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NATIONAL CONFERENCE
ASCEND 2026

Amrita Scientific Conference on Evidence Based

Nutrition and Dysphagia Care

Bridging Nutrition, Dysphagia, and Multidisciplinary Practice for Holistic Care

August 14 – 16, 2026

A Block, Amriteshwari Hall, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, India

About

ASCEND 2026 – Amrita Scientific Conference on Evidence-Based Nutrition and Dysphagia Care is a premier multidisciplinary academic conference jointly organized by the Department of Clinical Nutrition and the Department of Deglutology (Head & Neck Surgery), Amrita Hospital, Kochi, in collaboration with the Indian Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IAPEN) and the Neuro Nutrition IAPEN India Core Group.

Scheduled from 14th to 16th August 2026, ASCEND 2026 aims to bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, academicians, students, and industry experts to discuss emerging evidence, innovative practices, and multidisciplinary approaches in nutrition and dysphagia management.

The conference will feature a blend of scientific sessions, expert lectures, case-based discussions, networking opportunities, and practical learning experiences designed to enhance clinical knowledge and improve patient care.

Conference Themes

Oncology
Explore evidence-based nutritional strategies for cancer prevention, treatment support, survivorship, and quality-of-life improvement.
Paediatrics
Learn about current approaches in nutritional assessment, intervention, growth monitoring, and feeding challenges in children.
Geriatrics
Understand the nutritional needs of the ageing population, sarcopenia management, dysphagia care, and healthy ageing practices.

pre-conference workshop

NutriPsyCle – Food, Brain & Behaviour

Date: 14 August 2026

A specialized workshop on Nutritional Psychology that explores the relationship between food, brain function, behaviour, cognition, and mental well-being.

Participants will gain practical insights into how nutrition influences psychological health and learn evidence-based approaches that can be integrated into clinical practice.

conference highlights

Expert talks by leading doctors, deglutologists, dietitians, and healthcare professionals
Scientific sessions on Oncology, Paediatrics, and Geriatrics
Multidisciplinary perspectives on nutrition and dysphagia care
Interactive case study discussions
Evidence-based clinical updates
Networking opportunities with experts and peers
Oral and poster presentation sessions
Hands-on learning through the pre-conference workshop

who should attend?

ASCEND 2026 welcomes professionals, students, and researchers from diverse healthcare backgrounds, including:

ENT Surgeon
Speech – Language Pathologists
Clinical Nutritionist / Dietitians
Physiotherapists
Nurses
Gastroenterologist
Oncologists
Students & Researchers
All professionals intreseted in Nutrition and Dysphagia care

call for Abstracts

Researchers, clinicians, academicians, and students are invited to submit abstracts showcasing original research, clinical innovations, case studies, and evidence-based practices in nutrition and dysphagia care

Important Dates

registration details

Registration fee includes access to both the Pre-Conference Workshop and the Scientific Conference.

Category Registration Fee
Students ₹1,000
Professionals ₹3,000
Payment (Pre-conference + Scientific Conference)

Students

Pre Conference Workshop
250/-
Scientific Conference
750/-
Pre Conference Workshop + Scientific Conference
1000/-

Dietitians/Deglutologist/SLP/Academicians/Researchers

Pre Conference Workshop
750/-
Scientific Conference
1500/-
Pre Conference Workshop + Scientific Conference
2000/-

Doctors

Pre Conference Workshop
1000/-
Scientific Conference
2000/-
Pre Conference Workshop + Scientific Conference
3000/-

For Special Discount for students >10 participants from the same institution contact: 9061593395

organizing committee

Patrons

Dr. Prem Nair

Provost and Group Medical Director
Amrita Hospitals

Dr. Gireesh Kumar K. P.

Principal
School of Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Dr. Subramania Iyer

Professor and Head
Department of Head & Neck Surgery

Mr. M. V. Thampi

Chief Program Administrator
Amrita Centre for Allied Health Sciences

Scientific Committee

Dr.-Krishnakumar-T_professor_Head-&-Neck-Surgery_medicine_amritaunviersity_kochi

Dr. Krishnakumar Thankappan

Clinical Professor, Department of Head & Neck Surgery

Dr. Tejal Patel

Assistant Professor
Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology

Organizing Chairperson

Dr. Nivedita Pavithran

Additional Professor & Head
Department of Clinical Nutrition

Arya C. J.

Chief Deglutologist
Department of Deglutology (Head & Neck Surgery)

Organizing Committee Members

Akshara S.

Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Nutrition

Shilpa K. M.

Senior Deglutologist, Department of Head & Neck Surgery

Sreedevi E. V.

Consultant Deglutologist & PhD Scholar, Department of Head & Neck Surgery

Why Attend ASCEND 2026?

accommodation

Hotel Name Distance from Amrita Hospital Room Type & Features Daily Rate (INR)
Nas Home Stay 1.3 km (approx. 19 mins walk) Single Room with AC ₹ 1,500
White Knight Inn 900 meters Single Room (Non-AC) ₹ 600
Matha Residency 650 meters Single Room ₹ 1,000

Contact for Individual Bookings:

Ph : 7034332906   

Ph : 8089731084

Hotel Name Distance from Amrita Hospital Capacity & Room Type Rate (INR)
Matha Residency 650 meters Double Room (Up to 3 people) ₹ 1,100 / day
Madonna Palace 650 meters (approx. 9 mins walk) Group Room (Up to 4 people) ₹ 500 / person / day
White Knight Inn 900 meters Double Bed Room (Non-AC) ₹ 1,100 / day
White Knight Inn 900 meters Double Bed Room (With AC) ₹ 1,600 / day
White Knight Inn 900 meters 4 Bed In 1 room (Up to 6 people) ₹ 2,200 / day
Igloo Stays Edapally 2.9 km Dormitory:
• Boys (Up to 14 people)
• Girls (Up to 4 people)
• 2 Bed Rooms (Girls only)
₹ 650 / person / day

₹ 1,300 / day

Contact for Group & Dormitory Bookings:

Ph : 7434021177

Ph : 8089731084

collaborators

contact us

7034497948 / 9061593395

nourishtoswallow@gmail.com

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