The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is dedicated to infection prevention and control (IPC), supporting healthcare professionals through education, research, networking and the sharing of best practice to improve patient safety. Each year, IPS brings together healthcare professionals from across the UK and internationally at Infection Prevention, its flagship annual conference.
Held under the theme Working Together to Prevent Infection, Infection Prevention 2026 (IP2026) takes place on 28–29 September at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, bringing together the people, ideas and innovations shaping the future of infection prevention.
Why does this matter?
Infection prevention is fundamental to delivering safe, effective healthcare. It influences every clinical service, every healthcare environment and every patient interaction. From antimicrobial resistance and pandemic preparedness to healthcare-associated infections and the growing role of AI-powered surveillance tools, the challenges facing healthcare organisations continue to evolve.
Whether you work in clinical services, infection prevention, estates and facilities, research, education, quality improvement or healthcare leadership, infection prevention plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes and protecting the healthcare workforce. IP2026 provides an opportunity to hear from experts, explore emerging challenges and take away practical solutions that can be applied within your own organisation.
What to expect
The conference brings together frontline practitioners, microbiologists, nurses, researchers, policymakers and innovators for two days of learning, debate and collaboration. The programme spans six themed content streams covering IPC in practice, priority pathogens and antimicrobial stewardship, decontamination and reprocessing, safe healthcare environments, behavioural science, and digital and AI innovation.
Delegates can choose from keynote lectures, oral presentations, poster sessions, Top 10 papers reviews and industry symposia, as well as explore a large exhibition showcasing the latest products, technologies and services supporting safer healthcare.
A speaker lineup to match the moment
This year's keynote sessions reflect the breadth of the field. The prestigious Cottrell Lecture will be delivered by Pat Cattini, while Mike Weinbren presents the Tina Bradley Lecture and Jennie Wilson delivers the Ayliffe Lecture. The conference concludes with internationally recognised scientist and broadcaster Jonathan Van-Tam, who will ask: When Will the Next Pandemic Occur – and Are We Ready?
These keynote speakers are joined by leading experts, including Susan Hopkins, Heather Loveday, Phil Howard, Sid Mookerjee and Carole Hallam, sharing the latest research, innovation and practical experience from across healthcare.
Join IPS in Leeds this September
Whether you're looking to improve patient outcomes, discover the latest technologies, strengthen your organisation's approach to infection prevention or build valuable professional connections, IP2026 offers an unrivalled opportunity to learn from the UK's leading experts and take practical ideas back to your workplace.
Registration is now open, with IPS members benefiting from exclusive discounted rates. To find out more and secure your place, visit https://www.millbrook-events.co.uk/event/IP2026/summary
