Letter of welcome
Welcome to PSSA 2026
Dear colleagues, guest speakers, delegates, and valued partners,
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we welcome you to the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Physiological Society of Southern Africa (PSSA). On behalf of the Local Organising Committee, it is an honour to invite you to join us for the PSSA Conference 2026, hosted from the Jacaranda City of Pretoria. We will bring together leading researchers, academics, healthcare professionals, students, industry partners, and innovators from South Africa and across the globe.
The theme of the PSSA Conference 2026 is “Physiology: Integrating Science for Sustainable Health Solutions.” This theme reflects the evolving role of physiology in understanding complex biological systems and translating scientific knowledge into meaningful solutions for current and future health challenges. Our vision is to create a platform where new ideas, innovative research, and interdisciplinary collaboration inspire everyone to participate in advancing health and wellbeing.
The conference aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, recognising the important contribution that physiological research, education, and innovation make towards improving human health. The conference will provide an opportunity for national and international experts to share advances in physiology and related disciplines, while creating space for meaningful discussion, collaboration, networking, and the development of future partnerships.
The 2026 PSSA Conference will be delivered as a dynamic hybrid event from 4–6 October 2026. The cocktail function takes place on 4 October, followed by the hybrid scientific programme on 5–6 October. Researchers, practitioners, and students can combine online access with one or both Pretoria contact days. This flexible format maximises accessibility while fostering meaningful scientific engagement, collaboration, and networking across online and face-to-face platforms.
The scientific programme will explore a wide range of exciting and relevant areas in physiology, including neuroscience, mental health and psychophysiology; non-communicable diseases and chronic conditions; cardiovascular, renal and respiratory disorders; endocrine disorders, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome; cancer biology and novel therapies; cell and molecular physiology; infectious diseases and vaccine physiology; occupational, environmental and public health; reproductive, maternal and sexual health; exercise and sports physiology; physiology education and innovation; precision physiology, multi-omics and personalised medicine; ethics, bias and data privacy in physiological artificial intelligence; generative AI for physiology education, training and scientific communication; AI in physiology research; applied physiology and emerging frontiers in health sciences; drug discovery and alternative medicine; and advanced imaging techniques.
We warmly invite researchers, students, healthcare professionals, educators, organisations, and industry partners to be part of this exciting scientific event. Your participation, contribution, and support will help us create a conference experience that celebrates scientific excellence, encourages innovation, strengthens collaboration, and inspires the next generation of physiologists.
Further information regarding conference registration, abstract submission, the scientific programme, keynote speakers, student opportunities, conference access, and other important arrangements will be communicated through the official conference channels as the Local Organising Committee finalises the conference programme and logistics.
We look forward to welcoming you to the PSSA Conference 2026 and to creating a memorable and impactful scientific experience together.
