The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) convened its 2025 Annual Meeting this June in New Orleans, drawing nearly 7,800 professionals from the diverse fields of nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics. Themed “Accelerating the Cure,” this premier gathering underscored the rapid advancements and transformative innovations propelling the discipline towards more precise diagnostics and tailored therapeutic interventions. With an extensive program spanning over 120 continuing education and scientific sessions, the meeting offered an unparalleled platform for exchanging knowledge and fostering collaborations among physicians, technologists, pharmacists, scientists, and industry leaders.
At the heart of the discussions was the explosion of new technologies and methodologies reshaping nuclear medicine practice. Cutting-edge topics included the application of theranostics—an emerging precision medicine approach combining targeted diagnostic imaging with personalized therapy—to improve outcomes across oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Emerging radiotracers such as FAPI-targeted agents and novel PET probes were spotlighted for their potential to unveil new biological insights and increase the accuracy of disease detection. These innovations promise to deepen clinicians’ abilities to characterize tumor microenvironments, monitor treatment response, and ultimately guide patient-specific therapeutic strategies.
Artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage as a transformative tool in molecular imaging workflows, addressing challenges from image acquisition to data interpretation. The meeting’s AI Showcase: Innovation in Action brought together leading academic researchers and industry pioneers to demonstrate state-of-the-art AI models enhancing image reconstruction, lesion detection, and quantitative analysis. These machine learning techniques expedite processing times and improve diagnostic precision, potentially enabling clinicians to extract more nuanced information from molecular imaging exams. As AI integration into nuclear medicine rapidly matures, its implications for personalized care and clinical trial design were discussed with great enthusiasm.
The Science Pavilion was a focal point of discovery, featuring over 750 research posters that covered breakthroughs from fundamental radiochemistry to clinical applications of novel imaging agents. These posters highlighted efforts to improve radiotracer specificity, reduce radiation exposure, and optimize dosimetry protocols. Sophisticated imaging quantification techniques, including myocardial flow reserve assessments using exercise stress F-18-Flurpiridaz PET, were presented, reflecting advances in noninvasive cardiovascular diagnostics. Such quantitative imaging biomarkers are becoming essential tools not only for diagnosis but also for prognostication and therapeutic monitoring.
Beyond traditional session formats, the 2025 Annual Meeting innovated programming to better reflect the interdisciplinary nature of nuclear medicine. The inaugural “Intersection Sessions” explored the convergence of molecular imaging with other medical specialties and emerging technologies, fostering dialogue on integrated diagnostic approaches. Arena sessions and the Eye on U stage offered dynamic educational experiences, while a revamped Knowledge Bowl engaged attendees in a fast-paced competition testing clinical expertise and scientific knowledge—underscoring the meeting’s dedication to both cutting-edge science and community building.
This year also marked SNMMI’s celebration of global collaboration, with Australia and New Zealand designated as the 2025 Highlight Countries. This international focus showcased the pioneering research and clinical advances emerging from these countries, particularly in theranostics and molecular imaging innovation. Presentations at the Henry N. Wagner, Jr., MD, Lecture by Andrew Scott, MD, illustrated significant progress in theranostic applications internationally, underscoring the increasing interconnectedness of research efforts aimed at precision medicine on a global scale.
Leadership transition at SNMMI was a notable event, installing Dr. Jean-Luc C. Urbain as president. Dr. Urbain’s vision emphasized the critical importance of continuous education to keep pace with rapid scientific evolution. Alongside him, Dr. Heather Jacene assumed the role of president-elect, while Dr. Gary Ulaner became vice president-elect. The Technologist Section also welcomed new leaders, exemplifying SNMMI’s commitment to inclusive, multidisciplinary governance and its recognition of vital contributions from technologists and allied health professionals within the nuclear medicine community.
Recognition of exemplary scientific achievement was a highlight with a series of prestigious awards. Wynn Volkert, PhD, received the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award, honoring seminal contributions to the field, including innovations in radiopharmaceutical chemistry. Julie Price, PhD, was celebrated with the Paul C. Aebersold Award for her outstanding achievements in basic nuclear medicine science, particularly in tracer development and imaging methodology. The Sam Gambhir, MD, Trailblazer Award was bestowed upon Steven Liang, PhD, for his impactful translational research merging molecular imaging with therapeutic innovation.
The prestigious SNMMI Image of the Year was presented, featuring a comparative analysis of 18F-AlF-NOTA-PCP2 and 18F-FDG uptake in head and neck cancer patients, created by Yong Wang, MD, and colleagues. This imaging work addressed the challenging question of predicting PD-L1 expression using PET/CT, advancing the field’s understanding of immunotherapy biomarkers through innovative radiotracer development. Simultaneously, the Abstract of the Year recognized Robert de Kemp, PhD, for his work quantifying myocardial flow reserve using exercise stress F-18-Flurpiridaz PET imaging, representing a critical step forward in noninvasive cardiovascular imaging.
The Hal Anger Lecture, delivered by Yuni Dewaraja, PhD, explored the future trajectory of dosimetry-driven clinical trials and predictive modeling, emphasizing the role of personalized radiation dose calculations in improving patient safety and therapy efficacy. Novel imaging techniques and computational methodologies highlighted in this lecture promise to refine both diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic planning. The conclusion of the meeting featured the Henry N. Wagner, Jr., Highlights Symposium, where experts synthesized the meeting’s most important scientific advancements, identifying trends that will shape the field in the coming years.
Looking ahead, SNMMI announced its next Annual Meeting will take place in Los Angeles, California, from May 30 to June 2, 2026. Continuing its tradition of fostering innovation and collaboration, the upcoming meeting promises to build upon the momentum generated in New Orleans—maintaining SNMMI’s role as a global leader in advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging science. Interested attendees and stakeholders are encouraged to follow developments and register through the official website.
The 2025 SNMMI Annual Meeting illustrated the vibrant and evolving landscape of nuclear medicine, showcasing how technological advancements such as novel radiotracers, artificial intelligence integration, and precision dosimetry are converging to accelerate the path towards individualized cures. By embracing cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovative educational formats, the meeting reaffirmed the critical role of community and knowledge exchange in driving breakthroughs that promise to transform clinical practice worldwide.
Subject of Research: Advances and innovations in nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics, with emphasis on new radiotracers, AI integration, personalized dosimetry, and clinical applications.
Article Title: SNMMI 2025 Annual Meeting: Accelerating the Cure Through Innovation in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
News Publication Date: June 25, 2025
Web References:
- www.snmmi.org/am
- www.snmmi.org
Image Credits: Image courtesy of SNMMI.
Keywords: Molecular imaging; Medical imaging; Positron emission tomography; Theranostics; Artificial intelligence; Radiotracers; Dosimetry; Nuclear medicine
