Conference Program
Thursday, August 27th
09:00 – 17:00
Please note that the scientific program officially begins at 09:00 in the Auditorium. The Grand Café (1st floor H’Art Museum) opens for conference delegates from 08:30 onwards.
Abstract numbers will become clickable a few days before the conference, when the online Conference Abstract Book is published and made publicly available.
Presentation slides and conference recordings will be released in phases after the conference. PDF and Vimeo icons that are greyed out or not clickable indicate that the content is not yet available.
Access to presentation slides and conference recordings is included for all registered in-person attendees (Early Career, Regular and Industry registrations) and Video On Demand purchasers.
Video on Demand packages will become available shortly, allowing structured online access to conference recordings after the event.
Auditorium
09:00–10:00
Chair: Jos Bosch
Thu 27 Aug
09:00
60 min
Auditorium
Plenary 2 — Post-Acute Infection Syndromes (PAIS) and ME/CFS: Bridging Clinical Phenotypes and Immune Dysregulation
This presentation will explore how clinical phenotyping and immune profiling can improve patient stratification in PAIS and ME/CFS. Recent insights into immune dysregulation, disease heterogeneity, and potential biomarkers will be presented, highlighting opportunities and challenges for precision medicine, diagnosis, and the development of targeted therapeutic approaches.
Eva Untersmayr | Medical Specialist in Immunology – Head of Gastrointestinal Immunology Research Group
Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
10:00
30 min
Coffee, Tea & Water break + Poster Presentations
Grand Café (1st floor H’Art Museum)
10:30 – 12:00 · Parallel Sessions
Parallel Session 1A — Immune & Inflammatory Drivers
Auditorium
10:30–12:00
Chair: Mark Faghy
Thu 27 Aug
10:30
25 min
Auditorium
Biomedical Track
Immune correlates of Long COVID
Where do we currently stand in our understanding of the immunology of Long COVID? Drawing on findings from his own laboratory and the wider scientific field, Professor Altmann will examine the immune mechanisms underlying Long COVID and discuss how these insights should shape the design of future clinical trials.
Daniel Altmann | Professor of Immunology
Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Thu 27 Aug
11:00
15 min
Auditorium
Biomedical Track
Immune dysregulation in Long COVID
I will discuss the results of the immune characterization of our DECI-LOCO cohort. In this ongoing study, patients with a short (<12 months) and longer (>24 months) disease duration were included in 12/2023 and 01/2024 and followed longitudinally. At inclusion, all patients had PEM, severe fatigue and a median residual functioning of 25-35%. Our results suggest an overall more anti-inflammatory phenotype in patients, with a few exceptions in specific immune populations.
Odilia Corneth | Principal Investigator Department of Pulmonology
Erasmus MC Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Thu 27 Aug
11:20
10 min
Abstract #104
Auditorium
BIOMEDICAL Track
Decoding Pain in Long COVID: Sensory Neurons as Targets of Pathogenic IgG
Persistent pain is a common but poorly understood symptom of Long COVID. This presentation examines how patient-derived IgG antibodies interact with peripheral sensory neurons and what this may reveal about the immune mechanisms driving chronic pain.
Margaux Mignolet | PhD Student in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
URPHYM, Narilis, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
Thu 27 Aug
11:34
10 min
Abstract #185
Auditorium
Biomedical Track
Meta genome-wide association study of ME/CFS highlights 12 risk loci
This presentation presents the largest genetic study of ME/CFS to date, involving more than 46,000 patients worldwide. The research identifies new genetic risk factors associated with ME/CFS, providing important insights into the biological pathways involved in the disease and paving the way for improved diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies.
Martin Broberg | Senior Researcher
University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Thu 27 Aug
11:48
10 min
Abstract #73
Auditorium
Biomedical Track
Association Between HHV-6 Reactivation Signatures and Monocyte Dysregulation in Long COVID
This presentation investigates whether the reactivation of latent herpesviruses contributes to the development of Long COVID. By combining advanced genomic and immune profiling techniques, the study identifies persistent viral signaling and immune dysfunction, providing new evidence that herpesvirus reactivation may play a key role in the biological mechanisms underlying Long COVID and highlighting potential new therapeutic targets.
