ESID 2026: Immunodeficiencies and Inborn Errors of Immunity

1. What is ESID 2026?

ESID 2026 is the 22^nd Biennial Meeting of the European Society for Immunodeficiencies. It is organized in conjunction with INGID and IPOPI, dedicating special tracks to nurses (INGID) and patient advocacy groups (IPOPI).

The ESID Meeting brings together internationally renowned scientists and clinicians to present and discuss major and the newest developments in inborn errors of immunity, across basic science, diagnosis, treatment, and management.

The 2026 theme is “Immunology beyond boundaries”. With this theme, the meeting will show the interaction between basic science and clinical research, between immunology and other areas of research, and aim to stimulate the interaction between junior and senior scientists and between patients, nurses and doctors.

2. Who should attend ESID 2026?

ESID 2026 is for anyone researching, treating, or advocating on behalf of patients with immunodeficiency disorders / inborn errors of immunity.

The ESID Meeting brings together basic science researchers, clinical researchers, clinical practitioners, nurses, laboratory scientists and technicians, residents, fellows, medical students, industry researchers & representatives / corporate professionals, and patient advocates.

The range of specialties include, immunology, allergy and clinical immunology, pediatrics, (bone marrow) transplant, internal medicine, haematology, oncology, pediatric haematology-oncology, molecular biology, genetics, rheumatology, infectious diseases, pharmacology, biochemistry and others.

First started in 1983 as an informal group known as EGID, the conference has grown in the past 3 in-person editions to 2400-2550 participants each time.

3. What topics are covered at the ESID 2026 Meeting?

The 2026 theme is “Immunology beyond boundaries”. Specific session topics covering the very latest on immunodeficiencies and inborn errors of immunity as well as unique topics for this year’s theme include:

Plenary sessions covering, Opening and Closing Keynotes; Immune metabolism; Pathway dissection and clinical translation; Host-pathogen interaction; Role of thymus in immune tolerance; AI in IEI.

Parallel sessions (which include accepted presentations) covering, Bench to bedside: gut complications in IEI; Diagnostic challenges; Advances in cell therapy; Diagnosis and Management of Lung complications in IEI; Cutting Edge technologies for understanding IEI; Developments in gene therapy for IEI; Autoinflammation; Where immunology meets Hematology; Genetics in newborn screening; Atopic diseases; Paradigm shift in NK cells; Blood-brain barrier & IEI with neurological complications; The ESID-INGID-IPOPI Joint Session.

The ESID Educational Day topics will ground you in the breadth of IEI knowledge needed before the week’s deep scientific dive.

There will be dedicated INGID sessions for nurses, and IPOPI sessions for patient advocacy.

Meet the Expert sessions and Working Party Meetings’ topics are still to be confirmed.

Industry symposia topics are under review as well.

To view the latest ESID 2026 scientific programme, visit https://esidmeeting.org/scientific-programme/

4. What makes the ESID Meeting unique?

The ESID Meeting is the #1 home for a career in Inborn Errors of Immunity & Immunodeficiencies.

ESID in conjunction with INGID and IPOPI uniquely bring all those engaged in immunodeficiencies in Europe and around the world together. This makes the ESID Meeting the most important international meeting in the field.

“It’s the one place where the best science is presented, sometimes even before publication.”
“This is the unique meeting where basic, translational, and clinical immunology meet in one space.”

Sessions embody “bench to bedside”, putting all professionals in the same room together by combining the very cutting edge of basic research, translational research, diagnostics and clinical care and management. The result is inspiration and real take-home value.

“Every year there are new discoveries – new genes, new phenotypes.”
“The field is dynamic and rapidly expanding with next-gen sequencing, molecular pathways, and translational research.”
“It gives you clues and inspiration for your next project or new therapies.”
“It gives you clues and inspiration for your next project or new therapies.”
“I always learn something I take back to my patients.”

ESID provides a dedicated and select forum for immunodeficiency and inborn errors of immunity professionals to connect with peers and international experts.

“There are more than 2000 specialists here, it’s a big scene to show your work and to connect.”
“We meet colleagues from all over the world who do the same thing as we do.”
“It’s a huge occasion to put together rare disease data with others who understand.”

Work presented at ESID Meetings gain international visibility, feedback, and importantly enables others to learn from it as well, which is particularly important in rare diseases.

“If you want visibility and to show your results, you need to submit your abstract.”
“The conference is so much more lively and interactive when you have your own abstract.”
“It’s a rare opportunity to receive critical feedback, discover related cases, and meet collaborators.”
“No single centre can cover all rare diseases, you need others’ support.”

