Abstract submissions to the ERA Congress: what they tell us about nephrology's trajectory.

submission trends to the ERA Congress provide a valuable lens through which to observe the evolution of nephrology research and education. Analysing submissions from 2020 to 2026, we document a marked recovery following the COVID-19 disruption, culminating in a record number of abstracts for the 2026 Congress in Glasgow. Beyond volume, notable shifts have occurred in subject mix, geographic participation and reviewer scoring patterns. Chronic kidney disease and glomerular disorders now dominate submissions, reflecting major scientific advances and changing clinical priorities, while international engagement has broadened substantially. These trends suggest that the ERA Congress has entered a new phase characterised by sustained high activity rather than transient post-pandemic rebound. We discuss the implications for congress programme design, peer review, inclusiveness and future strategic planning, highlighting how abstract data can inform the direction of large scientific meetings and the nephrology community at large.