Background

SIG 2026

7th International Advanced course of Immunogenetics,

Agadir, Morocco | July 1–4, 2026

Theme : Immunogenetics in the Era of Precision Health: Integrating Genetic Diversity and Innovative Technologies

Scope

The 7th International Advanced course of Immunogenetics (SIG 2026), organized by the School of Immunogenetics (SIG) and Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics (SM2GH), is a high-level scientific training program designed to bring together leading experts, early-career researchers, clinicians, and students from around the world.

This advanced school aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the rapidly evolving field of immunogenetics, with a particular emphasis on its applications in human health, disease susceptibility, and precision medicine. Special attention will be given to the role of genetic diversity particularly in African populations—in shaping immune responses and influencing disease outcomes. The program will foster interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange through keynote lectures, thematic sessions, and interactive workshops, creating a dynamic environment for learning, networking, and collaboration.

General theme of the course

Immunogenetics in the Era of Precision Health: Integrating Genetic Diversity and Innovative Technologies.

Main Scientific Themes :

  • Cancer Immunogenetics:
    Exploring genetic and immune mechanisms underlying tumor development, immune evasion, and novel immunotherapeutic strategies.
  • Immunogenetics of Infectious Diseases:
    Understanding host–pathogen interactions, genetic susceptibility, and immune responses to infectious agents, with a focus on endemic and emerging diseases.
  • New Technologies and Innovative Approaches in Immunogenetics:
    Covering cutting-edge tools such as peptide-based vaccines, CAR-T cells, gene therapy, single-cell omics, high-throughput sequencing, and their applications in immunology and precision medicine.

Hands-on Workshops

In addition to the core scientific program and in close with our principial partner the IMGT “the international ImMunoGeneTics information system®, and three specialized hands-on workshops will be organized, focusing on advanced methodologies in immunogenetics:

  • T Cell Receptor (TCR) Repertoire Analysis
  • Immunoglobulin (IG) Repertoire Profiling
  • HLA Genotyping using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Nanopore sequencing technologies

These workshops will provide practical insights into experimental design, data generation, and bioinformatic analysis, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with state-of-the-art platforms.

Objectives 

  • To provide high-level training in immunogenetics for young scientists and clinicians
  • To promote the integration of genomics and immunology in translational and clinical research
  • To highlight the importance of population diversity in global health and personalized medicine
  • To explore the translational impact of emerging biotechnologies in the development of next-generation immunotherapies, gene therapy and vaccines.
  • To strengthen scientific collaboration between Moroccan, African, and international research communities

7th SIG 2026 will serve as a unique platform to connect science, innovation, and global health perspectives in immunogenetics.

Keynote Speakers 

Prof. Dominique CHARRON, MD, PhD

Professeur Emerite, Université de Paris. HIPI.Inserm U 976.

Chef de Service Honoraire. Laboratoire “Jean Dausset”, Nobel Prize lab », Paris, France

Professeur Consultant, Jiao Tong University, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China

Prof. Ambroise Wonkam, MD, PhD

Director of the McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

President of AFSHG

University of Cape Town, South Africa

John Trowsdale PhD FMedSci MAE FRSB

Emeritus Professor University of Cambridge

Writer, Consultant

Prof. Youssef Idaghdour, PhD

Associate Professor of Biology; Global Network Associate Professor of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, NYU, United Arab Emirates

Speakers 

Prof. Solomon Fiifi Ofori-Acquahn PhD

Professor of Pediatrics and Calvin Smyre Endowed Chair
GRA Eminent Scholar and Director, Georgia Solve Sickle Cell Initiative
Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA

Prof. Khalid Sadki, PhD

Professor of Immunology and Immunogenetics

Head of the Department of Basic Sciences, Mohammed V University of Rabat
Founding President of SM2GH and SIG
Morocco

Prof. BenMohamed Lbachir, PhD

Professor and Director, Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune,

LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA, United States.

Prof. Issiaka Soulama, Pharm D, PhD

Director General of the National Agency for Pharmaceutical Regulation, Burkina Faso

Dr. Myriam Croze

IMGT, the international ImMunoGeneTics information system®
IGH, UMR 9002 CNRS-Université de Montpellier

Prof. Sofia Kossida

University of Montpellier
Senior Member of the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF)
Director of IMGT®, the international ImMunoGeneTics information system®

Dr. Sami Djoulah, PhD

Wiratech / Histogenetics France

Prof. Ahmed Belmoudden, PhD

Molecular Biologist
Dean of the Faculty of Sciences
Ibn Zohr University

Prof Collet Dandara,

Division of Human Genetics, Deputy Dean for Postgraduate Education in the Faculty of Health Sciences, at the University of Cape Town, South Africa

Prof. Hicham Oumzil, PhD

Professor of Immunovirology
Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco

Dr SENINET Mohamed EL HADI

HLA Ngs Specialist BH Lab Maroc

Dr Mohamed Fadli

Strategic Bs Dev -TDx market insights NextVision Co.

Dr. Meryem Aloulou

INFINITy – Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases
INSERM UMR1291, Purpan Hospital – Toulouse, France

Dr. Kamal El Bissati

Principal Investigator at the Toxoplasmosis Research Institute, University of Chicago Medical Center, USA

Co-Founder of canZero Therapeutics

Dr. Tala Shahin

New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE

Preliminary program

Registration

Registration form: Start your registration !

Registration Fees

* For only Workshops :

  • PhD students (age < 28 years): 450MAD (≈ 45 USD)
  • Other participants: 700 MAD (≈ 70 USD)

Registration deadline for workshop: May 27, 2026

Extended deadline : June 10, 2026

Important Notes:

The registration fee transfer must be free of any taxes or charges.
Places are very limited.
Participants for the workshops will be selected through a competitive selection process.

Applicants wishing to enroll in the course only may select this option directly in the application form. Participation is free of charge; however, submission of the application form is mandatory.


Bank Account Details for Payment :

Account name : SOCIETE MAROCAINE DE GENOMIQUE ET DE GENETIQUE HUMAINE
RIB :007810000105300030496397
CODE SWIFT : BCMAMAMC

Committees

  • Prof. Khalid Sadki, PhD
    Chair, 7th International Advanced Course of Immunogenetics (SIG 2026)
    Founding President, Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics (SM2GH) and SIG
  • Prof. Ahmed Belmoudden, PhD
    Co-Chair, 7th International Advanced Course of Immunogenetics (SIG 2026)
    Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Agadir
  • Prof. Hicham Oumzil
  • Prof. Ihsane El Otmani
  • Prof. Mohamed Gouskir
  • Dr. Saadi Amasdl
  • Dr. Salsabil Hamdi
  • Prof. Younes Abbas
  • Dr. Meryem Fakhkhari
  • Mme Radia Benoun

 

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