Welcome
Dear Colleagues, Students and Friends,
It is a pleasure and a great honor to invite you to the 20th International Photodynamic Association World Congress, which will take place in Acıbadem University in the historic and vibrant city of Istanbul, Türkiye, from July 12–16, 2027.
For two decades, the IPA World Congress serves as the main platform for advancing photodynamic therapy, photodiagnosis and all elated fields and subfields such as photoimmunotherapy, photomodulation and photocatalysis. The event is an outstanding opportunity to bring together and facilitate interactions between all partners of the community: leading clinicians, young and senior researchers, industry partners, and students, all pioneering innovations in the exceptionally rich area of photodynamics.
Istanbul, a city where East meets West, will be a spectacular location for this 20th Congress. While celebrating this significant milestone, IPA 2027 will showcase the latest breakthroughs in photodynamics, from fundamental photochemistry and photobiology to cutting-edge clinical applications and emerging technologies.
The scientific program will feature keynote lectures from world-renowned experts, specialized sessions on targeted phototherapy approaches, interactive workshops, and exciting poster sessions conceived to promote dynamic exchange of ideas across all career stages.
Fostering Global Collaboration
IPA 2027 is more than a scientific meeting—it is an opportunity to strengthen the global photodynamic community and create opportunities for meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange at all career levels.
Beyond the scientific sessions, Istanbul offers exceptional accessibility with direct flight connections from every corner of the world. This unique location, combined with the city's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking architecture, and renowned hospitality, will provide an inspiring environment for networking and building lasting professional relationships, in addition to breathtaking scenery for the social events. Acibadem university is ideally located in the Asian side of the city, nearby all accommodation and transportation facilities
We are excited to welcome you to Istanbul in July 2027 for what promises to be a landmark edition of the IPA World Congress—where scientific excellence meets cultural richness, and where the future of photodynamics continues to unfold.
With warm regards,
Acibadem University
International Photodynamic Association
SPEAKERS
Plenary Speakers
Tayyaba Hasan
Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Massachusetts General Hospital
Cristina Kurachi
University of São Paulo
Barış Karakullukcu
Netherlands Cancer Institute
Sherri A McFarland
University of Texas
Kristjan Plaetzer
University of Salzburg
Makiko Sasaki
Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences
Wang Xiuli
Tongji University
PDT School Faculty
Vanderlei S. Bagnato
University of São Paulo
IMPORTANT DATES
Registration opens · 15 October 2026
Presenting author payment deadline — oral presentations · 15 April 2027
Presenting author payment deadline — poster presentations · 15 May 2027
Abstract submission opens · 1 December 2026
Abstract submission closes — oral presentations · 1 April 2027
Abstract submission closes — poster presentations · 1 June 2027
Notification of acceptance — oral presentations · 10 April 2027
Notification of acceptance — poster presentations · Rolling basis
FEES
| Category | Super Earlyuntil 31 Jan 2027 | Early Bird1 Feb – 31 Mar 2027 | Normal1 Apr – 31 May 2027 | Late / On-sitefrom 1 Jun 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 700€ | 800€ | 900€ | 1,000€ |
| Regular — IPA Member1 | 550€ | 650€ | 750€ | 900€ |
| Early Career Researcher2 | 350€ | 450€ | 550€ | 650€ |
| Student3 | 250€ | 300€ | 350€ | 500€ |
| Invited Speaker (with code) | 270€ | 270€ | 370€ | 470€ |
| Daily | 350€ | 350€ | 350€ | 450€ |
| Accompanying4 | 150€ | 150€ | 200€ | 300€ |
| PDT School5 | 40€ | 50€ | 60€ | 70€ |
Congress registration includes congress materials, the Welcome Reception, coffee breaks and lunches, and access to all sessions.
1 IPA Member: Proof of current IPA membership is required.
2 Early Career: open to early career researchers under the age of 32 and who do not hold a permanent or tenured academic position. A letter from the supervisor and a proof of date of birth are required.
3 Students: currently enrolled in a degree programme. A valid student ID or a letter from the supervisor is required.
4 Accompanyings: Welcome Reception on the boat, coffee breaks and lunches — no access to scientific sessions.
5 PDT School: available only to registered IPA 2027 participants; places are limited.
— Accompanying and PDT School registration available only as an add-on to a participant registration, either while registering or later through your registration account.
— Rates apply according to the date payment is received, not the date of registration.
