Dear colleagues,
We warmly welcome you to the 23rd Conference of the International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation (ISRHML), taking place in Munich, Germany, from October 8–11, 2026.
The conference will be held at the Anatomy Building of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, located at Pettenkoferstraße 11, 80336 Munich. This historic venue offers an inspiring setting for scientific exchange, mentorship, and collaboration and marks a meaningful return to Germany—the last ISRHML meeting held here was the 9th conference in Irsee in 1999, organized by Professors Berthold Koletzko, Olle Hernell, and Kim Michaelsen. We are honored to continue their legacy by hosting our international society once again in Bavaria.
Our conference theme, “Past, Present and Future: Maternal-Infant Health, Human Milk and Lactation Science” invites reflection on the evolution of our field as well as the exciting transformative potential of future discoveries. From the foundational insights of milk composition to emerging research in immunology, microbiome science, and global health, we continue to deepen our understanding of human milk and breastfeeding as central pillars of maternal-infant health and development.
Our program will feature a rich array of interdisciplinary sessions. We will explore how breastfeeding influences women’s health across the lifespan and examine the latest research on pharmaceuticals that may affect lactation and infant outcomes. We’ll consider how milk has served as medicine—from ancient Egypt to modern clinical applications and discuss how human milk and breastfeeding are evolving in the digital age, with new technologies shaping care and communication.
We’ll also highlight research dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable infants, including advances in neonatal care and the role of human milk and breastfeeding in the NICU. Investigations into the gut-breast axis will uncover biological pathways linking maternal and infant health, while sessions on implementation science will focus on translating evidence into practice to improve outcomes globally.
Munich’s blend of tradition and innovation provides the perfect backdrop for our gathering. Whether exploring its historic old town, engaging in spirited discussions over Bavarian cuisine, or forging new collaborations, we hope you find this conference both intellectually stimulating and professionally enriching.
Let us come together to celebrate the research and science of human milk and breastfeeding—not only for their biological significance, but as powerful connectors across time, cultures, and continents.
We look forward to welcoming you to Munich!
Cordially,
Dr. Melissa Theurich & Prof. Dr. Maureen Groer
Conference President