Laszlo Groh | Postdoctoral Researcher
Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Parallel Session 1B — Diagnostic Pathways & Clinical Phenotyping
Church Hall
10:30–12:00
Chairs: Michele van Vugt and Peter Novak
Thu 27 Aug
10:30
25 min
Church Hall
Clinical Track
Insights from STIMULATE ICP study and UK NHS experience in configuring future-proof clinical services for post-infection conditions
Presentation description will follow soon.
Melissa Heightman | Consultant Integrated Respiratory Physician and Clinical Director for Integration and Population Health
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
Thu 27 Aug
11:00
15 min
Church Hall
Clinical Track
Clinical experiences of the Dutch Post-COVID Academic Centers of Expertise (D-PACE); clinical phenotypes
During the session the experience of the Dutch Post-COVID Academic Centers of Expertise (D-PACE) in which over 1000 patients have been phenotyped and treated according to a structured care pathway.
Melvin Lafeber | Internist – Specialist in Vascular Medicine and Clinical Pharmacologist
Erasmus MC Rotterdam
Thu 27 Aug
11:20
10 min
Abstract #158
Church Hall
Clinical Track
Multi-layered immune profiling reveals treatment-relevant endotypes in Long Covid-ME/CFS
This presentation explores the biological diversity of Long COVID–associated ME/CFS by identifying distinct immune subtypes that may explain why patients respond differently to treatment. Using advanced immune profiling and machine learning, the study reveals unique autoimmune and inflammatory signatures, paving the way for biomarker-guided diagnosis and more personalized therapeutic approaches.
Lucas Arendholz | Postdoctoral Researcher in Translational Immunology
Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
Thu 27 Aug
11:34
10 min
Abstract #150
Church Hall
Clinical Track
Joining forces of symptoms and the epigenome: a comprehensive characterization of ME/CFS and fibromyalgia
This presentation investigates how epigenetic changes may contribute to the biological mechanisms underlying ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. By analyzing DNA methylation patterns in immune cells, the study identifies distinct molecular signatures linked to post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction, and overall symptom burden, providing new insights into disease biology and potential biomarkers for more precise diagnosis.
Jolien Hendrix | FWO PhD Fellow and Science Communicator
Vrije Universiteit Brussel and KU Leuven
Thu 27 Aug
11:48
10 min
Abstract #48
Church Hall
Clinical Track
Identification of biomarkers for post-COVID-19 condition in paired pre- and post-infection samples from nationwide population cohorts
This presentation explores biomarkers that may help predict who develops Post-COVID Condition and improve its diagnosis. Using blood samples collected before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection from two large Dutch population cohorts, the study identifies biological changes associated with persistent fatigue, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and the development of earlier, more personalized diagnosis and treatment.
Joanna Kaczorowska | Data Science Postdoctoral Researcher
RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Parallel Session 1C — Funding PAIS Research: The Dutch Way
Washington
10:30–12:00
Chairs: Jeroen den Dunnen and Jos Bosch
Thu 27 Aug
10:30
25 min
Washington
Impact Track
Research funding in the Netherlands: an overview of the ZonMw ME/CFS and post-COVID research programmes.
ZonMw explains how these research programmes came about, how they were structured, and what they have achieved so far. They also provide insight into their plans for the future.
Veerle Bos | Programme Manager – Translational Research, Post-COVID & PharmaNL
Minne Prüst |
ZonMw (The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development)
Thu 27 Aug
11:00
15 min
Washington
Impact Track
Post-COVID Network Netherlands
Presentation description will follow soon.
Anske van der Bom | Program Director and Professor of Clinical Epidemiology
PCNN, Leiden University Medical Center, Health Campus, Leiden & The Hague, the Netherlands
Thu 27 Aug
11:20
10 min
Abstract #21
Washington
Impact Track
Skeletal muscle properties in long COVID and ME/CFS differ from those induced by bed rest
This presentation compares the effects of prolonged physical inactivity with the biological changes seen in people with Long COVID and ME/CFS. The findings show that reduced exercise capacity and muscle abnormalities in these conditions cannot be explained by inactivity alone, highlighting distinct disease mechanisms and the need for rehabilitation strategies tailored to post-infectious illness.
