ESMAC 2026 Annual Meeting

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

On behalf of the Organising Committee, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the Annual Meeting of the European Society for Movement Analysis in Adults and Children (ESMAC) 2026, taking place from 14 to 19 September 2026 in Maastricht (The Netherlands) and Hasselt (Belgium).

With the theme “Crossing Borders”, ESMAC 2026 reflects both the unique geographical setting of this year’s meeting and the core values of our scientific community. By hosting the conference across two neighbouring cities and countries, we quite literally cross geographical borders. At the same time, our scientific programme aims to transcend boundaries between disciplines, research domains, clinical practice, and technology, encouraging exchange and collaboration across fields.

We are preparing an exciting and high-quality scientific programme for a truly multidisciplinary audience. The conference will feature inspiring keynote lectures, oral and poster presentations, and focused sessions addressing both fundamental and applied aspects of movement analysis. Our keynote speakers include Dr. Eline van der Kruk and Prof. Dr. Ayman Assi, who will bring diverse perspectives spanning clinical practice, biomechanics, and inclusive research.

We are honoured to announce that the 2026 Baumann Lecture will be delivered by Andreas Kranzl, Head of the Laboratory for Gait and Movement Analysis at the Orthopädisches Spital Speising in Vienna. His work focuses on advanced clinical movement and gait analysis using three-dimensional motion capture to understand and improve movement patterns in orthopaedic and neuro-orthopaedic populations — a true embodiment of crossing boundaries between science and clinical care.

In addition to the main conference, the pre-conference ESMAC Gait Course, seminars, and symposia will offer in-depth educational opportunities. An international and multidisciplinary faculty of experts will guide participants through state-of-the-art techniques and the interpretation of movement and gait analysis for both research and clinical practice.

Maastricht and Hasselt are vibrant, welcoming cities located at the heart of Europe, known for their rich history, culinary delights, and lively cultural scenes. In Maastricht, you’ll find charming old town squares, cosy cafés, and riverside terraces along the Maas. Hasselt invites you with its boutique streets, local markets, and renowned jenever bars. When the sun sets, both cities offer a lively nightlife with a mix of bars, club venues, and relaxed spots to continue conversations and make new connections long after the scientific sessions have ended.

We hope that ESMAC 2026 will bring together scientists, physicians, physical therapists, and biomedical engineers from across Europe and beyond, creating a stimulating environment to exchange knowledge, ideas, and friendships within the ESMAC community.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to Maastricht and Hasselt for ESMAC 2026 — a conference dedicated to crossing borders in science, collaboration, and community.