ISEOI - International Symposium on Equine OPU-ICSI-IVF

The Second International Symposium on Equine OPU-ICSI-IVF (ISEOI-2026) will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, 14&15 October 2026, at the BMCC in Bruges. This two-day, high-level scientific meeting brings together leading international experts from academia and clinical practice to share refined protocols, practical experience, and the latest advances in equine OPU, ICSI, and IVF.

The program will cover the full clinical spectrum of equine OPU, including donor mare selection and management, sedation and pain control, and ethical considerations. Advanced sessions will address ICSI embryo freezing, manipulation, thawing, and transfer, recipient mare selection, embryo sexing, the use of sexed semen, and recent breakthroughs in equine ICSI and IVF technologies that were presented at the ISEET Research Symposium.

About the Symposium

Join a truly international forum dedicated to equine-assisted reproduction, combining scientific excellence with open, expert-level discussion. The symposium is designed to foster critical exchange, peer interaction, and clinical reflection among professionals actively shaping the field.

Day 1 - For the OPU Veterinarians

The focus will be entirely on clinical aspects that concern the OPU veterinarians including donor mare selection and management, OPU technique, sedetion and analgesia, welfare, oocyte processing and shipment, and recipient mare selection and management.

Day 2 - For the Embryologists, ICSI-Technicians and Researchers

The second day is designed with the embryologist in mind. Topics include future developments in IVP, quality control and troubleshooting the ICSI lab, the oocyte, zygote and blastocyst, semen preparation, selection and the use of sexed semen.

What to Expect

• Global expertise: Learn directly from internationally recognized leaders in equine OPU, ICSI, and IVF
• Open exchange of experience: Speakers share both successes and challenges, offering valuable clinical insights
• Forward-looking discussions: Explore how advanced reproductive technologies fit within responsible and ethical breeding strategies
• Interactive panels: Engage in dynamic Q&A sessions and audience-driven debate
• Networking opportunities: Connect with veterinarians, embryologists, researchers, and key opinion leaders from around the world

Program Highlights

• Expert-led sessions: Focused presentations paired with highly interactive discussions.
• Cutting-edge insights: Latest research findings and refined clinical protocols presented by selected scientists and clinicians.

Comprehensive coverage of advanced topics, including:

• OPU technique and equipment selection/setup
• Oocyte physiology and handling
• Donor mare management and selection
• Sedation and pain management
• Ethical considerations in assisted reproduction
• Cryopreservation, manipulation, thawing, and transfer of ICSI embryos
• Recipient mare selection
• Embryo sexing and the use of sexed semen in IVP
• The latest advances in equine ICSI and IVF presented at the ISEET Research Meeting
• Oocyte transport & maturation
• Embryo culture & evaluation
• Optimisation of the ICSI & IVF procedure
• Quality control in the IVP lab
• Troubleshooting in the IVP lab
• Sperm selection and gender specific embryo production
• The future of equine IVP

Schedule

Wednesday 14 Oct. - Focus on clinical aspects of OPU and ET

• Meet-and-greet breakfast (07:00–08:30) – courtesy of IMV Technologies and NIFA Technologies
• Morning scientific sessions and a coffee break
• Lunch at the Room-with-a-View
• Afternoon scientific sessions and a coffee break
• Evening reception and gastronomic dinner at the Halve Maan Brewery – courtesy of Genetech Europe

Thursday 15 Oct. - Focus on IVP

• Morning scientific sessions and a coffee break (starts at 9:00)
• Lunch in Expo Hall
• Afternoon scientific sessions and a coffee break
• Evening reception and walking dinner in Expo Hall – courtesy of our sponsors

Who should attend and why?

This intensive symposium is designed for veterinarians and embryologists with hands-on experience in equine OPU and/or ICSI/IVF.

Participants will:

• Learn directly from world-leading experts
• Gain access to in-depth discussions, expert perspectives, and emerging data
• Acquire practical insights immediately applicable to clinical and laboratory practice
• Engage in debate on ethics, social license, and the future of OPU-ICSI in the sport horse industry.

When & Where

• Wednesday & Thursday 14-15 October, 2026
• BMCC Congress Center, Bruges, Belgium

Registration

Registration for the ISEOI Symposium is only available in combination with the ESER-2026 Symposium (15–16 October 2026).
Registration includes:

• Access to all ISEOI lectures on Wednesday and Thursday
• Breakfast, coffee breaks, and lunch
• Gastronomic dinner at the Halve Maan Brewery