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
Founding Director of the West African Genetic Medicine Centre, University of Ghana
Center for Translational and International Hematology, University of Pittsburgh
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 Saïd Aoufouchi, PhD
Research Director at INSERM,
Gustave Roussy Institute, France
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
Registration
Registration form: Start your registration !
Registration Fees
1. Course and Workshops Participation:
- PhD students (age < 28 years): 850 MAD (≈ 85 USD)
- Other participants: 1250 MAD (≈ 125 USD)
2. Workshops Only :
- All: 850 MAD (≈ 85 USD)
3. Course Only :
- All: 500 MAD (≈ 50 USD)
Registration deadline : May 27, 2026
Please note that places are very limited. Participants for the workshops will be selected through a competitive selection process.
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
