I.S.P.O. 20th World Congress 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden
Shaping futures, sharing knowledge: I.S.P.O. 20th World Congress 2025 celebrates innovation, inclusion and the next generation
From 16 to 19 June 2025, Stockholm welcomed 3,200 participants from more than 100 countries and a wide range of professions in the field of prosthetics, orthotics and mobility assistive devices. The guiding theme was: “Science in Practice, Practice in Science: Collaboration and innovation towards sustainable rehabilitation.” Sparking discussions on best practices, with a focus on driving sustainable rehabilitation was aimed. At the heart of the World Congress lies a commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Over four days, the I.S.P.O. World Congress offered more than 150 sessions featuring over 500 speakers, including high-impact keynotes, symposia, instructional courses, workshops, free paper and poster presentations. The scientific programme reflected the full spectrum of the field — from neurotechnology and AI to low-resource solutions and inclusive design. Sessions explored current trends such as digital transformation, global standards in modern treatment and care, and sustainable orthopaedic practice. Thematic symposia encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue and showcased the latest research in rehabilitation, assistive technology, and clinical innovation.
The congress also introduced new formats to highlight early-career talent and practical fabrication expertise. The Fika & Get-together for early-career professionals and the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) student competition primarily attracted students and early career professionals but was also enthusiastically received by all participants. A strong student presence during the entire congress, either by contributing to the programme, volunteering to ensure a smooth congress or to attend and network, reflected the society’s commitment to fostering future leaders in the field. Another innovation in the programme in the field of fabrication arts was the technical track. Demonstration and hands-on fabrication instruction were an essential part of this session format, which was enthusiastically received by many participants.
In parallel, the international exhibition featured 192 exhibitors from 33 countries, showcasing cutting-edge technology across prosthetics, orthotics, digital manufacturing, robotics, and rehabilitation equipment. The start-up area emerged as a highlight, spotlighting next-generation ideas and entrepreneurship in assistive technology with 25 participating companies. That was the largest number of young innovators that have ever participated at an ISPO World Congress.
A warm welcome from the host country
Set against the backdrop of Swedish midsummer, Stockholm became part of the I.S.P.O. experience: The World Congress was honoured to welcome Acko Ankarberg Johansson, Sweden’s Minister for Health Care, for the official Opening Ceremony. At the Welcome Reception, traditional dancing brought the spirit of Midsommar into the exhibition hall. Another highlight was the City Hall Reception, generously hosted by the City and Region of Stockholm, held in the iconic venue of the Nobel Prize banquet. A city full of light, tradition, and openness – the perfect stage for a future-focused global congress.
Spotlight on sustainability, inclusion, and the next generation
For four full days, the congress emphasised collaboration and sustainability in modern treatment and care. “This World Congress has shown how science, innovation and the lived experience must go hand in hand if we want to create a truly inclusive future,” said David Constantine, outgoing ISPO President, in his closing remarks. “It’s been a privilege to see so many brilliant minds, passionate professionals, and emerging talents come together in Stockholm.”
Stories that move: Human experience at the heart of innovation
Behind every lecture and exhibit stood a powerful reminder: Assistive technology is not just about technical developments, it’s about improving user experience, function, freedom and independence. The I.S.P.O. World Congress 2025 gave space to the voices and experiences of those who live with these innovations every day. From Christoffer Lindhe’s IC2A Inspirational Lecture to the presence of individuals like Kenth Ringström, Lara Wilkin and Subhash Sinha, personal stories of resilience, creativity, and global impact brought the congress theme to life. Their journeys reminded all participants that inclusive design, effective care, and sustainable solutions must begin with the lived experience – and that people should be at the centre of every innovation.
Honouring excellence
As every two years, the congress was also an occasion to recognise and honour outstanding achievements in the world of prosthetics, orthotics, wheelchairs, assistive devices, rehabilitation engineering:
- Knud Jansen Lecture: Ritu Ghosh
- IC2A Inspirational Lecture: Christoffer Lindhe
- Forchheimer Prize: „Amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremity: The 2020 Dutch evidence-based multidisciplinary guideline” - Behrouz Fard, Saskia Persoon, Paul C. Jutte, Jan-Willem H.C. Daemen, D-A A. Lamprou, Werner Ten Hoope, Erik Prinsen, Han Houdijk, Jeroen Olsman, Tobias Holling, P.P.R. Heike, Ernst Schrier, Nadine Donders, Johan S. Rietman, Jan H.B. Geertzen
- Sepp Heim Award: Christian Schlierf, Founder and CEO of Human Study, was honoured for his outstanding contributions to prosthetics and orthotics education in less-resourced settings.
- Brian and Joyce Blatchford Team Prize for Innovation: “State-of-the-art instruments for measuring orthotic and prosthetic outcomes” - Prof. Brian Hafner (Leader), Prof. Cody L. McDonald, Prof. Dagmar Amtmann, Prof. Geoffrey S. Balkman, Prof. Sara J. Morgan
- Best Paper & Poster Prizes: Isabella Gigante (3 Minute Thesis (3MT) student competition), Samantha Rozevink (Advancing clinical treatment), Thomas Schmalz (Advancing P&O), Aditya Dhariwal (Sustainability), Rosa Fojut (Best poster)
Strengthening the ISPO community
Beyond knowledge exchange, the congress further reinforced ISPO’s role as a platform for global dialogue, education, and inclusive innovation. With members in over 100 countries and growing interdisciplinary engagement, the society continues to strengthen its commitment to equitable care and lifelong learning in prosthetics and orthotics.
A symbolic highlight of the final day was the presidential handover from David Constantine (UK) to Sandra Ramdial (Canada) — marking a new chapter in ISPO’s global leadership. “This is a time to listen, connect and act together – across disciplines and borders,” said Sandra Ramdial in her first public remarks as ISPO President. “The diversity and openness at this World Congress give me great hope for the future of global rehabilitation.” Under her guidance, ISPO aims to further expand its initiatives in education, accessibility, and sustainable development of rehabilitation services worldwide. The society is always open to new members and collaborative partnerships. Everybody is welcome.
