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 latest 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. 

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 worldwide.

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 Program

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, breakfast (courtesy of IMV Technologies), coffee breaks, lunch, reception at the medieval Bruges City Hall, and a gastronomic dinner at the Halve Maan brewery (courtesy of Genetech Europe).
• Registration fee does not include registration for the ESER-2026 Symposium on October 15-16.