When to register and pay
Early registration is greatly appreciated — it helps us plan the congress’s limited resources and ensures a smooth welcome for you.
| 1 | RegisterClick any Register Now button — or Sign In if you have already registered or submitted an abstract. Complete the registration form and submit it. |
| 2 | Check your inboxAn automated email with your login credentials will be sent to the address you provided. |
| 3 | Pay — or book now and pay laterPayment is not required at the moment you register, but we recommend paying straight away: rates apply according to the date payment is received, not the date of registration. If you are not ready to pay, choose Book Now, Pay Later to hold a preliminary booking. |
| 4 | Manage everything from your accountUse your participant account to complete pending payments, download your invoice, add or update your abstract, accompanyings, bookings, etc. |
| Use the same email address throughoutThe registration and abstract submission forms are connected. Please use the same email address for both, so your records match. |
Questions or problems? Contact us at feryal@arber.com.tr.
Program Outline
| Time / Date | 12 JulyMonday | 13 JulyTuesday | 14 JulyWednesday | 15 JulyThursday | 16 JulyFriday | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:00 | Registration | PDT School |
Plenary | Plenary | Democracy and National Unity Day | Plenary | |
| 10:00–10:30 | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | |||
| 10:30–12:30 | Parallel Symposiums |
Parallel Symposiums |
Parallel Symposiums |
Parallel Symposiums |
|||
| 12:30–13:30 | School Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | ||
| 13:30–14:00 | Opening Ceremony | ||||||
| 14:00–15:00 | Plenary | Parallel Symposiums |
Social Program |
Industrial Symposium |
Panel | ||
| 15:00–15:30 | Coffee Break | ||||||
| 15:30–16:00 | Parallel Symposiums |
||||||
| 16:00–16:30 | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | ||||
| 16:30–17:30 | Posters | Posters | Plenary | ||||
| 17:30–18:00 | Plenary | Closing Ceremony | |||||
| 18:00–18:30 | Plenary | IPA General Assembly | |||||
| 18:30–19:00 | |||||||
| 19:00–21:00+ | Welcome Reception on Boat | IPA Board / Exec Board Dinner | Gala Dinner | ||||
Local Organizing Committee
- Dr. Fabienne Dumoulin, Chair — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
- Dr. Esat Arber — MeetingHand
- Dr. Atefeh Emami — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
- Dr. Ümit İşci — Marmara University
- Dr. Sinem Tuncel Kostakoğlu — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
- Ahmed Seyitoğlu — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
- Dilara Sipahioğlu — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
IPA Organizing Committee
- Dr. Colin Hopper, IPA President — University College London Hospitals, UK
- Dr. Luis Arnaut — University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Dr. Vanderlei Bagnato — University of São Paulo, Brazil
- Dr. Anne-Laure Bulin — French Institute of Health (Inserm), France
- Dr. Carolyn Cross — Ondine Biomedical Inc., Canada
- Dr. Vandana Grover — Secretariat, Board of Directors, IPA
- Dr. Tayyaba Hasan — Harvard Medical School, USA
- Dr. Lothar Lilge — University of Toronto, Canada
- Dr. Girgis Obaid — The University of Texas at Dallas, USA
- Dr. Xiuli Wang — Tongji University School of Medicine, China
ACCOMMODATION
Where to Stay
Close to the venue, on the Asian side of İstanbul
We are arranging accommodation for every budget around the venue: selected hotels within walking distance and rooms in the university's own dormitories on campus. Bookings will be available through the IPA 2027 registration system.
Congress Hotels COMING SOON
We are working on securing special congress rates at a selection of hotels, from a main congress hotel close to the venue to comfortable mid-range and budget options a short walk away.
Hotel details and rates will be published here, and booking through the IPA 2027 registration system will be available soon.
Acıbadem University Dormitories ON CAMPUS · LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Stay right where the congress happens. The university's dormitories are on the Kerem Aydınlar Campus, within walking distance of the session halls. They are a simple, budget-friendly option, especially suited to students and early-career researchers, and open to all participants.
ROOMS: Twin rooms, booked for single use or shared with a colleague. Women and men stay on separate floors; couples may share a room.
STANDARD: Comparable to a 3-star hotel
DATES: 4-night package, check-in 12 July, check-out 16 July 2027. Extra nights (10, 11, 16 and 17 July) are available at the same nightly rate.
RATES: 220 € single-use package (55 € per night) · €150 per person in a shared twin room (37.50 €per night)
How Booking Works
01 Book with your registration
Log in to your registration account to book your dormitory room.
02 Choose single or shared use
For a shared room, enter your roommate's full name as registered. Your roommate must also book a shared room and enter your name; otherwise, a roommate of the same gender will be assigned to you.
03 Pay online and check in on arrival
Your booking is confirmed once your payment is completed. When you arrive, simply check in at the dormitory.