Braeden Charlton | PhD Candidate
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Thu 27 Aug
11:34
10 min
Abstract #177
Washington
Impact Track
Higher neuroinflammatory activity on TSPO PET correlates with lower cortical thickness on MRI two years after SARS-CoV-2 infection
This presentation investigates the relationship between neuroinflammation and structural brain changes in people with Post-COVID syndrome. Using advanced PET and MRI imaging, the study shows that increased neuroinflammatory activity is associated with reduced cortical thickness in key brain regions, providing new insights into the neurological mechanisms underlying persistent symptoms and potential long-term brain health risks.
Denise Visser | Postdoctoral Researcher, Radiology & Nuclear Medicine
Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Thu 27 Aug
11:48
10 min
Abstract #118
Washington
Impact Track
Study Protocol of a cohort study evaluating Mitochondrial Oxygenation (MONITOR-PEM) in Long COVID patients
This presentation investigates whether non-invasive monitoring of mitochondrial oxygenation can provide the first objective biomarker for post-exertional malaise (PEM) in Long COVID. By combining real-time measurements of mitochondrial function with clinical assessments and blood biomarkers, the study aims to improve the diagnosis of PEM and deepen our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying Long COVID and related post-infectious syndromes.
Brent van Herk | Physician & PhD Candidate in Anesthesiology
Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
12:00
120 min
Lunch & Poster Presentations
H’Art Museum Grand Café (1st floor)
14:00 – 15:30 · Parallel Sessions
Parallel Session 2A — Mechanisms of PEM
Auditorium
14:00–15:30
Chair: Karl Tronstad
Thu 27 Aug
14:00
25 min
Auditorium
Biomedical Track
Skeletal muscle alterations and post-exertional malaise in Long COVID and ME/CFS
Post-exertional malaise in Long COVID and ME/CFS reflect intrinsic biological dysfunction rather than simple deconditioning. Despite reduced aerobic capacity, patients show distinct skeletal muscle,
oxygen use and autonomic abnormalities, including mitochondrial dysfunction, altered fibre type, reduced capillary supply and persistently low heart rate variability. Exertion can worsen these systems, causing delayed recovery. There is a need for biomarkers, and wearables for personalizd care
Rob Wüst | Associate Professor Department of Human Movement Sciences
VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Thu 27 Aug
14:30
15 min
Auditorium
Biomedical Track
Towards a Systems-Level Framework of Post-Exertional Malaise in ME/CFS and Long COVID
This session will introduce a systems-level framework to better understand post-exertional malaise (PEM) across ME/CFS and Long COVID. Integrating physiological, immunological, and metabolic perspectives, the talk will explore potential mechanisms underpinning PEM and highlight emerging research directions. The session will consider how a systems-based approach may support improved diagnosis, stratification, and development of targeted interventions.
Mark Faghy | Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
Thu 27 Aug
14:50
10 min
Abstract #28
Auditorium
Biomedical Track
Remote wearable monitoring of post-exertional malaise in daily life: preliminary results
This presentation explores how wearable technology can be used to objectively monitor post-exertional malaise (PEM) in people with ME/CFS. By combining continuous physiological measurements with daily symptom reports, the study aims to identify digital signatures of PEM, improve understanding of symptom fluctuations, and support the development of personalized pacing strategies and objective monitoring tools.
Katherine Huang | Post-doctoral Researcher
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Thu 27 Aug
15:04
10 min
Abstract #160
Auditorium
Biomedical Track
Slowed Muscle Oxygenation Dynamics During Submaximal Handgrip Exercise in Patients with Post-COVID
This presentation investigates how muscles use and recover oxygen during exercise in people with Post-COVID Condition. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, the study identifies delayed muscle oxygenation and recovery despite normal muscle strength, providing new evidence that impaired oxygen utilization may contribute to fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and exercise intolerance in Long COVID.
