Welcome Notes

Ladies and gentlemen, 
Dear colleagues, 
Esteemed industry partners, 

The Annual meeting of the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery e. V. is being held for the first time in the Swabian city on the Danube, under the congress motto ‘Fascination Head and Neck Surgery’.

Our field has been and continues to be driven by surgical expertise and developments. The focus is on the challenges of outpatient care. This includes issues of quality assurance and financing. Disruptive developments, such as the use of robotics and artificial intelligence, are also addressed. These topics are not only covered in the keynote speeches, but are also presented and discussed throughout by national and international experts. A particular concern is to take into account topics that are relevant to both clinical and practising colleagues. This is achieved through a broad range of topics in the form of round-table discussions, free lectures, satellite symposia, seminars and ‘visual abstracts’. Technically, we will create real ‘silent rooms’ next to the large stages to ensure perfect acoustics even in large exhibition halls.

In the industry exhibition, you will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the latest developments in medical device technology, pharmacotherapy and the software industry. Contacts with various self-help groups can also be cultivated here.

In addition, the German Academy of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology e. V. has put together a varied programme – from practical (surgical) courses to tips and tricks, for example in emergency triage or balance diagnostics, to genetic counselling – this should appeal not only to younger colleagues...

Ulm, located near the Alps, captivates visitors with its charming atmosphere and diverse opportunities. The city and its surroundings invite you to explore nature, discover cultural highlights and enjoy a relaxing time together. On behalf of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery e. V., I cordially invite you to the annual meeting in May 2026 and look forward to scientific, practical-clinical and at the same time convivial days.

Welcome to Ulm!  

Yours sincerely
Prof Dr Thomas K. Hoffmann
President DGHNO-KHC

Dear ladies and gentlemen,
Dear participants,
Dear colleagues

On behalf of the Medical Faculty of Ulm University, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this year's Annual Meeting of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery e. V. in Ulm for the first time.

The intensive exchange and synergies between research and patient care are a prerequisite and a key driver for innovation and progress in medicine. Head and Neck surgery stands for precision, interdisciplinary cooperation and human closeness like no other medical speciality. The close anatomical and functional connection of this highly sensitive and complex region requires not only surgical expertise, but also a deep understanding of the patient's quality of life and individuality.

I am convinced that the encounters, discussions and impulses of the coming days will not only enrich the speciality of ENT medicine, but also strengthen cooperation across specialist and institutional boundaries.

It is a special honour for Ulm University Medicine to host this conference. Our Faculty of Medicine attaches great importance to research-led teaching, interdisciplinarity and the consistent promotion of young scientists - this is the only way we can jointly create an environment in which innovation, clinical excellence and scientific curiosity can flourish. Events such as this congress make an indispensable contribution to this - through lively dialogue, critical reflection and encounters between experience and the next generation.

‘Fascination of Head and Neck Surgery’ - this is the motto under which respected national and international specialists, renowned scientists and inquisitive young talents will gather in Ulm to discuss the current state of research and future prospects.

I wish all participants inspiring presentations, enriching discussions and new food for thought for research and clinical practice.

Best wishes for a successful conference

Prof Dr Thomas Wirth
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
University of Ulm

Dear conference participants,

On behalf of Ulm University Hospital, I would like to welcome you to our traditional yet forward-looking city of science. It is an honour for us to host the 97th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery e. V.

The main theme of this meeting, ‘The Fascination of Head and Neck Surgery,’ highlights the outstanding position and innovative strength of your field. It describes the impressive complexity and precision required in your work, which ranges from microsurgical interventions to extensive reconstructive procedures.

The fascination with head and neck surgery stems not least from the rapid development and integration of state-of-the-art technologies and research approaches. Modern visualisation techniques and topics such as robotics are already revolutionising surgical procedures in ENT and head and neck surgery by raising precision and patient safety to a new level. At the same time, advancing digitalisation, including artificial intelligence, is enabling the optimisation of diagnostics, therapy and aftercare. Networking, for example in leading oncology centres such as the National Centres for Tumour Diseases (NCT), enables closely integrated translational research – from basic research to clinical application – and opens up entirely new perspectives for personalised therapeutic approaches and the fight against complex diseases in the head and neck area. This constant drive for innovation is the engine of medical progress and ensures high-quality patient care.

The current hospital reform presents us all with further significant challenges. In phases of structural adjustments and the redesign of the hospital landscape, it is of utmost importance to emphatically highlight the unique relevance of highly specialised fields such as head and neck surgery. Your field, characterised by complex procedures and pioneering therapeutic methods, is of crucial importance for ensuring comprehensive care at the highest level. The ‘Fascination of Head and Neck Surgery’ thus also serves as a strong plea for the continuous promotion of excellent medicine and the creation of conditions that will enable the provision of such highly specialised services in the future for the benefit of patients.

I would like to express my special thanks to Prof. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann, Medical Director of the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Ulm University Hospital. His extraordinary commitment as Society and Congress President has made this 97th Annual Meeting possible.
I wish you all a successful conference and hope you gain valuable new insights for your professional work. May the discussions and presentations inspire you in your daily practice.

With kind regards
Prof. Dr. Udo X. Kaisers 

Dear conference participants,

Ulm is delighted to be hosting the annual meeting for the first time in 2026. As a leading international location for science and research, Albert Einstein's birthplace stands for excellent medical quality, care and innovation. The University Hospital offers first-class university medicine. The Bundeswehr hospital serves the health of people in Ulm and worldwide at the highest level. The ENT practices also perform their indispensable work on a daily basis. Local high-performance medical technology and pharmaceutical companies develop and manufacture products for treatment and therapy.

The German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery e. V. has set itself the goal of promoting its field both scientifically and practically. This is an important and central task. There is no doubt that doctors, nurses and everyone working in the healthcare sector make an essential contribution to our society. They face challenges, but also opportunities and possibilities. The annual meeting offers a great platform to exchange ideas and tackle the future.

I would like to thank the society and Prof. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann, Congress President and Director of the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Ulm University Hospital, for their tremendous commitment. I wish all participants a pleasant stay with exciting exchanges and new insights. I invite you to get to know the different sides of Ulm during your visit. This definitely includes a visit to Ulm Minster. Right next to the exhibition grounds is the extensive Friedrichsau park with the Danube. Ulm also has a lot to offer culturally, including Germany's oldest municipal theatre and numerous museums. In terms of cuisine, you will find everything your heart desires, from home-style cooking to international cuisine and top-class gastronomy. Welcome to Ulm!

With kind regards
Martin Ansbacher
Mayor of the City of Ulm