Meet your new SOA26 programme directors
What does being Programme Director for SOA mean to you?
Ned: For me, this role is about representing the voices of our diverse intensive care community and shaping a Congress that truly reflects their needs and aspirations. I feel fortunate to build on the work of those who have gone before. Standing on the shoulders of these “SOA giants” brings inspiration, a strong sense of responsibility and, if I am honest, a dash of fear as I aim to continue the tradition of excellence while also helping the Congress to evolve.
Ema: It is a privilege to contribute to the Society through this role. The ICS plays an integral part in the development of critical care services and the associated workforce, and I am thrilled to help showcase the incredible work that takes place every day.
What is new about SOA 2026 compared to previous years?
Ned: Every SOA is special, and 2026 carries extra meaning as we celebrate its 25th anniversary. This milestone is giving us a chance to reflect on how far intensive care has come, and to look ahead to the future. What is particularly exciting this year is working closely with partners such as UKCCRG, ICNARC, and NHSBT to bring together expertise and perspectives from across the field. Alongside this, we are refreshing the abstract programme to make it even more accessible and inclusive, and expanding opportunities for hands-on learning. It’s not about being “better” than before, but about honouring the tradition built over the years, while continuing to create a Congress that belongs to the whole intensive care community.
Ema: As well as marking the 25th anniversary of SOA (which of course deserves celebrating), we are also highlighting the vital collaborations within the critical care community. Delegates will see these reflected throughout the programme in jointly delivered sessions and contributions from speakers outside the critical care specialty.
What difference do you think SOA makes to the intensive care community?
Ned: SOA is more than just a meeting. It is a space where we come together as a community, to share knowledge, challenge ideas, and celebrate achievements. It breaks down silos, bringing together clinicians, researchers, allied health professionals, and trainees to learn from one another. The conversations that begin at SOA often translate into changes in practice, collaborations across institutions, and research that shapes the future of our specialty. Most importantly, SOA helps us all remember why we do what we do: to improve the care of the critically ill.
Ema: The opportunity to network and learn with multi-disciplinary colleagues on such a scale is invaluable. SOA is a key date in the diary where clinicians, researchers and academics come together and share knowledge and skills (and of course have a good boogie during the well-earned social).
How would you encourage colleagues in the intensive care community to get involved in SOA 2026?
Ned: My message is simple: SOA belongs to you. Whether you are a student attending for the first time, a seasoned consultant, a nurse, a physiotherapist, or a scientist, your voice matters. Get involved by submitting an abstract, joining a workshop, presenting your work, or simply coming to listen and contribute to the discussions. Even if you are not presenting, the conversations you have, the networks you build, and the inspiration you take home are invaluable. SOA works best when it reflects the whole community… And we want everyone to feel part of it.
Ema: There are many ways to contribute to SOA. We offer multiple abstract submission options (you don’t need to have completed a large RCT!) that allow you to showcase and share the important work being done in your own centre. If submitting an abstract still feels a little daunting, there are plenty of other ways to get involved during the congress. Delegates can take part in Q&A sessions, engage with our trade sponsors, join hands-on masterclasses, and connect with colleagues during ‘Meet the PAG’ sessions. There truly is something for everyone.
Ned Gilbert-Kawai is Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthetic Consultant at Royal Liverpool Hospital; Ema Swingwood is Consultant Physiotherapist in Critical Care at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.