Ole Hensel | Neurologist Department of Radiology
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
Thu 27 Aug
15:18
10 min
Abstract #141
Auditorium
Biomedical Track
Inefficient energy consumption is a hallmark of post-viral syndromes during cardiopulmonary exercise
This presentation compares how the body produces energy during exercise in people with Long COVID, ME/CFS, and Gulf War Illness. The study demonstrates that all three conditions show altered energy metabolism, with reduced fat oxidation and increased reliance on carbohydrates, providing new insights into the biological mechanisms that may underlie chronic fatigue and exercise intolerance across post-infectious illnesses.
Leonardo Tamariz | Associate Professor
University of Miami, Miami, United States of America
Parallel Session 2B — Current treatment options
Church Hall
14:00–15:30
Chairs: Merel Hellemons and Melissa Heightman
Thu 27 Aug
14:00
25 min
Church Hall
Clinical Track
The role of autoimmunity in PAIS
The presentation will provide an overview of autoantibody studies and therapeutic studies using immunoadsorption, B-cell and plasma-cell depletion.
Carmen Scheibenbogen | Professor
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Thu 27 Aug
14:30
15 min
Church Hall
Clinical Track
The Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Autonomic Postinfectious Inflammatory Neuropathy
Presentation description will follow soon.
Peter Novak | Professor of Neurology
UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, United States of America
Thu 27 Aug
14:50
10 min
Abstract #174
Church Hall
Clinical Track
Insights from a double-blind, randomized, direct-to-participant intervention trial for Long COVID
This presentation introduces a fully remote clinical trial evaluating a potential treatment for Long COVID fatigue. By using a decentralized, home-based study design, the trial successfully included severely affected patients who are often excluded from traditional research, demonstrating a new approach to accelerating therapeutic development and improving access to clinical trials.
Romina Foster-Bonds | Director Research Implementation
Scripps Research Translational Institute, San Diego, United States of America
Thu 27 Aug
15:04
10 min
Abstract #58
Church Hall
Clinical Track
Metformin and colchicine for post-COVID condition: baseline results from the RECLAIM adaptive platform trial
This presentation introduces RECLAIM, a nationwide adaptive clinical trial evaluating repurposed medicines for people with Post-COVID Condition. Using a fully remote study design, RECLAIM aims to identify safe and effective treatments while demonstrating an innovative model for accelerating clinical research and improving access for people living with Long COVID.
Julie Schoevers | Physician-Researcher and PhD Candidate
University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
Thu 27 Aug
15:18
10 min
Abstract #116
Church Hall
Clinical Track
Long COVID & ME: Genetics, Tests, GLP-1s and other Drugs
This presentation explores the shared genetic and biological mechanisms underlying Long COVID and ME/CFS using advanced genomic and artificial intelligence approaches. The study identifies common disease pathways, potential biomarkers, and promising therapeutic targets, supporting the development of precision medicine and personalized treatment strategies for post-infectious illnesses.
Steve Gardner | CEO – Chair Data AI and Genomics Advisory Board – Scientific Advisory Board member
PrecisionLife, BioIndustry Association (BIA), Our Future Health UK, Oxford, United Kingdom
Parallel Session 2C — Patient Representation in Research and Clinics
Washington
14:00–15:30
Thu 27 Aug
14:00
40 min
Washington
Impact Track
Why is policy still failing Long COVID & PAIS patients in many countries?
This high-level session examines why growing evidence on Long COVID and PAIS has not yet translated into coherent national strategies, accessible care pathways, and adequate support for patients. Drawing on international policy analysis and frontline clinical experience, the speakers will discuss the barriers between evidence, implementation, and accountability—and what must change to achieve meaningful progress.
David Kelly | Public Health Physician & Epidemiologist | OECD – OCDE
David Putrino | Director of Rehabilitation Innovation | Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai
Narita Saija | Patient Advocacy Representative | PostCovidNL
Thu 27 Aug
15:04
10 min
Abstract #182
Washington
Impact Track
Assessing the Measurement Properties of the Episodic Disability Questionnaire (EDQ) with adults living with Long COVID
This presentation evaluates the Episodic Disability Questionnaire (EDQ) as a tool for measuring the fluctuating impact of Long COVID on daily life. The study demonstrates that the questionnaire reliably captures key aspects of disability, supporting its use in research and clinical practice to better assess symptom burden and monitor patient outcomes.
