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Dear OSSD Members,

We warmly invite you to join us for a very special milestone: the 20th Annual Meeting of the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences, to be held May 12–15, 2026 in Kona, Hawaiʻi, with the Women’s Health Research Cluster pre-meeting May 11, 2026.

This meeting is a celebration of 20 years of OSSD: two decades of building a global community, advancing rigorous sex and gender science, mentoring the next generation, and demonstrating that sex and gender are fundamental to outstanding health research and care. Over the last two decades, our members have helped transform “sex differences” from a niche interest into a central pillar of health research and clinical care.

The 20th Annual Meeting is designed to showcase the very best of our field, from fundamental mechanisms to clinical trials and implementation science, while also taking time to reflect on how far we have come and where we must go next.

In Hawaiʻi, you can expect:

  • Cutting-edge science spanning genetics, molecular and cellular mechanisms, physiology, the microbiome, neuroscience, cardiometabolic health, cancer, mental health, and beyond.
  • Rich “bench to bedside” translational and clinical content, including policy and health-systems perspectives on implementing sex and gender science.
  • Strong trainee programming, including dedicated education sessions, networking events, awards, and mentoring opportunities that have become a hallmark of our meetings.
  • Opportunities to build collaborations across disciplines, sectors, and continents.

We will celebrate together by reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new collaborators, and enjoying the incredible setting of the Kona coast as we mark this 20-year milestone.

Whether you have been with OSSD since the early days or are considering attending for the first time, your presence in Hawaiʻi will help shape the next 20 years of sex and gender science.

On behalf of the OSSD Council, I very much hope to welcome you to Kona in May 2026 as we celebrate all we have accomplished together and all that lies ahead.

Sincerely,

Sofia Ahmed, MD MMSc FRCPC FASN
President, Organization for the Study of Sex Differences