Why mNIRS 2026?

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been employed for more than three decades as a non-invasive method to assess muscle oxygenation, providing valuable insights into blood flow and oxygen consumption across the domains of sport, health, and disease. The recent emergence of reliable, affordable, and wearable devices has catalyzed a period of rapid growth within the field of muscle NIRS (mNIRS). Consequently, the user base has expanded beyond academic researchers to include athletes seeking performance enhancement and healthcare professionals focused on improving well-being.

Despite this growth, opportunities for knowledge exchange between academics and practitioners remain limited, as conferences have traditionally featured minimal NIRS-related content. In response to this need, the University of Essex hosted the inaugural mNIRS Conference in 2024. The event was highly successful, attracting over 70 delegates from more than 10 countries and underscoring the international engagement within the field. Over two days, participants attended a diverse program comprising expert presentations and hands-on workshops conducted by leading manufacturers, offering valuable practical insights. The conference also benefited from the active participation of early-career researchers and students, whose enthusiasm contributed to a collegial and engaging atmosphere. 

The second edition of the mNIRS Conference is scheduled to take place in Pavia next year, providing an invaluable platform for manufacturers, physiologists, sports scientists, and clinical researchers to interact, exchange knowledge, and share best practices.

The conference program will span three days. Day 1 (Thursday) will feature a sponsor showcase alongside scientific presentations delivered by leading international experts in the field. Day 2 (Friday) will highlight research contributions from established investigators, early-career scientists, and PhD and Master’s students. Day 3 (Saturday) will be dedicated to real-world demonstrations and applied discussions within sporting contexts. The meeting will conclude with a roundtable session focused on the future directions and emerging challenges of mNIRS research and application.