1. What is ICID 2026?

The 21st International Congress on Infectious Diseases (ICID 2026) is the flagship congress of the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID). Held under the theme“Global Challenges. Local Solutions.”, the congress serves as a global platform for advancing science, clinical practice, public health policy, and international collaboration in infectious diseases.

ICID 2026 brings together experts from around the world to explore the latest developments in infectious disease prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response through a One Health perspective that recognizes the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment.

2. Who should attend ICID 2026?

ICID 2026 welcomes:

  • Infectious disease physicians
  • Clinical microbiologists
  • Researchers and scientists
  • Epidemiologists
  • Public health professionals
  • Veterinarians
  • Healthcare practitioners
  • Policymakers and government representatives
  • Industry professionals
  • Laboratory specialists
  • Early-career professionals
  • Students and trainees
  • Global health organizations and NGOs

The congress offers opportunities for learning, networking, collaboration, and professional development across multiple disciplines involved in infectious diseases.

3. What topics are covered at ICID 2026?

The scientific programme covers a broad spectrum of subjects related to infectious diseases, including:

  • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
  • Vaccines and Vaccine Development
  • Tuberculosis
  • Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases
  • Climate Change and Infectious Diseases
  • One Health
  • Zoonotic Diseases and Spillover Events
  • Outbreak Surveillance and Epidemiology
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Epidemic Intelligence
  • Global Health Equity
  • Pandemic Preparedness
  • Rapid Diagnostics
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers including Ebola
  • Hantavirus and Emerging Pathogens
  • Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Applications in Infectious Diseases

The programme includes scientific, clinical, translational, and public health perspectives.

4. What makes ICID 2026 unique?

ICID 2026 takes a truly multidisciplinary and global approach to infectious diseases through a One Health framework. The congress brings together experts from clinical medicine, microbiology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public health, research, industry, and policy to address infectious disease challenges that affect communities worldwide.

The programme emphasizes the translation of scientific discovery into practical solutions that support patient care, disease prevention, outbreak preparedness, and global health equity.

5. Is ICID 2026 research-focused, clinical, or practice-oriented?

ICID 2026 combines all three elements.

The congress features cutting-edge basic and translational research, clinical advances in infectious disease management, and practical public health applications. Sessions are designed to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world implementation, providing attendees with knowledge that can be applied in clinical, laboratory, and public health settings.

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

Dates: 10-13 November 2026

Location: Madrid, Spain

Format: In-person congress

Language: The official language of ICID 2026 is English.

Conference Venue

Palacio Municipal IFEMA Madrid
Av. de la Capital de España, 5
Barajas, 28042 Madrid, Spain

Conference Time: The Congress will officially run on CET (Central European Time, UTC+1).

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 congress, the advised attire is business casual.

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 ICID 2026 organizers cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss of or damage to private property of participants, either during or indirectly arising from ICID 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 ICID 2026?

Yes. Researchers and professionals are invited to submit abstracts for consideration.

All accepted abstracts undergo peer review by the Abstract Review Committee. Detailed requirements, submission instructions, and presentation guidelines are available on the Abstract Submission & Guidelines page.

Late-Breaking Abstract submission is also available for new and significant findings obtained after the regular abstract submission deadline.

8. What presentation formats are offered at ICID 2026?

Presentation formats include:

  • Oral Presentations
  • Poster Presentations

The Scientific Committee determines the final presentation format following abstract review.

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

ICID 2026 features:

  • International plenary lectures from globally recognized experts
  • Pre-congress workshops
  • One Health-focused sessions
  • Interactive educational symposia
  • Partner sessions
  • Epidemic preparedness and outbreak response discussions
  • AI and Big Data workshops
  • Dedicated networking opportunities
  • Sessions focused on low- and middle-income country (LMIC) challenges and solutions

These programme elements support knowledge exchange across scientific, clinical, and public health disciplines.

10. Is ICID 2026 suitable for early-career professionals or students?

Yes. ICID 2026 actively supports early-career professionals, students, and young investigators through educational sessions, networking activities, workshops, and professional development opportunities. The congress provides an international platform to present research, learn from experts, and build professional connections.

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

Yes. An application will be made to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (UEMS-EACCME®) for CME accreditation of ICID 2026.

Physicians will be able to convert EACCME credits into an equivalent number of AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ through the agreement between UEMS and the American Medical Association (AMA).

In addition, live educational activities recognized by UEMS-EACCME for ECMEC credits are deemed to be Accredited Group Learning Activities (Section 1) by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada under its Maintenance of Certification Program.

ICID 2026 is committed to delivering high-quality, independent, and transparent continuing medical education. Further accreditation details and any approved credit allocations will be available on the CME/CPD Accreditation page as they become available.

12. Which types of companies have previously sponsored or exhibited at ICID 2026?

Exhibitors and sponsors typically represent:

  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Biotechnology companies
  • Diagnostic and laboratory solution providers
  • Vaccine manufacturers
  • Medical device companies
  • Healthcare technology providers
  • Research organizations
  • Public health institutions
  • Scientific publishers
  • Non-profit and global health organizations

These organizations support education, collaboration, and innovation across infectious diseases and global health.

13. Is ICID 2026 relevant for start-ups and emerging organisations?

Yes. ICID 2026 provides opportunities for innovative and emerging organizations to connect with clinicians, researchers, public health professionals, industry leaders, and decision-makers from around the world. The congress offers a platform to showcase new technologies, diagnostics, digital health solutions, and research innovations in infectious diseases.

14. Is ICID 2026 an ethical and compliant event?

Yes. ICID 2026 is organized by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) and follows applicable ethical, compliance, and industry standards. Information regarding governance, transparency, and organizational policies is available through the official congress and ISID resources.

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. ICID 2026 does not review for accuracy any information that appears in an AI session summary, closed caption or transcript. ICID 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.

15. How can I book accommodation for ICID 2026?

Secure your stay in Madrid for ICID 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://isidcongress.org/icid-hotels/

16. Who is the official ICID 2026 congress organizer?

The official congress organizer and ICID 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 ICID 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 ICID 2026 registration forms will be via links on the https://isidcongress.org/register/ 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://isidcongress.org/contact/

We look forward to seeing you in Madrid, Spain!