Margaret O’Hara | Public & Patient Involvement and Engagement in Research Expert
Long Covid Support, University of Birmingham
Thu 27 Aug
15:18
10 min
Abstract #72
Washington
Impact Track
Long-term recovery throughout 5 years after COVID-19 in both hospitalised and non-hospitalised individuals
This presentation examines the long-term impact of Post-COVID Condition five years after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study shows that many people continue to experience persistent symptoms, reduced quality of life, and limited work ability, highlighting the need for ongoing follow-up, rehabilitation, and long-term support for people living with Long COVID.
Karolina Stjernström | PhD Candidate and Licensed Occupational Therapist
Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital
15:30
30 min
Coffee, Tea & Water break + Poster Presentations
Grand Café (1st floor H’Art Museum)
16:00 – 17:00 · Parallel Sessions
Parallel Session 3A — Biomarkers – Panel Discussion
Auditorium
16:00–17:00
Thu 27 Aug
16:00
60 min
Auditorium
Biomedical Track
Panel Discussion: From Biomarker Discovery to Clinical Application
Michael Peluso will open this session with a brief introduction outlining the current landscape of biomarker research in Long COVID and other Post-Acute Infection Syndromes. This introduction will set the stage for a panel discussion on translating promising biomarker research into reliable tools for diagnosis, patient stratification, and clinical trials. Together, the panel will discuss validation, reproducibility, biological heterogeneity, and the challenges of bringing candidate biomarkers into clinical practice.
Michael Peluso | Associate Professor of Medicine | University of California San Fransisco
Karl Johan Tronstad | Head of Cell Metabolism Group Department of Biomedicine | University of Bergen
Daniel Altmann | Professor of Immunology | Imperial College London
Parallel Session 3B — Rehabilitation & Pacing – Panel Discussion
Church Hall
16:00–17:00
Thu 27 Aug
16:00
60 min
Church Hall
Clinical Track
Panel Discussion: Rethinking Rehabilitation and Pacing in PAIS
Michelle Bull will begin this session with a short introduction outlining the current challenges of rehabilitation for people living with Long COVID, ME/CFS, and post-exertional malaise. This will be followed by a panel discussion bringing together clinical, rehabilitation, and exercise physiology perspectives to explore how pacing, activity management, monitoring, and rehabilitation strategies can be tailored safely to individual patients and different stages of disease.
Michelle Bull | Frailty Academy PM + Co-founder | Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust + Physios for ME
Mark Faghy | Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology | Loughborough University
Kasper Jansen | Sports Physician | DeSportarts
Rob Wüst | Associate Professor Department of Human Movement Sciences | VU University Amsterdam
Parallel Session 3C — Harmonizing Care Pathways – Panel Discussion
Washington
16:00–17:00
Thu 27 Aug
16:00
60 min
Washington
Impact Track
Panel Discussion: Harmonizing Care Pathways Across Health Systems
David Putrino will open this session with a brief introduction on the challenges patients face when navigating fragmented healthcare systems and disconnected medical specialties. His opening remarks will provide the context for a multidisciplinary panel discussion on strengthening care pathways for Long COVID and other Post-Acute Infection Syndromes.
Bringing together expertise from rehabilitation, infectious diseases, paediatrics, immunology, and clinical medicine, the panel will explore how referral pathways, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centred care can be translated into coordinated clinical practice across different healthcare systems.
David Putrino | Director Of Rehabilitation Innovation | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
Michele van Vugt | Professor of Infectious Diseases | Amsterdam UMC
Lael Yonker | Associate Professor Department of Pediatrics | UT Southwestern Medical Center
Eva Untersmayr | Medical Specialist in Immunology and Head of the Gastrointestinal Immunology Research Group | Medical University of Vienna
Alba Azola | Assistant Professor and Research Fellow | Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
17:00
60 min
Reception & Poster Presentations
H’Art Museum Grand Café (1st floor)