Combining these two unique factors results in a supportive community across generations, disciplines, and countries.

“For me, the ESID community is family.”
“It feels like a family reunion: warm, informal, collaborative.”
“It’s always a warm, friendly, collaborative environment. You can go up to anyone.”
“It’s fun! You meet friends, share stories, and rediscover why you love this field.”
“We talk science and patient care, and we advise each other on things we’re not sure about.”

ESID is also tailored to enable early career development in an advanced and specialized field.

“Young researchers can meet ‘big names’ and peers struggling with the same questions.”
“The Educational Day is great for reviewing the basics before diving into the latest science.”
“There’s a great overlap between clinical and genetic perspectives.”
“It’s perfect for early-career researchers to learn, ask questions, and grow.”

If you would like to learn more about what participants think about ESID Meetings, check out the ESID 2026 videos on its youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ESIDSociety

5. Is the ESID 2026 Meeting research-focused, clinical, or practice-oriented?

ESID Meetings cover the full “bench to bedside” process, bringing together basic science researchers, clinical researchers, clinical practitioners, nurses, laboratory scientists and technicians, residents, fellows, medical students, industry researchers & representatives / corporate professionals, and patient advocates.

Researchers connect not just with colleagues but get to see their work through to the patient. Clinicians not only learn more on diagnosis and care but get to see future treatments’ development.

“We talk science and patient care, and we advise each other on things we’re not sure about.”
“It’s a rare opportunity to receive critical feedback, discover related cases, and meet collaborators.”
“The field is dynamic and rapidly expanding with next-gen sequencing, molecular pathways, and translational research.”
“It gives you clues and inspiration for your next project or new therapies.”
“I always learn something I take back to my patients.”

6. When and where does ESID 2026 take place, and what is the event format?

ESID 2026, the 22^nd Biennial Meeting of The European Society for Immunodeficiencies, organized by ESID in conjunction with INGID and IPOPI will take place on 14-17 October 2026, in Maastricht, the Netherlands. The event is in-person with the option to also access materials online for up to 3 months after the conference.

Language

The official language of ESID 2026 is English.

Conference Venue

The Maastricht Exhibition & Conference Centre MEEC
Forum 100, 6229 GV
Maastricht, Netherlands
https://www.mecc.nl/

Nearest Train Station: The Maastricht-Randwyck train station is 250 metres away.
Nearest Bus Stop: Forum MECC bus stop (a bus leaves every five minutes from Maastricht city centre or Maastricht Central Station headed to MECC Maastricht).

Conference Time

The Conference will officially run on Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2)

Visas

It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa if required.

Visa regulations depend on your nationality and country of origin. We suggest you contact your local Consulate for official instructions on the specific visa regulations and application procedures that may apply to you.

Letter of Invitation

An official personalised letter of invitation will be provided to registered participants as part of the registration process. You will be able to generate an invitation letter at the end of the registration process, and you will also receive a confirmation email with a link to the invitation letter.

This invitation is prepared solely for the purpose of visa applications and is not a commitment on the part of the organizers to provide any financial support or confirmation of inclusion in the scientific programme.

Dress Code

During the entire conference, the advised attire is casual and informal.

Guest Attendance Policy

All event activities (including educational sessions, meal functions, exhibit hall, etc.) are exclusively reserved for registered attendees. Non-registered guests (including children, family members, colleagues, etc.) are not allowed in any of the event areas. Badges provided at registration are required for entrance into all functions and will be strictly enforced.

Liability and Insurance

Please do not leave bags or suitcases unattended at any time, whether inside or outside the session halls. Hotels strongly recommend that you use their safety deposit boxes for your valuables.

The ESID 2026 organizers cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss of or damage to private property of participants, either during or indirectly arising from ESID 2026. Participants are advised to take out their own personal health and travel insurance for their trip.

7. Can I submit an abstract or proposal to the ESID 2026 Meeting?

Abstract submission for ESID 2026, including INGID nursing abstract submission, closes on Tuesday, 05 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Abstract notifications will be mid/end of June 2026, giving plenty of time to claim early bird registration rates.

