Dear colleagues and members of the MICCAI Society,

As my three-year term as President of the MICCAI Society draws to a close, and after six rewarding years on the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on our journey, celebrate our collective achievements, and express my heartfelt gratitude to those who have contributed to the Society’s growth and success.

The past three years have been transformative for the MICCAI Society. Emerging from the challenges of a global pandemic and the shift to virtual conferences, our community has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. We successfully returned to in-person conferences, hosting three annual meetings that broke attendance records and reaffirmed the strength of our community. Beyond the flagship events, MICCAI has thrived year-round with online webinars, mentorship initiatives, endorsed events, and a constantly active and bustling job board. Three new Special Interest Groups have been created —reflecting the vibrant and dynamic nature of our Society.

Inclusivity and diversity have been central to our mission. The MICCAI Society has actively promoted fairness, social responsibility, and geographic representation. We have doubled the funding of travel grants to support broader participation and, for the first time, hosted the MICCAI conference on the African continent. This historic event marked a milestone with unprecedented participation from researchers in the region and underscored the Society’s commitment to health equity and global engagement.

The Board remains committed to refining and optimizing the MICCAI Society’s operations, streamlining key processes such as conference bidding, organizational workflows, and code of conduct and ethics case management. Revamping the Awards program and other initiatives, we strive to ensure these efforts align with the evolving priorities of our multidisciplinary community. This work reflects our commitment to the highest standards of excellence and relevance.

As a leading authority in medical image processing and computer-aided interventions, the MICCAI Society continues to play a pivotal role in advancing scientific, technical, and clinical innovation. The unity and diversity of our themes are essential to this success, and I sincerely hope we will continue to nurture them. Maintaining a strong presence for both medical image computing (MIC) and computer-aided interventions (CAI) is crucial, as their complementarity not only defines our unique identity but also drives the innovation that makes our Society a global leader. I am confident that the Society will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.

I owe immense gratitude to the many individuals whose dedication and hard work constantly push the Society forward. To my fellow Board members (current and past), it has been an honor to collaborate with you during my term. To our past president Prof. Leo Joskowicz, thank you for your invaluable guidance. To our executive team, honorary officers, administrative and technical staff, your unwavering support and leadership have been instrumental. My sincere thanks also extend to the general chairs, program chairs, organizing teams, and our groups—MSB, WiM, RISE, and SIGs— whose tireless dedication and innovative initiatives continue to inspire and elevate our community. Finally, to our professional conference organizer, Dekon Group. Your professionalism and service have brought our annual conferences to the next level.

As I pass the torch, I extend my warmest welcome to Prof. Marius Linguraru as the incoming President of the MICCAI Board. I am confident that under his leadership, the MICCAI Society will reach new heights and continue to serve as a beacon of excellence in our field.

Thank you all for the privilege of serving as your President. It has been an honor to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of this incredible community.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Caroline Essert