Our congress will take place from October 16-17, 2026 at the Congress Center Alpbach, Tyrol.
We are pleased to inform you that registration is now open. Register for the congress now.
The detailed programme overview includes all currently confirmed sessions, speakers, presentations, workshops, breaks and scheduled times.
The programme is continuously being expanded and updated. Subject to change.
👉 View the detailed programme overview (PDF)
The Congress will present the latest developments in the research, treatment and prevention of eating disorders and obesity. The two-day event includes lectures and workshops covering health promotion, prevention, clinical practice, diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders, as well as contributions from self-help groups, family members and people with lived experience of eating disorders.
A new Special Lecture format was introduced in 2025. In memory of Associate Professor Dr Günther Rathner, it will henceforth be named the “Günther Rathner Lecture.” We are delighted to announce Professor Stephen Touyz (University of Sydney) as the first keynote speaker to deliver the Günther Rathner Lecture.
We are delighted to announce the following internationally renowned keynote speakers for the 33rd International Eating Disorders Congress:
Prof. Dr Georgios Paslakis is Head of the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the LWL University Hospital of Ruhr University Bochum and a board member of the German Society for Eating Disorders (DGESS).
His research focuses on eating disorders and personality disorders, particularly eating disorders in boys and men. He is also involved in the development and evaluation of treatments tailored to the needs of vulnerable groups.
Keynote: Eating Disorders in Boys and Men
Prof. Jennifer J. Thomas is Co-Director of the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Her research focuses on atypical eating disorders, particularly Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). She leads several research projects funded by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health investigating the neurobiology and treatment of ARFID and is internationally recognised as one of the leading experts in this field. She is also Director of Annual Meetings at the Academy for Eating Disorders and Associate Editor of the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Keynote: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Rich Andrews is Co-Founder and CEO of Univa, a digital health company specialising in care for people with eating disorders. He previously founded the health technology company Healios in 2012. Under his leadership, Healios developed into one of the UK’s leading digital clinics for children and young people with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions and later expanded into the United States.
His work focuses on developing innovative digital care models and using new technologies to improve access to, quality of and continuity of treatment. At Univa, he develops digital, evidence-based solutions for eating disorder care, including personalised support, digital monitoring and AI-powered applications designed to support people with eating disorders, their families and treatment teams.
Keynote: The Next Frontier in Eating Disorder Care: Digital Innovation and AI
The Congress is aimed at professionals from all disciplines wishing to expand their expertise in the field of eating disorders, including general practitioners, school physicians, dentists, specialists in paediatrics and adolescent medicine, child and adolescent psychiatrists, adult psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, dietitians, occupational therapists and nursing professionals. People with lived experience of eating disorders and their family members are also warmly invited to attend.
Accreditation for continuing education credits in various professional fields has been requested for the 33rd International Eating Disorders Congress 2026.
The Austrian Association of Psychologists (BÖP) has already recognised the Congress as a continuing education and professional development event in accordance with the Austrian Psychologists Act 2013, awarding a total of 14 continuing education units (FE).
Additional accreditations are currently pending. This information will be updated regularly.
(For the previous Congress, for example, the Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy (ÖBVP) recognised the event as continuing education for psychotherapists and awarded a total of 15 training units (15 AE). The Austrian Association of Psychologists (BÖP) awarded a total of 15 continuing education units (FE), and physicians received 15 medical DFP credits.)
The aim of the congress, which will be held virtually and on-site in a hybrid format, is to present the current state of research, treatment and prevention of eating disorders and obesity and to promote scientific and clinical-therapeutic exchange. The two-day event will include presentations on clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic topics related to eating disorders, as well as presentations by support groups, family members, and eating disorder sufferers.
Abstract Submission
We are still accepting abstract submissions for the 33rd International Congress on Eating Disorders. We warmly invite researchers, clinicians, practitioners, and other professionals in the field to contribute to the scientific programme by submitting their work.
Abstracts can be submitted via our online submission form. Click here to complete the form and submit your abstract: Submit your abstract
Journey
For your journey to Alpbach, it is best to take the express train (ICE/IC/EC) to Jenbach (20 km) or Wörgl (25 km) or the regional train to Brixlegg (10 km) or Rattenberg (12 km). If you arrive by train or bus, you can take the VVT line (Regiobus) to Alpbach free of charge with your accommodation reservation confirmation from/to Jenbach, Wörgl, Brixlegg and Rattenberg train stations. On site you will receive the free Alpbachtal Card from the respective landlord. During your stay, this serves as a pass for journeys with the Regiobus and offers additional inclusive services.
Accommodation
Alpbach is a very popular holiday destination, even in late autumn! We recommend booking your accommodation as soon as you register.
Newsletter
Stay up to date and receive the latest information about the congress, program updates, and important deadlines.
Netzwerk Essstörungen
Innrain 28/8
A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
T + 43-512-57 60 26
F + 43-512-58 36 54
kongressbuero@netzwerk-essstoerungen.at
www.netzwerk-essstoerungen.at
Congress organization
Zhanna Kurumbaeva
Convenor & Chair
Dr. Karin Waldherr
Ferdinand Porsche FernFH, Wiener Neustadt; vice-president of the Austrian Society on Eating Disorders
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schüßler
Medical University Innsbruck/ MedUni Graz
Co-Convenors & Co-Chairs
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Andreas Karwautz
Medical University Vienna; president of the Austrian Society on Eating Disorders
In collaboration with:
Austrian Society for Eating Disorders (ASED)