Room availability is limited, and rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Questions: feryal@arber.com.tr
Good to Know
■ Stay on the Asian side. The venue is in Ataşehir. Staying near the campus or along the M8 and M4 metro lines saves you a daily Bosphorus crossing in rush-hour traffic.
■ Book early. July is peak season in İstanbul, and rooms close to the venue are limited.
■ Book only through ipa2027.org. IPA 2027 does not work with any housing agency. Please be careful if a company contacts you offering rooms for the IPA 2027 congress.
CONGRESS VENUE
Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
Kerem Aydınlar Campus, İstanbul
IPA 2027 takes place on the Asian side of İstanbul, at the Kerem Aydınlar Campus of Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University. The campus sits directly on the M8 metro line and is a single transfer from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (25 km).
Getting to the Venue
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) (closest airport)
Take the M4 metro from the airport towards Kadıköy and get off at Kozyatağı. Change to the M8 towards Parseller and ride one stop to Küçükbakkalköy. The journey takes about 45–55 minutes. A taxi covers the 25 km in about 30–45 minutes.
From İstanbul Airport (IST)
By metro: Take the M11 from the airport to Halkalı and change to the Marmaray towards Gebze. Ride under the Bosphorus to Bostancı, then take the M8 towards Parseller to Küçükbakkalköy. Allow about 2 hours. Alternatively, take the M11 to Gayrettepe, change to the M2 to Yenikapı and join the Marmaray there.
By airport bus: Take the Havaist bus to Kadıköy, then the M4 metro towards Tavşantepe to Kozyatağı, and the M8 one stop to Küçükbakkalköy. Allow 2–2.5 hours in total.
By taxi: about 60–90 minutes for the 60 km journey across the Bosphorus.
From Kadıköy
Take the M4 metro to Kozyatağı and the M8 one stop to Küçükbakkalköy, or walk about 15 minutes from Kozyatağı along Kayışdağı Caddesi. Buses 19K, 19Y, 19V, 19S, 19T and 14A from Kadıköy Pier stop right at the campus (“Acıbadem Üniversitesi” stop). Either way, the trip takes about 20–30 minutes.
From Üsküdar
Buses 11T and 320A go to the “Acıbadem Üniversitesi” stop in about 30–45 minutes.
From the European side (Taksim, Sultanahmet)
Take the Marmaray rail line under the Bosphorus to Bostancı, then the M8 towards Parseller to Küçükbakkalköy, in about 50–70 minutes. Alternatively, take a ferry to Kadıköy and continue as described above.
By car
From the D-100 (E-5) highway, follow the signs for Hal – Ataşehir and continue for about 2 km along Kayışdağı Caddesi to the campus.
Good to Know
■ Istanbulkart: one rechargeable card works on metro, Marmaray, buses and ferries. Buy and top it up at machines in any metro station; one card can pay for several people.
■ Fly into Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) if you can — it is on the Asian side, on the same metro network as the venue.
■ “Acıbadem” is also a neighbourhood in Kadıköy. Airport buses and taxis may take you there instead — always state “Acıbadem Üniversitesi, Kerem Aydınlar Kampüsü, Ataşehir”.
■ Taxis: use licensed yellow/turquoise taxis or the BiTaksi / Uber apps, and make sure the meter is running.
■ 15 July is a public holiday in Türkiye (Democracy and National Unity Day); commemorations take place across the city, so allow extra travel time that day.
Host City: İstanbul
İstanbul – Where Continents and Civilizations Meet
İstanbul, the only city in the world straddling two continents, serves as the magnificent host for the 20th International Photodynamic Association World Congress in 2027. It is a place where ancient history and modern dynamism create a unique atmosphere for global collaboration.
Strategic Location & Accessibility
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a premier global hub. Istanbul Airport (IST) offers direct flights to over 300 destinations, ensuring easy access for the international pediatric community. The city’s modern infrastructure—including an extensive metro network and iconic Bosphorus ferries—seamlessly connects historic landmarks with world-class congress centers.
A Tapestry of History
With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Istanbul has served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. This rich legacy is etched into the city’s skyline, where ancient city walls meet soaring minarets and grand palaces. Attendees will have the opportunity to walk through history in the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Sultanahmet district, reflecting a unique synthesis of cultures and faiths that has shaped the modern world.
Timeless Beauties & Vibrant Culture
The soul of the city is the Bosphorus, the legendary strait offering breathtaking views of historic fortresses and waterfront mansions. From the architectural wonders of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the vibrant energy of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is a feast for the senses. Its world-renowned hospitality and rich culinary heritage ensure an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
