The SSDV Annual Congress was held in St. Gallen for the first time. The theme of this year's congress was «Dermatology & Climate – what to prepare for?» and attracted over 600 enthusiastic visitors thanks to many excellent speakers, an inviting exhibition and a wonderful supporting programme.
The 107th Annual Congress of the Swiss Society of Dermatology and Venerology (SSDV) took place from 3 to 5 September 2025 at the Olma Exhibition Centre in St. Gallen. This was the first time that St. Gallen had hosted the SSDV Annual Congress, which was opened by Antonio Cozzio, President of the Scientific Committee, and Michael Geiges, President of the SSDV.
Climate & Dermatology – What to prepare for?
This was the theme of this year's SSDV Annual Congress, which attracted over 600 visitors and 50 exhibitors, with a peak attendance of 532 participants on the second day of the congress. Many national and international speakers gave memorable presentations, including Bertrand Piccard, who held the attention of the entire audience for over an hour and captivated them with his lecture on sustainability, inspiring them for the future.
In addition to numerous symposia and lectures, a total of twenty keynote speakers from abroad and Switzerland were invited to the congress. They impressed the audience with their informative and inspiring presentations.
Poster exhibition and Award Ceremony
The Poster Walk, which took place at lunchtime on Thursday, was a great success once again this year. Christoph Schlapbach, Joanna Mangana and Dennis Arnold led a themed poster walk through a selection of posters. The Olma bratwurst sausages served at the same time were a welcome snack and tribute to St. Gallen.
The award ceremony took place on Friday morning on the congress stage in the auditorium, in front of all the participants. For the first time this year, the SSDV Sustainability Award, was presented. Many sponsors have submitted highly committed concepts for environmental and climate protection, fully supporting the congress theme. They were all honoured with an SSDV Sustainability Award for their valuable achievements.
Exhibition and Social events
With over 50 exhibitors presenting their products and philosophy, the annual congress attracted many visitors, once again establishing the exhibition as a popular venue for meetings and networking.
The SSDV dinner, held at the Restaurant Lagerhaus, provided the perfect setting for an enjoyable evening. Sabine Werner, Gian-Paulo Dotto and Michael Hertl, who were elected honorary members last year, were awarded their certificates in this festive atmosphere. On the same evening, the Swiss Young Dermatologists (SYD) held their popular annual aperitif event in the relaxed indoor and outdoor spaces of the Øya Bar in St. Gallen. The congress evenings were rounded off with the congress dinner on Thursday evening at the Lokremise, where over 200 guests enjoyed a pleasant evening. The evening programme was enhanced by a performance from Martin O., an artist who delighted the audience with his distinctive voice and Symphonium Loop device, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Congress for Nurses and MPA
The Scientific Committee — consisting of Tino Müller, Kathrin Thormann and Heiko Müller — organised a conference for nursing staff and medical practice assistants specialising in dermatology. This took place alongside the SSDV Annual Congress and was attended by almost 90 enthusiastic participants.
SSDV Annual Congress 2026
For Michael Geiges, it was his last congress as president of the SSDV. He has handed over his duties as president to his successor, Olivier Gaide. The SSDV Annual Congress 2026 will take place in Zurich from 26 to 28 August. Prof. Thomas Kündig and his team will will provide us with a high-quality programme with the theme of «Therapeutic Molecules». We look forward to seeing you in Zurich next year!