PREDIMED Omics Symposium 2026 & 6th International Congress on Olive Oils and Health to be Held in Jaén, Spain

The city of Jaén, Spain, will host the PREDIMED Omics Symposium 2026 and the 6th International Congress on Olive Oils and Health on June 11-12, 2026. This scientific meeting aims to bring together internationally renowned researchers, professionals, and institutional representatives to discuss the latest advancements in olive oil research and its impact on health.

Collaboration and Funding

The event is co-organized by the University Institute of Research in Olive Groves and Olive Oils (INUO) of the University of Jaén, the University of Navarra, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Financial support is provided by the Provincial Council of Jaén, reinforcing Jaén’s position as a global center for olive oil research.

Building on a Legacy of Research

The International Congress on Olive Oils and Health is holding its sixth edition, following previous events in 2004, 2008, 2018, 2021, and 2024. This series of congresses reflects the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in preventing cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative diseases, and certain cancers. Recent studies also highlight EVOO’s contribution to a sustainable agri-food system.

International Participation and Key Researchers

The PREDIMED Omics Symposium, organized since 2015 by professors Frank B. Hu (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health) and Miguel A. Martínez-González (University of Navarra), adds an international dimension to the congress. Key researchers participating include María Puy Portillo (CIBEROBN), Jordi Salas Salvadó, Ramón Estruch, and José J. Gaforio.

Scientific Program and Thematic Areas

The congress will focus on key challenges in nutrition and health through three main thematic areas:

• Mediterranean diet and olive oils in health promotion: Prevention of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
• Nutrition and omics sciences: Metabolomics applied to nutritional research and analysis of the biological impact of dietary interventions.
• Prospective cohorts and chronic disease risk: Evidence from longitudinal studies on nutrition and 21st-century disease prevention.

The program will include plenary sessions, round tables, oil tastings, and activities designed to facilitate knowledge transfer, collaboration between researchers and the agri-food sector, and training for young scientists. Awards will be given for the best oral and poster presentations.

Jaén: A Hub for Scientific Innovation

The congress aims to foster collaboration and knowledge transfer, strengthening scientific excellence in olive oil research. Jaén seeks to reaffirm its international leadership, positioning olive oils as a key component of public health, nutritional research, and global sustainability, solidifying its role as a scientific capital for olive oil and the Mediterranean diet. More information about the event can be found on the official website.