Wiggers-Bernard Conference 2026: Updating MQTiPSS for Modern Preclinical Sepsis Research

The 12th Wiggers-Bernard Conference Initiative will take place on March 26-28, 2026, in Vienna, Austria. It will bring together over 30 leading experts in translational sepsis research from 4 continents to revise and expand the Minimum Quality Threshold in Pre-Clinical Sepsis Studies (MQTiPSS) guidelines. Building on the foundational 2018 MQTiPSS consensus, this new edition will address the rapidly evolving landscape of animal modeling and reproducibility standards in sepsis.

To reflect current experimental and ethical standards, the 12th Wiggers-Bernard conference aims to examine the recent advances in omics-driven phenotyping, humanized and large-animal models, microphysiological systems, and AI-based data analysis to be considered in the updated recommendations. Emphasis will be placed on rigorous study design, transparent reporting, and alignment with ARRIVE 2.0 and FAIR data principles, maximizing the translational potential and relevance of preclinical results generated in sepsis models.

The 2026 Wiggers-Bernard Initiative represents a collaborative platform linking the relevant professional societies and reaffirming the role of MQTiPSS as the international benchmark for responsible sepsis modeling. The outcome will be in the form of a consensus paper updating best MQTiPSS practices for modern preclinical sepsis research, strengthening scientific reproducibility and accelerating the translation of discovery to patient benefit.