Four days of exploration and collaboration begin today as the 2026 Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) gets underway in New Orleans, Louisiana. Throughout the meeting, a diverse faculty will share cutting-edge concepts in diabetes in symposia, panel discussions, debates, and other session formats, including Ask the Experts, professional interest groups, professional development, and poster sessions.
“The ADA is committed to listening to attendees and staying innovative,” said Scientific Sessions Planning Committee Chair Mark A. Atkinson, PhD. “This includes bringing fresh and younger voices into the program and prioritizing diverse speakers, including early-career investigators and new members of the community.”
The Scientific Sessions is the premier diabetes conference of the year.
“Attendees can expect a comprehensive and immersive experience that highlights the latest advances across the full spectrum of diabetes research and care,” said Rita R. Kalyani, MD, MHS, the ADA’s Chief Scientific and Medical Officer. “The 2026 Scientific Sessions will showcase cutting-edge science, late-breaking discoveries, interactive educational programming, and exceptional opportunities for collaboration and professional connection.”
The dynamic program developed by this year’s Scientific Sessions Planning Committee is packed with scientific insights, clinical innovation, networking channels, and more for researchers and healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the prevention, treatment, care, and the long-sought cure for diabetes. Opportunities for learning and engagement abound for attendees at all stages of their careers.
“Research is the cornerstone of advancing the mission of the ADA,” Dr. Kalyani said. “While we have made significant progress, there is still much left to discover about diabetes. By supporting early-career investigators, fostering the next generation of leaders, and funding investigator-initiated research, we aim to drive scientific discoveries that will advance care and treatment for people living with diabetes. The annual Scientific Sessions is an opportunity for investigators to share findings in research and debate hot topics in diabetes and obesity care.”
The Scientific Sessions app and Online Planner are vital conference resources to help attendees navigate their meeting experience and, importantly, create a daily individualized itinerary so they don’t miss high-priority sessions.
“There have been exciting advances in diabetes technologies and breakthroughs in stem cell-derived beta cell replacement and precision medicine, which will be highlighted at the meeting,” Dr. Kalyani said. “Other hot topics in this year’s program include emerging science and treatment of type 1 diabetes, therapeutic advances in type 2 diabetes, obesity development and mechanisms, global approaches to diabetes education, nutrition and weight management, and prevention of diabetes and its complications.” The results of numerous late-breaking trials will be presented for the first time at this year’s Scientific Sessions.
The meeting will open on Friday, June 5 with Welcome to the 2026 ADA Scientific Sessions: Keynote Address by Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD & ‘Pathway to Stop Diabetes’ Symposium. Jayanta Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will discuss the NIH’s vision for transforming diabetes research in the next generation. The session, from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in Hall F of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, will be one of five special lectures and addresses. The others include:
June 6
June 7
- President, Medicine & Science Address and Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement Award Lecture
- Kelly West Award for Outstanding Achievement in Epidemiology Lecture
June 8
On-site registration is open at the convention center through Monday, June 8. Full in-person registration includes on-demand access to recorded sessions from June 10–August 10. Registration with on-demand-only access is available for those unable to travel to New Orleans. Corporate Symposia and Exhibit Hall offerings are available only at the in-person conference.
“The Scientific Sessions brings the full diabetes research community together around a shared purpose—turning discovery into impact,” said Marlon Pragnell, PhD, the ADA’s Vice President of Research and Science. “Across the meeting—from symposia and debates to oral presentations and posters—attendees can see how ideas move from basic science to translational advances, clinical trials, and real‑world implementation, and how each contribution fits into something larger. These exchanges spark new ideas, foster collaboration, and help everyone see where their work and expertise can make the greatest difference—ultimately improving the lives of people living with diabetes.”
Register Today for the 2026 Scientific Sessions
Register to join us in New Orleans June 5–8 to learn about the latest advances in diabetes research, prevention, and care. After the meeting, registered participants will have on-demand access to recorded presentations.
