52nd annual congress · University of Pretoria

Physiology: integrating science for sustainable health solutions

4–6 October 2026 · Pretoria & online · One hybrid programme

A meeting place for physiological science, translational thinking and the next generation of health solutions.

Abstract Submissions Closed Register Now View Important Dates

PSSA 2026 — 52nd Annual Congress of the Physiology Society of Southern Africa, hosted by the University of Pretoria, 4–6 October 2026

Welcome to Pretoria

Where physiology connects discovery to sustainable health

The Department of Physiology at the University of Pretoria invites researchers, educators, clinicians and emerging scientists to the 52nd Annual Congress of the Physiological Society of Southern Africa.

This hybrid congress will create space for rigorous scientific exchange, new collaborations and conversations that move physiology from insight to impact.

Read the welcome

Official congress song

From Insight to Impact

Listen to the official song of the PSSA 2026 Congress.

Plan ahead

Important dates

Key milestones for submitting, presenting and attending.

Closed

Abstract submissions

Deadline was Monday, 14 September 2026

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

In-person registration deadline

General registration closes at 20:00 SAST. Delegates with accepted abstracts may register until 23:59 SAST.

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Welcome Cocktail registration deadline

Extended deadline: Registration closes at 08:00 SAST

Friday, 2 October 2026

Online registration deadline

Registration closes at 13:00 SAST

Monday, 14 September 2026

Abstract submission deadline

23:59 SAST

21 September 2026

Abstract outcome notifications

Preliminary date

1 October 2026

Presentation and poster files due

4–6 October 2026

Congress dates

Scientific programme

One discipline. Many connected systems.

The congress welcomes work across foundational, applied and translational physiology.

Neuroscience, mental health and psychophysiology

Neural systems, behaviour, mental health and psychophysiological responses.

Non-communicable diseases and chronic conditions

Mechanisms, prevention and sustainable responses to chronic disease.

Cardiovascular, renal and respiratory physiology

Integrated function and dysfunction across cardiovascular, renal and respiratory systems.

Endocrine disorders, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome

Hormonal regulation, metabolic health and endocrine disease.

Cancer biology and novel therapies

Cancer mechanisms, physiological consequences and emerging therapeutic approaches.

Cell and molecular physiology

Cell signalling, molecular mechanisms and physiological regulation.

Explore all focus areas

Infectious diseases and vaccine physiology

Host responses, immune regulation, infection and vaccine-related physiology.

Occupational, environmental and public health

Human adaptation and health across workplaces, environments and communities.

Reproductive, maternal and sexual health

Reproductive function, maternal physiology and sexual health across the life course.

Exercise and sports physiology

Adaptation, movement, performance, rehabilitation and healthy ageing.

Physiology education and innovation

Evidence-based teaching, assessment and emerging learning technologies.

Precision physiology, multi-omics and personalised medicine

Integrated omics, individual variation and personalised approaches to health.

Artificial intelligence in physiology education, research and scientific communication

Responsible AI applications across learning, discovery and research communication.

Applied physiology and emerging frontiers in health sciences

Translational physiology and new directions across the health sciences.

Drug discovery, alternative medicine and advanced imaging techniques

Therapeutic discovery, alternative approaches and innovations in physiological imaging.

Hybrid congress

Join us in Pretoria or connect online

In-person sessions will take place at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria. Online participation will be delivered through Microsoft Teams Webinar.

Plan your attendance