INS 2024: A Global Gathering on Neuromodulation by Kenes Group

During six days, from May 11th to 16th, the city of Vancouver, Canada hosted the 16th World Congress of the International Neuromodulation Society - INS 2024.

Drawing 1,230 scientists, researchers, engineers, device developers, and healthcare providers from 57 countries, the INS World Congress explored the latest advancements in neuromodulation, in collaboration with the local organising committee, the Canadian Neuromodulation Society and the award-winning, world-class Professional Conference Organiser – PCO, and Association Management Company - AMC Kenes Group.

The world regions represented by the attendees were (in descending order): North America, Western Europe, East Asia & Pacific, Central and South America Eastern Europe, Africa & Atlantic, Middle East, and Central Asia. This international event highlighted its critical role in advancing patient care in the field of science, medicine, and bioengineering known as neuromodulation worldwide.
 

The scientific programme

The INS 2024 World Congress showcased a comprehensive programme covering a wide array of neuromodulation topics, from innovative therapeutic applications to cutting-edge research in invasive and non-invasive techniques. “We focused on pain, movement disorders, psychiatric conditions, and epilepsy, among many other things that are now being dealt with neuromodulation”, said the Scientific Program Committee Chair of the 16th World Congress of International Neuromodulation Society, and President-Elect of the International Neuromodulation Society Konstantin Slavin, MD.

The INS President Marc Russo (pictured below), MBBS DA (UK) FANZCA FFPMANZCA added: “For the very first time we are initiating a fourth concurrent stream of Neuropsychiatry alongside Pain, Brain, and Organ, and with this, we believe there was the great added value to the scientific programme”.

The sessions, based on 135 abstracts submitted, provided an in-depth look into the science of neuromodulation, featuring discussions on the efficacy of brain-machine interfaces, the impact of big data and AI in the field, and the therapeutic mechanisms behind emerging technologies for pain management and mental health disorders.

The congress fostered a dynamic environment for collaboration and learning, with 171 experts sharing groundbreaking findings and technological innovations, plus an impressive display of 366 research posters. Noteworthy sessions included debates on approaches to deep brain stimulation and explorations of neuromodulation in rehabilitation and neuropsychiatry.

Innovation and Inclusion

The complimentary public and free educational session "Understanding Neuromodulation of the Brain and Spinal Cord” aimed at patients, their families, and friends dealing with conditions such as chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and tremors allowed members of the public, media representatives, and professionals in Vancouver to engage directly with the science and innovators driving the field, enhancing both professional growth and the global neuromodulation community's cohesiveness.

The INS 2024 World Congress started with an Innovation Day featuring state-of-the-art lectures and presentations on groundbreaking technology and the Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation programme. Nursing and allied health peers gathered for an engaging workshop with Basic and Advanced morning tracks featuring interactive presentations, followed by a unified afternoon session.

The INS bestowed the Giant of Neuromodulation Award, the society's highest honour, to Dr. Giancarlo Barolat, former INS president and pioneer in the field, who has dedicated his over 40-year career to treating complex chronic pain and spasticity with spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation.

A new Champion of the INS Award was also instituted by the INS, recognising Dr. Fabian Piedimonte, founding president of the Argentinean Neuromodulation Society and former INS treasurer, for championing the INS and neuromodulation education, best practices, and therapy access throughout Latin America. 

Lastly, this year’s World Congress of Neuromodulation became the first event of the INS to include a morning run in the programme. The first edition of the NeuroRun was joined by 60 participants and according to Kenes Group Director of Client Accounts Ira Hajdamacha: “Hosting a morning run is a tradition at many our Kenes Events to foster well-being, informal networking and a fresh start to the long days of a top tier educational lineup, therefore we were very pleased to see this activity welcomed by the INS stakeholders and members, and we are looking forward to working closely with the association to bring forward many more activities in this direction”.

Looking ahead

The neuromodulation community will gather again for the 4th Joint Congress of the INS European Chapters (eINS 2025) from May 22 – 24, 2025 in Istanbul and at the 17th World Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 9th to 14th, 2026.

These next meetings promise to continue the tradition of scientific excellence and international collaboration.  

To learn more about the upcoming INS World Congress, please visit INS 2026 Congress.