There will also be a late-breaking abstract submission from Tuesday, 14 July 2026 until Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

Some key points about abstract submission: ESID seeks new research and data. Thus, abstracts that have been previously presented at another meeting may not be submitted. Only abstracts with results will be accepted for review, and abstracts stating “data will be discussed in the presentation” will not be accepted. Plus, accepted abstracts will be published in the official meeting publications. The full guidelines are available here: https://esidmeeting.org/abstract-submission/

Abstract Topics

Abstract topics cover: Innate Immunity; Adaptive Immunity; Immune Dysregulation (incl. Autoimmunity, Autoinflammation and Allergy); Organ Specific Complications in IEI (Gut/Lung/Liver/neurological); Treatment (incl. cell therapy and gene therapy); Laboratory Diagnostics (incl. newborn screening); Genetics in IEI; AI in IEI; Discovery and Pathway Dissection; Immune Metabolism; Immuno-Hematology; Host-Pathogen Interactions; INGID (nurses); and, Other.

8. What presentation formats are offered at the ESID Meeting in Maastricht?

At ESID 2026 in Maastricht, by submitting an abstract, you’ll be able to be considered for:

Presentations in parallel sessions
Oral communications
E-Poster discussions
Poster walks
E-Poster viewings

9. What are the distinctive session formats or programme elements of the conference?

Keynote Lectures

These lectures are a must and will challenge perspectives and ignite innovation across the field. Prepare to be inspired by visionary talks from world-renowned experts.

Plenary Sessions

Explore progress in immunology, with globally renowned speakers addressing the latest research, technological advancements, and therapeutic innovations.

Parallel Sessions

Dive deeper into the science and clinical practice of inborn errors of immunity through focused sessions that blend expert insights with cutting-edge research selected from submitted abstracts. Expect lively discussions, practical takeaways, and the opportunity to engage directly with leaders and peers shaping the future of immunology.

Educational Day

One of the highlights of the ESID Meeting, the Educational Day enables you to start the Meeting with a comprehensive dive into the fundamentals of immunodeficiencies and inborn errors of immunity. Ideal for newcomers to the field as well as those looking to refresh their knowledge, the Educational Day will ensure a solid foundation for the days ahead.

Meet-the-Expert Sessions

Interact in small-group settings with the leaders in the field. Gain invaluable knowledge through discussions on niche topics or clinical challenges.

INGID & IPOPI Sessions

Dedicated tracks designed by and led by INGID (nurses) and IPOPI (patient advocacy) will amplify the voices of nurses and patient advocates, emphasizing patient-centered care. There will also be a joint ESID-INGID-IPOPI and INGID-IPOPI sessions.

Working Party Meetings

Learn all about the scope of work and challenges that stand for the ESID Working Parties in 2026.

Oral Communications

Dedicated sessions showcasing outstanding research selected from the submitted abstracts. These oral presentations provide a dynamic platform for scientists and clinicians to present their work, get feedback, and spark new collaborations.

E-Poster Presentations & Poster Walks

E-poster presentations showcase innovative research in a digital format, allowing attendees to interact directly with authors. This dynamic approach highlights emerging ideas and promotes active scientific exchange among participants. Likewise, the poster walks will give an opportunity to ask questions directly to the poster presenters.

Industry Symposia

Industry symposia highlight the latest innovations in diagnostics, therapies, and clinical technologies. These sessions bridge research and application, offering real-world insights from leading companies in the field.

Networking Events

These informal gatherings facilitate collaboration, foster professional relationships, and strengthen the interdisciplinary community.

To view the latest ESID 2026 scientific programme, visit https://esidmeeting.org/scientific-programme/

10. Is the ESID Meeting suitable for early-career professionals or students?

The ESID Meeting is highly suitable for early-career professionals and students, offering numerous opportunities for growth and engagement in the field of immunodeficiencies and inborn errors of immunity:

Present research to global experts focused on immunodeficiencies and inborn errors of immunity.
Connect with professionals in clinical research, diagnostics, and fundamental immunology, building valuable networks with leaders in your specialty.
Stay up-to-date with the latest innovations in immunology, from basic science to clinical applications, directly impacting patient care.
Discover potential collaborations or labs to advance your career.
Build a supportive community for guidance and collaboration, recognizing that no one can work alone in the field of rare diseases.
The Educational Day offers foundational knowledge for early-career researchers, providing an ideal opportunity to learn, ask questions, and grow before diving into more advanced topics.
ESID also offers travel grants for ESID Junior Members who submit an abstract to support their attendance at the ESID 2026 Meeting. Travel grants provide up to EUR 400 for members travelling from countries within Europe and up to EUR 750 EUR for members travelling from outside Europe. Learn more about the grant here https://esidmeeting.org/esid-2026-travel-grant/

To take an active role in the ESID Juniors session, visit https://esidmeeting.org/esid-juniors/

11. Is ESID 2026 accredited or certified (e.g. CME/CPD)?

An application will be made to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (UEMS-EACCME®) for CME accreditation for this event.

