RSNA in Brief —April 2026

RSNA Takes Imaging Research Concerns to Capitol Hill
As Congress launches its annual appropriations process this spring, Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) leaders and volunteers took their case for sustained medical imaging research funding directly to Capitol Hill. They urged lawmakers to protect federal investment that helps move breakthroughs from the lab into everyday patient care. This is the third consecutive year RSNA participated in a Capitol Hill advocacy day to advance medical imaging research. Convened by the Academy for Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research (the Academy), the Future of Health: Medical Imaging Research Hill Day brought together 16 professional societies to deliver a unified message: stable, robust federal support is essential to maintain U.S. leadership in medical innovation and improved outcomes across specialties that rely on imaging. Read the full story in RSNA News. 

RSNA Announces Upcoming Spotlight Courses

RSNA Spotlight courses offer education delivered through expert-led virtual and in-person experiences around the world and provide practical learning on essential medical imaging topics.

Upcoming courses include:

• Innovations in GI and GU Imaging: Practical Applications and Pitfalls (virtual, April 22–23, 2026).
• RSNA Medical 3D Printing and Immersive Reality in Practice (Oak Brook, Illinois, at RSNA headquarters, April 25–26, 2026).
• Essentials of Pediatric Imaging: A Team-Based Approach (Chicago, June 25–26). 

Explore all upcoming courses. 

RSNA 2026 Abstract Submission Deadline Draws Near
The window to submit abstracts for RSNA 2026 is closing. RSNA invites abstracts for scientific presentations and education exhibits that translate today’s insights into tomorrow’s standards of care. The submission site will close on May 6 at 12 p.m. CT. Learn more. 

RSNA Helps Expand Cancer Imaging Access Across Africa
RSNA has launched Across Africa, a program that will deliver high-impact, accessible training that supports radiologists’ day-to-day cancer imaging work across the African continent. Across Africa is part of RSNA’s “Global Health Initiative: Access to Radiology,” funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. The program includes two in-person sessions: Across Africa: Advancing Cancer Imaging, Sept. 4–5 in Cape Town, South Africa, followed by a half-day event that will take place at RSNA 2026 in Chicago, Nov. 29–Dec. 3. Read more about Across Africa in RSNA News. 

Applications Open for RSNA Academic Radiology Programs

Applications are now open for three RSNA programs designed to foster interest in academic radiology and provide specialized training for researchers at every career stage. Participants will gain hands-on experience and connect with established clinical radiology researchers who can serve as mentors and future collaborators. The application deadline for all three programs is July 15, 2026.

• Introduction to Academic Radiology (ITAR)
  This program focuses on the importance of research in diagnostic radiology and the excitement of academic careers in radiology. Participants will be able to connect with successful clinical radiology researchers, future colleagues, and potential mentors. A $1,000 award will be given to the participants’ departments to offset expenses. Learn more and download the application form.


• Introduction to Academic Radiology for Scientists (ITARSc)
  This expansion of the ITAR program is targeted toward postdoctoral fellows and junior researchers in the imaging sciences and biomedical engineering. Postdoctoral fellows and early-stage researchers in these specialties who received their degrees within the past six years are invited to apply. The program consists of a combination of dedicated programming for ITARSc participants and shared sessions with participants of the ITAR program. Selected participants will receive a $1,000 stipend to offset travel and hotel costs, and complimentary RSNA annual meeting registration. Learn more. 


• Introduction to Academic Radiology for Junior Faculty (ITARJF)
  Faculty members who have been out of training for no more than five years and who are interested in becoming involved in radiology research either as a principal investigator (PI), co-PI or collaborator are invited to apply for this opportunity. Participants must be active members of RSNA and shouldn’t be a current or former PI on external grant awards. One or two seats will be allocated to eligible international applicants. The ITARJF program will consist of pre-recorded sessions and live content. Participants will receive a $400 stipend to offset travel and hotel costs. Learn more. 

Trainees Invited to Join RSNA Editorial Boards
Applications are open for RSNA journals’ Trainee Editorial Boards (TEB). TEB members help create educational content while gaining experience in editing, reviewing and promoting articles for RSNA’s premier peer-reviewed journals. Members also participate in editorial board meetings, gaining opportunities to network with peers and journal leaders.

• Radiology: In Training
• RadioGraphics (RG TEAM)
• Radiology Advances
• Radiology: Artificial Intelligence TEB
• Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging Early Career Board
• Radiology: Imaging Cancer TEB

All TEB terms begin July 1. Learn more about the application process and requirements. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, May 3 at 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Time).

Applications Open for RSNA International Fellowship
RSNA is accepting applications for its Derek Harwood-Nash International Fellowship, a program that offers international faculty members the opportunity to study at North American institutions. Applicants must be from outside the U.S. and Canada. RSNA will provide a stipend to cover travel and modest living expenses for a six- to 12-week period. Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements. The application deadline is July 1, 2026.

Access AI Imaging Datasets Through RSNA MIRA
The RSNA Medical Imaging Resource for AI (MIRA) data repository provides annotated medical imaging datasets to support AI research. Developed through RSNA’s ongoing AI Challenge competitions, MIRA datasets help advance innovation in medical imaging and are available at no cost for non-commercial research. Explore available datasets now.

RSNA Offers Advanced Grant Writing Course
Applications are open for the Advanced Course in Grant Writing (AGW). This hands-on experience guides participants through the preparation and submission process of applying for a grant from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation or equivalent funding institution.
AGW includes four 1½-day sessions:

• Session I – Sept. 10–11, 2026 (in-person)
• Session II – Nov. 5–6, 2026 (virtual)
• Session III – Feb. 11–12, 2027 (virtual)
• Session IV – Apr. 22–23, 2027 (in-person)

Accepted participants are responsible for travel expenses for each in-person session. In-person sessions will be held at RSNA headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois. The application deadline is July 15. Learn more.

International Invitation Letter Now Available
The RSNA annual meeting unites the global radiology community to drive innovation in medical imaging. To help secure visas to the United States, RSNA offers a downloadable form to create a personalized invitation letter to RSNA 2026. International attendees are encouraged to download the form and begin the visa application process as early as possible to avoid any delays in their RSNA 2026 travel plans.

Radiology Advances Highlights Best of 2025 Collection
To celebrate the quality of the articles published in Radiology Advances in the past year, editor Susanna Lee, M.D., has selected 10 impactful 2025 papers. These articles are just a sample of the impressive body of research published in RSNA’s open access journal.

RSNA Promotes Sustainable Imaging for a Healthier Future
RSNA is committed to reducing the environmental impact of medical imaging while advancing excellence in patient care. Through research, education, collaboration and responsible organizational practices, RSNA is helping radiology lead the way toward more sustainable imaging. Explore resources, learn from experts and discover how radiology professionals can help shape a healthier future for patients and the planet.