The day marks the anniversary of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen's discovery of x-rays in 1895. More than 125 societies are participating, including radiology, radiography, medical physics, neurology, and patient rights groups, the ESR said.

This year's theme is brain imaging. The ESR has produced a book, Brainwatch: Detecting and diagnosing brain diseases with imaging that explains how and why radiologists image the brain.

The society has also created a social media campaign, Thunderclap, which will allow radiologists and other medical doctors to share their messages collectively in one place on 8 November. Thunderclap can additionally be supported on Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr, according to the ESR.

Finally, the ESR has distributed party packages to people around the world. The packages include posters, badges, stickers, and some novelty Röntgen cut-out beards. The IDoR Facebook page will be posting photos from the events, and the ESR will also announce another special IDoR surprise via Facebook on 8 November, the society said.