Welcome to IPA 2027

Dear Colleagues, Students and Friends,

It is a pleasure and a great honor to invite you to the 20th International Photodynamic Association World Congress, which will take place in Acıbadem University in the historic and vibrant city of Istanbul, Türkiye, from July 12–16, 2027.

For two decades, the IPA World Congress serves as the main platform for advancing photodynamic therapy, photodiagnosis and all elated fields and subfields such as photoimmunotherapy, photomodulation and photocatalysis. The event is an outstanding opportunity to bring together and facilitate interactions between all partners of the community: leading clinicians, young and senior researchers, industry partners, and students, all pioneering innovations in the exceptionally rich area of photodynamics.

Istanbul, a city where East meets West, will be a spectacular location for this 20th Congress. While celebrating this significant milestone, IPA 2027 will showcase the latest breakthroughs in photodynamics, from fundamental photochemistry and photobiology to cutting-edge clinical applications and emerging technologies.

The scientific program will feature keynote lectures from world-renowned experts, specialized sessions on targeted phototherapy approaches, interactive workshops, and exciting poster sessions conceived to promote dynamic exchange of ideas across all career stages.

Fostering Global Collaboration

IPA 2027 is more than a scientific meeting—it is an opportunity to strengthen the global photodynamic community and create opportunities for meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange at all career levels.

Beyond the scientific sessions, Istanbul offers exceptional accessibility with direct flight connections from every corner of the world. This unique location, combined with the city's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking architecture, and renowned hospitality, will provide an inspiring environment for networking and building lasting professional relationships, in addition to breathtaking scenery for the social events. Acibadem university is ideally located in the Asian side of the city, nearby all accommodation and transportation facilities

We are excited to welcome you to Istanbul in July 2027 for what promises to be a landmark edition of the IPA World Congress—where scientific excellence meets cultural richness, and where the future of photodynamics continues to unfold.

With warm regards,

Dr. Fabienne Dumoulin
Dr. Fabienne Dumoulin
Congress Chair
Acibadem University
Dr. Colin Hopper
Dr. Colin Hopper
IPA President
International Photodynamic Association

Plenary Speakers

Tayyaba Hasan

Tayyaba Hasan

Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Massachusetts General Hospital

Cristina Kurachi

Cristina Kurachi

University of São Paulo

Sherri A McFarland

Sherri A McFarland

University of Texas

Kristjan Plaetzer

Kristjan Plaetzer

University of Salzburg

Wang Xiuli

Wang Xiuli

Tongji University

PDT School Faculty

Vanderlei S. Bagnato

Vanderlei S. Bagnato

University of São Paulo

Program Outline

               
Time / Date 12 JulyMonday 13 JulyTuesday 14 JulyWednesday 15 JulyThursday 16 JulyFriday  
09:00–10:00 Registration PDT
School
Plenary Plenary Democracy and National Unity Day Plenary  
 
10:00–10:30 Coffee Break Coffee Break Coffee Break Coffee Break  
10:30–12:30 Parallel
Symposiums
Parallel
Symposiums
Parallel
Symposiums
Parallel
Symposiums
 
 
 
 
12:30–13:30 School Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch  
 
13:30–14:00 Opening Ceremony  
14:00–15:00 Plenary Parallel
Symposiums
Social
Program
Industrial
Symposium
Panel  
 
15:00–15:30 Coffee Break  
15:30–16:00 Parallel
Symposiums
 
16:00–16:30 Coffee Break Coffee Break Coffee Break  
16:30–17:30 Posters Posters Plenary  
 
17:30–18:00 Plenary Closing Ceremony  
18:00–18:30 Plenary IPA General Assembly    
18:30–19:00      
19:00–21:00+ Welcome Reception on Boat IPA Board / Exec Board Dinner   Gala Dinner    
     
     
     
 
PlenaryParallel SymposiumsPostersSymposium & PanelPDT SchoolCeremonyIPA MeetingsSocial ProgramCommemorationRegistration

REGISTRATION FEES

Early Bird

Congress Registration  €700
Congress Registration – IPA Member  €550

Invited Speaker (with code) €270 
Student Registration  €250
Daily Registration  €350

Registration includes:

Congress materials, Welcome cocktail, Coffee breaks & lunches, Access to all sessions.

Notes:

- We have introduced early bird registration fees to support participants with limited resources amid current economic conditions. Normal rates and deadlines will be released later on.
- While payment is not required during initial registration, we strongly encourage early payment to secure the current rate before fees increase.

Local Organizing Committee

  • Dr. Fabienne Dumoulin, Chair — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
  • Dr. Esat Arber — MeetingHand
  • Dr. Atefeh Emami — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
  • Dr. Ümit İşci — Marmara University
  • Dr. Sinem Tuncel Kostakoğlu — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
  • Ahmed Seyitoğlu — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
  • Dilara Sipahioğlu — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University

IPA Organizing Committee

  • Dr. Colin Hopper, IPA President — University College London Hospitals, UK
  • Dr. Luis Arnaut — University of Coimbra, Portugal
  • Dr. Vanderlei Bagnato — University of São Paulo, Brazil
  • Dr. Anne-Laure Bulin — French Institute of Health (Inserm), France
  • Dr. Carolyn Cross — Ondine Biomedical Inc., Canada
  • Dr. Vandana Grover — Secretariat, Board of Directors, IPA
  • Dr. Tayyaba Hasan — Harvard Medical School, USA
  • Dr. Lothar Lilge — University of Toronto, Canada
  • Dr. Girgis Obaid — The University of Texas at Dallas, USA
  • Dr. Xiuli Wang — Tongji University School of Medicine, China

Host City: İstanbul

İstanbul – Where Continents and Civilizations Meet

İstanbul, the only city in the world straddling two continents, serves as the magnificent host for the 20th International Photodynamic Association World Congress in 2027. It is a place where ancient history and modern dynamism create a unique atmosphere for global collaboration.

Strategic Location & Accessibility

At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a premier global hub. Istanbul Airport (IST) offers direct flights to over 300 destinations, ensuring easy access for the international pediatric community. The city’s modern infrastructure—including an extensive metro network and iconic Bosphorus ferries—seamlessly connects historic landmarks with world-class congress centers.

A Tapestry of History

With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Istanbul has served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. This rich legacy is etched into the city’s skyline, where ancient city walls meet soaring minarets and grand palaces. Attendees will have the opportunity to walk through history in the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Sultanahmet district, reflecting a unique synthesis of cultures and faiths that has shaped the modern world.

Timeless Beauties & Vibrant Culture

The soul of the city is the Bosphorus, the legendary strait offering breathtaking views of historic fortresses and waterfront mansions. From the architectural wonders of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the vibrant energy of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is a feast for the senses. Its world-renowned hospitality and rich culinary heritage ensure an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

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