Human Performance & Biosystems Summit 2026
The Human Performance & Biosystems Summit 2026 will bring together senior leaders from the Department of War, military research laboratories, industry, and academia to examine the policies, strategies, and technologies shaping human performance across the force.
As modern warfare becomes increasingly multi-domain and cognitively demanding, the event will focus on integrated, data-driven approaches to improving readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness. The program highlights ongoing efforts to enhance physical, cognitive, psychological, and social performance through initiatives such as Total Force Fitness (TFF), the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system, the Marine Corps’ Total Fitness (MCTF), and the Navy’s Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS).
Discussions will center on prevention-focused and sustainable models designed to reduce injury, support recovery, and maintain long-term readiness across the Joint Force.
When is the Event?
The Human Performance & Biosystems Summit will take place on June 10–11, 2026.
Themes
The 2026 summit will address key topics related to warfighter performance and readiness, including policy development, human performance optimization, and the integration of new technologies.
Sessions will explore how strategies such as Total Force Fitness are advancing human readiness, as well as how service-specific programs like Holistic Health and Fitness are being implemented across different levels of the force.
Additional focus areas include optimizing naval performance systems, improving injury prevention and recovery, and supporting mental, spiritual, and family health as part of a broader approach to readiness. The program will also examine the role of wearable biosensors, digital health platforms, artificial intelligence, and data analytics in enhancing training and decision-making.
What’s On?
The summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by senior leaders and subject matter experts.
Attendees will have opportunities to engage with discussions on policy alignment, data governance, and ethical considerations surrounding human performance technologies. The agenda also includes sessions focused on implementation strategies, performance metrics, and lessons learned across military services.
Networking opportunities are integrated throughout the event, allowing participants to engage directly with decision-makers, researchers, and industry representatives. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to discussions, share insights, and participate in dialogue with speakers and peers.
Speakers
Confirmed speakers for the 2026 summit include senior officials, military leaders, and experts in human performance and readiness:
- Peter I. Belk, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Readiness
- Dr. Terry Rauch, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Health Readiness Policy & Oversight
- Dr. Theresa Jackson Santo, Acting Director of Warfighter Performance Optimization
- SEAC David Isom, USN, 6th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman
- SgtMaj Carlos A. Ruiz, USMC, 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
- COL (Ret) Dr. Kevin Bigelman, USA, Holistic Health and Fitness Deputy Director
- Christine Heit, Lead for Holistic Health Approach and Total Force Fitness, USSF
- Dr. Elizabeth Van Winkle, Former Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness (Event Moderator)
Previous Highlights
Now in its eighth year, the summit continues to convene stakeholders from across government, military, industry, and academia. Previous editions have focused on advancing human performance strategies, sharing operational insights, and examining the integration of emerging technologies into military readiness programs.
The event has consistently provided a forum for collaboration and discussion across organizations involved in human performance and biosystems.
Where is The Event?
151 St George Blvd
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
National Harbor, Maryland
United States
To learn more about Human Performance & Biosystems Summit 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
