Registration is now open for the 2026 RCSI Charter Meeting, which will take place from 10 to 14 February.

This year’s meeting will address some of the most pressing issues shaping surgical practice today and will bring together national and international leaders in surgery, healthcare, education and policy.

Under the theme of 'Progress and Precision', the programme reflects RCSI’s commitment to advancing safe, high-quality, sustainable and future-focused surgical care. Speakers and delegates will explore how innovation, leadership and evidence-based practice can improve patient outcomes, support the surgical workforce, and respond to the challenges facing health systems in Ireland and internationally.

Professor Deborah McNamara, President of RCSI, said: “The annual Charter Meeting is a cornerstone of the College’s commitment to shaping the future of surgery. This year’s programme reflects both the rapid pace of innovation in surgical practice and the importance of quality, governance and patient safety. The meeting offers the surgical community the space to explore how we can continue to work together to equip surgeons at every stage of their career with the skills, knowledge and leadership required to deliver excellent care in a changing health system. I encourage surgeons at all stages of their careers to register and join us during the Charter Meeting.”

Advancing surgery

A major highlight of this year's Charter Meeting is the launch of Ireland’s first national robotic surgery curriculum, marking a significant milestone in surgical education. The curriculum will be launched at the Robotic and Technology Learning Village, which takes place during the Charter Meeting for the second year.

The programme also places a strong focus on the needs of early career surgeons, particularly those transitioning to independent practice. Through sessions delivered by the RCSI Early Careers Surgical Network, the Charter Meeting will explore how surgeons at this critical stage can understand, manage and lead change within increasingly complex healthcare systems, while maintaining professional well-being and clinical excellence.

Clinical governance, quality and safety

Clinical governance and quality improvement are central themes throughout the meeting. The Best Practice in Clinical Governance symposium will examine the leadership, accountability and governance frameworks required to support safe, high-quality surgical care during a period of health system reform.

The President’s Lecture on Quality and Safety in Surgery, delivered by Dr Donald M. Berwick, President Emeritus of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and former Administrator of the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, will offer a global perspective on how quality is defined, measured and delivered in modern healthcare systems.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies will be explored as transformative forces in surgical practice and decision-making. Delegates will hear about core AI concepts for surgeons and the practical implications of data-driven care through the Preparing the Surgical Workforce for AI symposium.

The 101st Abraham Colles Lecture, delivered by Professor Ewen Harrison of the University of Edinburgh, will provide a strategic and evidence-based examination of how data science and AI can be harnessed to improve quality, safety and outcomes in surgery.

In the 33rd Carmichael Lecture, Ms Mary Harney, former Tánaiste and Minister for Health, will share her insights on aligning clinicians, science and politics in leading change.

Sustainability, prevention and precision medicine

The Charter Meeting will also address the responsibility of surgery within the wider climate and public health agenda. Delegates will receive an update on the Green Theatre Accreditation Programme, building on RCSI’s sustainability roadmap for surgery and highlighting the surgical suite as a key opportunity to reduce healthcare-related carbon emissions.

The programme will also explore preventative and population health approaches, including exercise prescription, nutrition and age-friendly health systems, alongside advances in precision medicine, cancer prevention, early diagnosis and the evolving role of surgery in oncology.

You can find out more and register here.