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The 16th World Congress on Endometriosis 2025
The landmark event marked a turning point in global efforts to transform the future of endometriosis care, highlighting Australia's scientific leadership and commitment to women’s health.
Fast facts
- Event: 16th World Congress on Endometriosis
- When: 21-24 May, 2025
- Where: Sydney / Warrane, New South Wales
- Venue: International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney)
- Attendees: 1,100+
- Organiser: World Endometriosis Society
About the congress
In May, Sydney / Warrane hosted the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis, welcoming more than 1,100 clinicians, researchers, scientists, and patient representatives from over 60 countries. As the world’s leading forum on endometriosis—a condition affecting around 200 million women globally with no known cure—the Congress provided a vital platform to share the latest research, encourage collaboration, and advance patient care.
Organised by the World Endometriosis Society and first held in 1986, the Congress has expanded from a clinician-focused meeting into a truly multidisciplinary forum over the years. The 2025 program marked a pivotal moment in that evolution by including a broad spectrum of both expertise and lived experience.
Supported by Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program and Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the event highlighted Sydney / Warrane, and Australia more broadly, as an ideal host thanks to its scientific excellence in endometriosis research, logistical efficiency and inspiring delegate experiences.
“I think that Sydney and Australia is the ideal place for this conference to be held because they're really at the forefront of some of the most major initiatives in endometriosis research. And they really have a fantastic research and patient support community within Sydney and in other cities within Australia.”
A global leader in endometriosis research
16th World Congress on Endometriosis, ICC Sydney, Sydney © World Congress on Endometriosis
Australia’s selection as host reflected its longstanding commitment to endometriosis research and advocacy. Since first hosting the Congress in Melbourne / Narrm in 2008, Australia has continued to lead the way—most notably becoming the first country to launch a National Action Plan for Endometriosis in 2018.
Coinciding with this year’s Congress was the announcement of the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute, backed by a landmark A$50 million philanthropic investment—the world’s largest dedicated funding initiative for endometriosis research. Based at UNSW Sydney, the institute will serve as a hub for global collaboration, diagnostics, and treatment breakthroughs.
Australia’s influence also extends beyond endometriosis to fields such as genetic discovery, neurobiology, and patient advocacy—further elevating its appeal to the international scientific community.
“Australia was a perfect destination for us to pick for this Congress. They are at the forefront of genetic discovery, patient advocacy, new treatment discovery, and that will only be enhanced now with the influx of additional research.”
ICC Sydney: a seamless, world-class venue
ICC Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales © Brett Boardman
Held at ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour, the Congress benefited from one of Asia-Pacific’s most modern and flexible venues. Light-filled spaces, state-of-the-art theatres, and an intuitive layout allowed for smooth flow between sessions, networking events, and workshops. Organisers praised ICC Sydney’s collaborative and responsive team, who helped deliver a seamless event experience.
The venue’s central location placed world-class dining, accommodation, and entertainment within walking distance—ideal for international delegates balancing conference commitments with leisure and family travel. The Congress also coincided with Vivid Sydney, giving attendees front-row access to the city’s iconic light installations and festival atmosphere.
“ICC Sydney has been a perfect location for this conference. It's well positioned in terms of the size and the space. It makes it easy to network and communicate. The venue for the presentations has been excellent. But also, it's right here in a hub of many world known tourist spots.”
Sydney, New South Wales © Tourism Australia
A destination that delivers
Beyond the conference walls, Sydney / Warrane offered a dynamic and memorable destination experience. With its beautiful harbour, iconic landmarks, safe and walkable environment, and fantastic culinary scene, the city left a lasting impression on attendees—many of whom extended their stays to explore further or visit other parts of Australia.
Sydney / Warrane’s accessibility, efficient transport, and range of hotel options—from budget-friendly to luxury—cemented its appeal as a host city that delivers both in practicality and in creating an enriching delegate experience.
A legacy of impact and inspiration
The 16th World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney / Warrane made a meaningful impact in the global effort to better understand, treat and ultimately improve the lives of patients with endometriosis. With world-leading research, diversified programming, and a strong emphasis on collaboration, the Congress highlighted just how far the conversation has come and how far it can still go. Australia’s scientific leadership, particularly in endometriosis research, combined with its welcoming hospitality, robust business events infrastructure, and diverse tourism offerings made it the ideal host destination for an event of this calibre.
As the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute begins its vital work and new research collaborations start to form, the momentum sparked in Sydney / Warrane is set to drive lasting change in women’s healthcare around the world.
