26th July to 31st July 2026, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The 26th International AIDS Conference becomes the beating heart of the global HIV response. In July 2026, the 26th edition will bring thousands of scientists, healthcare professionals, policy-makers, activists, and community leaders to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
At a time when HIV funding is under pressure, health systems are being reshaped by new pandemics, and global inequalities persist, AIDS 2026 provides a vital space to share discoveries, challenge assumptions, and forge collective solutions. The conference is not only about science — it is also about equity, advocacy, and human rights, ensuring that the people most affected by HIV remain at the center of the global dialogue.
A Global Stage for HIV Dialogue
Hosting AIDS 2026 in Rio de Janeiro is more than symbolic. Brazil has a long history of leadership in HIV prevention and treatment, often cited as a model for integrating community engagement into national health programs. Bringing the conference to Latin America highlights the importance of regional perspectives in the global conversation on HIV.
The event will be held at the Riocentro Convention & Event Center, one of Brazil’s most modern and spacious venues. With state-of-the-art facilities and the energy of Rio as a backdrop, delegates can expect both scientific inspiration and cultural exchange. A hybrid format will ensure that participants around the world can join virtually, making the conference accessible far beyond those able to travel.
Key Dates for the 26th International AIDS Conference Participants
The journey to AIDS 2026 begins well before July. According to the official IAS schedule:
- November 2025: Registration, abstract submissions, scholarships, and satellite proposals open.
- January 2026: Main abstract submission deadline.
- 12 February 2026: Early registration deadline, offering reduced fees.
- May 2026: Standard registration closes.
- 9 April – 6 May 2026: Late-breaker abstract submission window.
These milestones matter because the conference is not only a place to learn, but also to present new research, propose innovative projects, and secure scholarships that make participation possible for delegates from diverse backgrounds.
Themes of the 26th International AIDS Conference
The agenda of AIDS 2026 reflects the urgency of our times. Among the themes that will shape discussions:
- Advancing HIV Science: How do we accelerate vaccine research, improve diagnostics, and expand access to long-acting treatment?
- From Evidence to Policy: Translating discoveries into effective programs and equitable policies worldwide.
- Community at the Center: Ensuring that people living with HIV, key populations, and youth have a strong voice in every discussion.
- Funding and Sustainability: Addressing shrinking budgets and ensuring HIV responses remain resilient.
- Intersectional Health: Recognizing how HIV intersects with tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and noncommunicable diseases.
- Equity and Human Rights: Tackling stigma, discrimination, and structural barriers that keep people from accessing care.
Together, these themes ensure that AIDS 2026 is not just about presenting science — it is about shaping the future of the HIV response.
How to Join
Participation is open to anyone engaged in HIV research, care, policy, or advocacy. Whether you’re presenting new findings, attending workshops, or joining the Global Village, your contribution matters.
You can register for AIDS 2026 starting in November 2025. The IAS also offers scholarship opportunities, particularly for delegates from low- and middle-income countries, to ensure diverse participation.
For those attending onsite, planning ahead is key: from securing visas to booking accommodation in Rio near the Riocentro. Virtual participants will also enjoy access to plenaries, symposia, e-posters, and networking opportunities, ensuring a truly global exchange of knowledge.
Don´t Miss Out
AIDS 2026 promises to be a pivotal moment in the global HIV response. By convening thousands of stakeholders under one roof, or connecting them virtually across continents, the conference will drive forward the fight against HIV with renewed energy. It is a unique opportunity to share science, influence policy, and strengthen the movement for health and human rights.
Whether you are a researcher, clinician, activist, or advocate, AIDS 2026 offers a platform to rethink strategies, rebuild commitment, and rise together.
Location: For more information and detailed program visit the website.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Published in GI-Mail 10/2025 (English & German edition).
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