International Symposium on Equine OPU-ICSI-IVF

The Second International Symposium on Equine OPU-ICSI-IVF (ISEOI-2026) will take place on Wednesday, October 14, at the BMCC in Bruges. Leading experts from academia and the field will share practical how-to protocols and the latest insights on all aspects of equine OPU, including donor mare selection and management, sedation & pain management, and ethical considerations. The symposium will also cover the most up-to-date techniques for freezing, manipulating, thawing, and transferring ICSI embryos, recipient mare selection, embryo sexing, the use of sexed semen, and recent advances in equine ICSI and IVF techniques. 

About the Symposium

Be part of a truly global exchange on equine assisted reproduction, featuring top experts and dynamic, interactive audience participation.

What to Expect

• Global expertise: Learn from the world’s leading specialists in Ovum Pick-Up (OPU), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Open exchange of experience: Speakers share successes and challenges, offering practical insights and lessons learned.
• Forward-looking discussions: Explore the future of assisted reproduction in horses and how these techniques fit into responsible breeding practices.
• Interactive panels: Participate in lively Q&A sessions and audience-driven discussions, making this a must-attend event for OPU veterinarians and embryologists worldwide.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with peers, researchers, and top practitioners from around the globe.

Program Highlights

• Expert-led sessions: Concise presentations delivered by leading specialists, paired with highly interactive discussions.
• Cutting-edge insights: Latest research findings and practical protocols shared by carefully selected scientists and clinicians.

Comprehensive coverage of cutting-edge topics

• OPU technique and equipment selection/setup
• Oocyte physiology and handling
• Donor mare management and selection
• Sedation and pain management
• Ethical considerations in assisted reproduction
• Embryo cryopreservation, manipulation, thawing, and transfer of ICSI embryos
• Recipient mare selection
• Embryo sexing and the use of sexed semen in IVP
• The newest breakthroughs in equine ICSI and IVF

Schedule

• Meet and greet during breakfast from 7:00 to 8:30. Thank you, IMV and NIFA Technologies.
• Morning sessions & coffee break.
• Lunch at the Room-with-a-View.
• Afternoon sessions & coffee break.
• Reception at the Gothic Hall in the Historic Bruges City Hall. Thank you, City Council of Bruges.
• Dinner at the "Halve Maan" Brewery in the historic city center. Thank you, Genetech Europe.

Scientific Committee

Coming soon

Scientific Program

Coming soon

Speakers

Coming soon

Who should attend and why?

• This one-day intensive workshop is designed for veterinarians and embryologists with experience in equine OPU and/or ICSI/IVF techniques.
• Hear from the world's leading experts in OPU and ICSI.
• Access to insider perspectives, unpublished data, and in-depth discussions.
• Gain real-world insights that you can apply directly in your practice and clinical work.
• Debate ethics, social license, and the future of OPU-ICSI in the sport horse industry.

When & Where

• Wednesday 14 October 2026
• BMCC Congress Center, Bruges

Registration

• Registration is only possible in combination with the ESER-2026 Symposium on October 15-16.
• Registration includes lectures on Wednesday, coffee breaks, lunch, a reception at the City Hall, and a formal dinner at the Halve Maan brewery.
• Registration fee does not include registration for the ESER-2026 Symposium on October 15-16.