WCI 2027 — Scientific Program
From fundamental mechanisms to translational breakthroughs — three days of expert-curated science spanning basic research to clinical practice.
Four Scientific Tracks
Basic Science
Fundamental research in itch neurobiology, molecular mechanisms, sensory neuroscience, and animal models.
Clinical Practice
Evidence-based diagnosis, management strategies, case studies, and clinical guidelines for chronic pruritus.
Translational
Bridging the gap from preclinical discovery to human applications and therapeutic validation.
Industry Sessions
Pharmaceutical innovations, drug pipelines, regulatory updates, and sponsored educational symposia.
Day-by-Day Program
Delegate Registration & Networking Breakfast
Welcome delegates and informal networking breakfast in the foyer.
Opening Ceremony & Welcome Address
IFSI President · Congress Chairs · Local Hosts
Keynote Lecture: Frontiers of Itch Science
Chair: Prof. David Kim · Speaker: Dr. Anna Müller, University of Heidelberg
Coffee Break & Exhibition Visit
Industry exhibition open. Dedicated time with scientific poster boards.
Neurobiology of Itch — Molecular & Cellular Mechanisms
Four rapid presentations on itch-specific neuronal circuits, TRP channels, and spinal processing.
Lunch Break & Sponsored Satellite Symposium
Optional satellite on targeted monoclonal antibody therapies in AD-associated pruritus.
Parallel Sessions — Track A & Track B
Track A: Inflammatory pathways in atopic dermatitis
Track B: Itch in systemic disease (renal, hepatic, haematological)
Industry-Sponsored Symposia
Educational sessions by WCI Platinum Sponsors on pipeline drugs and real-world evidence.
Welcome Reception
Networking reception in the Congress Centrum atrium. All delegates welcome.
State-of-the-Art Lecture: Chronic Itch — What We Know in 2025
Chair: Dr. Maria Gonzalez · Speaker: Prof. Kenji Tanaka, Tokyo Medical University
New Treatment Concepts in Chronic Itch
Biologics, JAK inhibitors, and novel receptor-targeted approaches.
Speakers: Dr. Anna Müller · Dr. Maria Gonzalez
Interactive Case-Based Sessions
Expert panel discussions on complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Guided Poster Session — Batch A
Over 80 poster presentations with author-guided tours.
Panel Discussion: Future Priorities in Chronic Pruritus Research
Multi-expert panel exploring unmet needs and global collaboration opportunities.
Congress Gala Dinner
Annual congress dinner in historic Heidelberg. By invitation / separate registration.
Emerging Therapies — Biologics, Small Molecules & Beyond
Latest phase III trial readouts and FDA/EMA regulatory updates.
Experimental Research Symposium
Novel preclinical and translational findings across rodent models, organoids, and human tissue.
Guided Poster Session — Batch B
Second poster tour featuring oral abstract competition finalists.
Young Investigator Award Session
Top three early-career researchers present their prizewinning research. Award ceremony follows.
Future of Itch Science — Collaborative Research Roadmap
Panel defining priorities for the next decade of itch research and global collaboration.
Closing Ceremony, Awards & WCI 2027 Announcement
Closing address, recognition of outstanding contributions, and next WCI location announcement.
New Treatment Concepts
in Chronic Itch
Exploring emerging therapeutic strategies — biologics, targeted therapies, and novel clinical approaches translating bench discoveries directly to bedside practice.
Featured Speakers
Dr. Anna Müller
University of Heidelberg
Neuroimmune Pathways in Chronic Itch
Prof. David Kim
Harvard Medical School
Advances in Targeted Therapies
Dr. Maria Gonzalez
Clinical Research Institute
Patient-Centered Treatment Models
Prof. Kenji Tanaka
Tokyo Medical University
Translational Itch Research
WCI 2027 Faculty
120+ confirmed speakers · Full list available in the congress app from August 2027
Present on the
World Stage
Submit your abstract and join the world's leading itch scientists on the WCI 2027 platform.
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