars for 17–18 September 2026 at De Doelen, Rotterdam.

Program (subject to change)

Thursday 17 September 2026:

09:00               Registration

10:00-10:15      Welcome – Prof.dr. Lude Franke, chairman NVHG

10:15-11:55      Plenary session 1: Emerging technologies in the field of genetics

• Hugo Snippert (Princes Maxima Center)

• Frank Jacobs (University of Amsterdam)

• Rolduc winner

• Submitted abstract

• Poster pitches

11:55-13:15      Lunch break

12:00-12:30      VKGL General Assembly – members only

13:15-14:45      Plenary session 2: Generations in Genetics

• Rosa Rademakers (VIB-UAntwerp)

• Henne Holstege (VIB-KU Leuven; Amsterdam UMC)

• NVHG Galjaard lecture 2026

14:45-15:00      Break/switch rooms

15:00-16:15      Parallel session 1a&1b: Selected abstracts

16:15-17:45      Break and poster viewing with presenters session 1

16:30-17:30      Sponsor pitches

16:30-17:30      Parallel session: Psychological aspects in genetics

(organised by the Dutch and Belgian working group of psychologists)

• Lucienne Van Der Meer (LUMC / NKI)

• Eveline Bleiker (NKI/ LUMC)

• Saar Van Pottelberghe (UZ Brussels)

• Sebastian Bon (Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology)

17:45-18:15      Keynote speaker: Aaron Panofsky (Institute for Society and Genetics, UCLA)

18:15-19:00      Keynote speaker: Elizabeth Bik (Harbers Bik)

• Q&A Session with Aaron Panofsky & Elizabeth Bik

19:15-21:00      Dinner

21:00-00.00 Party

Friday 18 September 2026:

08:30                Registration

09:00-10:30     Plenary session 3: Introducing novel genetics applications in Belgium and the Netherlands: lessons learned

Moderated by Gert Matthijs (UZ Leuven)

• Masoud Zamani Esteki (MUMC+)

• Sandra Janssens (Ghent University Hospital)

• Jeroen van Rooij (Erasmus MC)

• Katrien Janssens (Antwerpen University)

10:30-11:00      Coffee break

11:00-12:30      Parallel session 2a&2b: Selected abstracts

12:30-14:00      Lunch break and poster viewing with presenters session 2

12:30-13:00      NVHG General Assembly – members only

13:10-13:55       Sponsor pitches

14:00-16:00      Plenary session 4: Genomics in Context: International Highlights

• Eric Green (Illumina)

• Eveline Altena (LUMC)

• Johannes Krause (Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology)

16:00-16:15      NVHG Awards

• Young Investigator Award 2026

• Announcement best presentation and poster awards

16:15                  Closure

Abstract submission

Abstract submission has closed for the upcoming meeting. Please share your latest discoveries and join the Belgian and Dutch human genetics community at de Doelen!