The RCSI Charter Meeting 2026 is now underway at RCSI, bringing together Fellows, Members, trainees and healthcare professionals from across Ireland and internationally for five days of discussion, learning and collaboration.

Running from 10-14 February, the 2026 Charter Meeting centres on the theme 'Progress and Precision', with a speakers and delegates focused on how innovation, leadership and evidence-based practice can drive better patient outcomes, support surgeons at every stage of their careers and respond to challenges across health systems in Ireland and internationally.

Professor Deborah McNamara, President of RCSI, said: “The annual Charter Meeting is central to the College’s role in shaping the future of surgical practice. This year’s programme reflects both the pace of innovation across surgery and the continuing importance of quality, governance and patient safety.

“Charter Meeting 2026 provides an important forum for the surgical community to come together and consider how best to equip surgeons, at every stage of their careers, with the skills, knowledge and leadership needed to deliver high-quality care within an evolving health system. I look forward to meeting and engaging with Fellows and Members throughout the week.”

Focus on improvement

The programme opens on Tuesday, 10 February with the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) Annual Conference, From Audit to Action: A Culture of Improvement, including the launch of the Irish Heart Attack Audit National Report 2024. That evening, RCSI hosts the 20th Annual Intercollegiate Case Presentations, welcoming surgical societies from medical schools across Ireland.

On Wednesday, the Annual Health Service Quality Improvement and Innovations Conference, hosted by RCSI National Clinical Programmes, focuses on service redesign, digital enablement and system-wide improvement, with sessions on elective surgery, patient flow, antimicrobial stewardship and the National Perioperative Patient Pathway Enhancement Programme.

Innovation, technology and the future of surgery

A major focus of Charter Meeting 2026 takes place on Thursday and Friday with the return of the Robotic and Technology Learning Village, offering hands-on access to multiple next-generation robotic platforms and emerging surgical technologies. This coincides with the launch of the RCSI Robotic Surgery Curriculum, supported by RCSI’s recent institutional investment in robotic surgical education.

Thursday’s programme includes keynote lectures and symposia on obesity, cancer care, sustainability in surgery and artificial intelligence, featuring national and international speakers including Professor Francis Finucane, Professor Antonino Spinelli and Professor Ewen Harrison, who delivers the 101st Abraham Colles Lecture, Harnessing AI to Improve Surgical Care.

The day concludes with the 36th Annual Videosurgery Meeting, showcasing advanced surgical techniques and trainee-led presentations.

Leadership, governance and clinical excellence

On Friday, specialty-focused parallel sessions take place across the College, alongside a plenary programme examining best practice in clinical governance. Highlights include the 33rd Carmichael Lecture, delivered by Ms Mary Harney, former Tánaiste and Minister for Health, and the President’s Lecture on Quality and Safety in Surgery, delivered by Dr Donald M. Berwick, President Emeritus of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

On Friday, Honorary Fellowship will be conferred on Dr Donald M. Berwick and Professor Antonino Spinelli.

The Charter Meeting concludes on Saturday, 14 February with the Irish Surgical Training Group (ISTG) Meeting, exploring the lifecycle of a surgical career, from training and fellowships to well-being and leadership, followed by the Bosco O’Mahony Lecture, delivered by Professor Martin O’Donohoe.