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.
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.
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 congress also introduced new formats:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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. Personal stories of resilience, creativity, and global impact brought the congress theme to life.
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.
The award and prize winners of the I.S.P.O. 20th World Congress are:
- 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, 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” - Brian Hafner, Cody L. McDonald, Dagmar Amtmann, Geoffrey S. Balkman, Sara J. Morgan
- Best Paper & Poster Prizes: Isabella Gigante (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.
