39th Annual Congress

LIVES 2026

European Society of Intensive Care Medicine

11 – 15 October 2026 · Lisbon, Portugal

Days

8 000+

Delegates

100+

Countries

39th

Edition

General Information

Welcome to Lisbon

Join us in one of Europe's most vibrant capitals for five days of cutting-edge science, collaboration and inspiration in intensive care medicine.

Venue

CCL – Lisboa Congress Centre
Praça das Industrias, 1
1300-307 Lisbon, Portugal

Metro & rail access Bus connections Fully accessible

CME accreditation (UEMS EACCME®) English only Mothers' room available

Lisbon, Portugal

Sustainability

A greener congress

Join us in making LIVES 2026 more sustainable. Here are the key initiatives and how you can contribute.

Waste sorting

Careful sorting at venue. No single-use plastic in catering. Lunch boxes in recycled paper.

Bring your bottle

Refill at water stations throughout the congress. Help eliminate single-use plastic.

Recyclable badges

Cardboard holders since 2024. Lanyards designed for reuse year after year.

Local & vegetarian food

All food from local suppliers. Wednesday 14 Oct is fully vegetarian day.

Morning Charity Run

Run & walk to support ICU patients around the world.

ISO 20121 Certified

K.I.T. Group holds ISO 20121:2024 for sustainable event management.

Sustainability Tips

Go digital

Download the ESICM App for the full programme, exhibitors and more.

Refill, don't rebuy

Bring your reusable bottle. Water stations everywhere.

Travel green

Lisbon is on the European rail network. Use public transport.

Fly smart

Direct flights + Green Certified hotels to cut your footprint.

Save energy

Turn off devices, AC and lights when leaving your room.

Reuse your lanyard

Drop it in bins when leaving, or keep it for next year!

Programme

Abstracts & Scientific Programme

The Congress Committee of LIVES 2026 welcomes the submission of abstracts of original contribution to intensive care medicine.

Submission Deadline

Abstract submission system closes – don't miss it!

15 April 2026

10 Best Abstracts Awards

Presenters receive one free registration to LIVES 2027 (core congress).

3 N&AHP Abstract Awards

Best N&AHP abstract includes one free registration to LIVES 2027.

Abstract Categories

Acute Kidney Injury Respiratory Failure & Ventilation Haematologic-oncologic ICU Cardiac Arrest Cardiovascular ICU Critical Care Organisation Imaging Infections & Prevention Sepsis Metabolism & Nutrition Neurointensive Care Nursing & Physiotherapy Perioperative Care Pharmacology & Toxicology Sedation & Delirium Systemic Diseases Transfusion & Haemostasis Trauma Ethics & End of Life Brain Death & Transplantation Data Science Translational Biology Rehabilitation & PICS Education (NEW) Environmental Sustainability (NEW)

Abstract Preparation Instructions

Abstracts must be in English, max 3,000 characters (incl. spaces). Title, authors and references excluded.
Images and tables allowed (max 3 figures, captions required).
Structure: Introduction, Objectives, Methods, Results, Conclusions, References, Grant Acknowledgment.
Tables in body text, not as images.
No previously published data. No case reports or case series.
Online submission only – no mail, fax, or email.

Review Process

Abstracts examined anonymously by the ESICM Congress Committee. Notification by end of June 2026.

Accepted abstracts presented as e-posters; a limited number selected for oral presentation. All published in ICMx Journal.

Important Notes

Submission = formal commitment to present. Failure leads to rejection at next ESICM event.
Registration fees not waived for presenting authors.
Authors responsible for spelling/grammar – no corrections made.
ESICM may publish in ICMx Journal and record presentations.
Material must not be presented elsewhere before Congress.

Key Dates

Feb 2026 – Abstracts open Mid-April 2026 – Deadline Scientific prog – under construction Educational prog – under construction

Registration

Registration & Accommodation

Registrations opening May 2026

Secure your spot early. ESICM members enjoy exclusive discounts.

Notify me

Code of Conduct

ESICM LIVES is committed to a respectful, harassment-free, inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, age, or religion.