The conference organizer, Kenes Group is committed to being a valuable and knowledgeable partner in the design and delivery of educationally strong, independent, transparent, and effective CME/CPD programmes, and guides ESID accordingly.

Kenes is a proud member of the Good CME Practice Group (gCMEp).

12. Which types of companies have previously sponsored or exhibited at the ESID Meeting?

The ESID Meeting attracts a wide range of organizations, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies focused on developing innovative treatments for rare diseases, particularly in immunodeficiencies and inborn errors of immunity.

Diagnostics and life sciences companies interested in advancing laboratory tools, clinical testing, and precision diagnostics will also find value in engaging with this audience. Additionally, organizations providing healthcare services, medical devices, and patient support solutions, will benefit from connecting with the global network of researchers, clinicians, and specialists dedicated to improving patient care and outcomes in immunology.

At ESID Meetings, these organizations present their latest innovations in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of inborn errors of immunity and immunodeficiencies. They showcase their breakthroughs in immunological diagnostics, targeted therapies, gene and cell-based treatments, digital health tools, and patient care solutions.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, visit https://esidmeeting.org/prospectus/

13. Is ESID 2026 an ethical and compliant event?

ESID 2026 adheres to rigorous ethical standards and complies with all relevant regulations, ensuring that the event is both ethical and fully aligned with medical industry guidelines.

The status of the EthicalMedTech’s review (unique platform supported by MedTech Europe, and host to the EFPIA’s evaluation platform) can be tracked here: https://cvs.solutions.iqvia.com/event/detail/EMT-26-08598

Prescriber / Non-Prescriber

Support from pharmaceutical partners helps make this event possible. As such, it is important that we comply with the various codes and directives relating to the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of pharmaceutical products. The European Union directive (2001/83/EC, article 86) provides guidelines relating to medicinal products for human use. Within these guidelines is the restriction that access to pharmaceutical product marketing activities must be limited to only those participants licensed/authorized to prescribe or supply medicinal products. All participants, with the exception of the exhibitors, are asked the following question during registration: Are you licensed/authorized to prescribe or supply prescription-only medicines?

Within the virtual event platform healthcare professional authorized to prescribe prescription medicines will be recognized with a letter P (Prescriber) indicated after their names.

Exhibitors

Within the virtual event platform, all exhibitors (booth admins) will be recognized with a letter E (Exhibitor) indicated after their names.

AI Use

AI Session Summaries, Closed Captioning/ Transcript Disclaimer

Session summaries found inside the app are produced using AI.

Video recordings published on the virtual platform will be transcribed automatically using the ‘Automatic speech recognition (ASR) feature in the platform.

AI session summaries, closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. ESID 2026 does not review for accuracy any information that appears in an AI session summary, closed caption or transcript. ESID 2026 makes no representations or warranties and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or completeness of, any information that appears in an AI summary. closed caption or transcript.

14. How can I book accommodation for the ESID 2026 Meeting in Maastricht?

Secure your stay in Maastricht for ESID 2026. Book via the “Official Accommodation Booking Platform”. Make your experience stress-free by booking your accommodation in advance with Kenes Group, the congress organizer and official accommodation booking platform.

To search hotels and book one, visit https://hotels.kenes.com/congress/ESID26

Why book a hotel through the official accommodation platform with Kenes Group?

Special rates negotiated exclusively for ESID 2026 attendees.

Recommended hotels near the venue and in the city centre.

24hr hotline when checking-in to your hotel.

A representative at the congress venue during event hours.

Group booking options with discounted rates for 5 rooms or more.

15. Who is the official ESID 2026 meeting organizer?

The official meeting organizer and ESID 2026 secretariat is Kenes Group.

Kenes Group
7, rue François-Versonnex,
C.P. 6053, 1211 Geneva 6
Switzerland

Please be aware that there are several websites impersonating as the ESID 2026 registration and accommodation booking websites. They can be very professional looking and may use online advertising to appear at the top of search results.

The only way to access the ESID 2026 registration forms will be via links on the https://ESIDmeeting.org website or directly from Kenes Group.

If you are concerned that you might have been targeted by a fraudulent site, please email us via the Contact Us page here https://esidmeeting.org/contact-us/

We look forward to seeing you in Maastricht!