More than 950 delegates, including infectious disease specialists, clinicians, researchers, microbiologists and healthcare professionals from India and abroad, are expected to participate in CIDSCON 2026, the 16th Annual Conference of the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society (CIDS), being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The four-day scientific event will take place at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, with pre-conference workshops on August 20 followed by the main conference from August 21 to 23, 2026. The official theme is “Addressing AMR: From Awareness to Action,” placing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the centre of discussions on infectious disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Gujarat Health Minister Prafull Pansheriya is scheduled to inaugurate the conference and unveil a book focused on Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS). The programme will feature national experts and international faculty, including specialists from the United States and Singapore, according to the conference announcement.

The opening day will include specialised workshops covering “ID 360: Mastering the Basics,” “Microbiology 360: Diagnostics, Stewardship and Infection Control,” “The Zero Defence Challenge: Mastering ID in the Immunocompromised,” “AI and Technology in ID Practice,” and “ID Issues in Surgical Practice.” These sessions will combine expert lectures, case-based discussions and hands-on learning.

Artificial intelligence will be another major focus at CIDSCON 2026. A dedicated workshop will explore the current AI landscape, applications beyond large language models and the practical use of AI in infectious disease practice. Participants are also expected to take part in hands-on projects and clinical problem-solving exercises.

The main scientific programme will address a broad range of infectious disease challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, tropical infections, tuberculosis, HIV, fungal infections, virology, infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship, and infections among immunocompromised patients. Emerging technologies such as next-generation sequencing, phage therapy and AI-enabled clinical practice will also be discussed.

A special session on August 22 will focus on strengthening AMR containment efforts in Gujarat. The programme is expected to cover state-level initiatives, the Gujarat State AMR Surveillance Network (GUJSAR-N), antimicrobial stewardship monitoring and laboratory-data-based disease surveillance through an AMR dashboard.

The conference will also feature challenging clinical case discussions, expert interactions, award presentations, poster rounds and academic sessions for postgraduate students and fellows. The event will conclude on August 23 with a valedictory session.

With over 950 expected participants and a scientific agenda spanning AMR, emerging infections and advanced technologies, CIDSCON 2026 is set to provide a major platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in infectious disease care, research and public health.