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Welcome Message 

On behalf of the International Mass Spectrometry Foundation (IMSF), we are pleased to welcome you to the 26th International Mass Spectrometry Conference (IMSC), to be held in Lyon, France, from 22 to 28 August 2026. This edition is jointly organised by the French Society for Mass Spectrometry (SFSM) and the SFSM Youth Club, the German Society for Mass Spectrometry (DGMS) and the DGMS Young Scientists Group, and the Swiss Group for Mass Spectrometry (SGMS). 

Previous successful editions of the IMSC Congress have been organised by the SFSM, DGMS and SGMS, including Bordeaux 1988, Bremen 2009 and Geneva 2014. The DGMS and SFSM also co-organised the EMSC2018 in Saarbrücken, and each national society has a tradition of organising annual national or joint meetings. In Lyon, participants can enjoy culture and leisure activities, such as the ruins of the city’s Roman foundation and the highlights of French gastronomy. The city is served by an international airport, three high-speed train stations and has plenty of accommodation.

The scientific programme is divided into 5 themes and will cover a wide range of topics on the present and future of mass spectrometry, including :

  • Fundamentals, Instrumentation and Data
  • Life Sciences, Health, Food and Pharmaceuticals
  • Chemistry and Materials
  • Environment, Resources and Energy
  • Grand Challenges and Opportunities

Pre-conference courses and evening workshops will complement the scientific programme, offering a wide range of scientific, technical and professional development opportunities.

The all-in-one congress centre will provide large spaces for vendor sessions, seminar lunches, innovation talks, exhibitions and poster sessions, and will be able to accommodate well over 1500 participants. All stakeholders in the organisation are committed to promoting respect for people and the environment as a core value of IMSC2026. The Conference Chair is the Director of the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity at the University of Lyon. The Scientific Committee will pay particular attention to a broad and fair representation of our community in the selection of communications. The City of Lyon, the Convention Bureau and MCI France are committed to eco-responsibility, with concrete actions and tools for organising an eco-responsible event.

Welcome to Lyon, the “capital of the Gauls”

Nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon combines a rich history and vibrant culture, accessibility, and world-renowned cuisine to offer an unprecedented experience for all IMSC 2026 attendees.

Rich History and Culture

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site by exploring the Vieux Lyon’s cobblestone streets, Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic city views. The Presqu’île district offers premium options for shopping, museums, and theaters for endless entertainment.

Easy Accessibility

Lyon is centrally located in Europe and easily accessible from major cities worldwide. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is connected to numerous international destinations. The city’s efficient public transportation system includes trams, buses, and metro, ensures smooth and sustainable travel options within Lyon. High-speed trains (TGV) connect Lyon to Paris in just two hours with more than 50 rotations every day.

Gourmet Capital of France

Lyon is the gourmet capital of France and is famous for its culinary scene. Enjoy traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at typical intimate restaurants, called “bouchons” as well as Michelin-starred restaurants. Visit the “Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse” market to savor local specialties and meet top artisans and chefs.

Unique Experiences

After the conference sessions, enjoy Lyon’s unique experiences: cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, explore vibrant markets, visit the Old Lyon and other typical areas of “Lugdunum”, the modern district of La Confluence, or relax in the Parc de la Tête d'Or, one of Europe’s largest urban parks. Nearby, the Beaujolais and Rhône wine regions offer exquisite wine-tasting tours.

Ideal Congress Venue

Lyon is the second French congresses destination after Paris and offers state-of-the-art conference facilities including the modern Lyon Convention Centre, part of the “Cité Internationale” complex, equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure a successful event.

Join us from 22 to 28 August 2026 for an unforgettable 26th International Mass Spectrometry Conference - IMSC 2026 in Lyon, where academic and professional excellence meets cultural richness and gourmet delights.

We look forward to welcoming you in Lyon!