The BEST Innovation course revealed its 14th Strasbourg edition in August 2025. Created in 2011, the BEST course aims to educate in Minimally Invasive Surgical Strategies (MISS), regardless of participants’ professional background, and to make this training appealing, spurring surgical innovation. The 2025 Challenge was “Preventing stroke from clots hidden in the left atrial appendage”.
Key Highlights
Multidisplinary Cohort
30 participants were accepted this year: 12 with clinical background, 9 with engineering background and 9 with innovation background.
Massive mobilization of international specialists
25 faculty members and onsite trainers were mobilized for the course to mentor, challenge, inspire, and share stories of successes and failures.
Learning through play
Lots of fun was had too, with teambuilding and social events to unleash creativity. Creative thinking outside of the assigned science project was led by artist Laure Krug. Students worked on a collective art piece that can be seen on the ground-floor cafeteria glass wall.
For the second year, the BEST Summer School welcomed painter and visual artist Laure Krug as artist-in-residence. She led a unique collaborative artistic performance involving students, coaches, surgeon experts, and entrepreneurs.
This collaboration resulted in the creation of a unique fresco inspired by the BEST “spaceship” odyssey, which successfully achieved its 14th revolution at the edge of the surgical innovation galaxy.
Bringing a fresh perspective to make change happen : this is the convergence of art, surgery and innovation united by a common quest for creativity and transformation.
The IHU Strasbourg has unveiled the 2026 schedule for its International Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound Course (ITEC). ITEC will offer three dates to meet growing demand for training.
Dates to remember:
February 11–13, 2026
June 3–5, 2026
December 2–4, 2026
Scientific expertise of excellence
A must-attend event for experienced interventional endoscopists from around the world, ITEC is a high-level training course at the crossroads of theory, practice, and technological innovation. It implements an immersive teaching approach offered by a course director at the cutting edge of therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS):
Leonardo Sosa-Valencia, FR/VE,
Abdenor Badaoui, BE,
Pierre-Yves Christmann, FR,
Jérôme Huppertz, FR, and
Maxime Palazzo, FR.
A unique, practice-focused format
ITEC 2026 will offer:
interactive conferences led by a panel of international experts;
discussions of complex clinical cases, comparing participants’ experiences with the latest approaches;
more than 14 hours of supervised practice on high-fidelity simulated models, reproducing the main clinical situations that may be encountered (abdominal collections, biliary dilations, anastomoses, radiofrequency, embolization, neurolysis, etc.).
This approach enables practitioners to make concrete progress, moving from diagnostic EUS and ERCP to mastery of complicated therapeutic procedures.
A unique technological and academic environment
Thanks to the exceptional infrastructure of the IHU Strasbourg—an experimental platform with state-of-the-art equipment (therapeutic echoendoscopes, C-Arm, CT scanner, Angio-CT)—participants benefit from an experience that is as close as possible to clinical reality.
Personalized support from world-renowned experts facilitates direct and constructive exchanges between participants and trainers.
A program designed to transform practice
The course is primarily intended for gastroenterologists and interventional echoendoscopists with experience in diagnostic EUS and ERCP who wish to expand their skills to include therapeutic echoendoscopy. Two options are available:
Group A: comprehensive training with intensive practice, limited to 12 experienced participants, with the option of bringing an assistant or nurse.
Group B: participation as an auditor, with access to lectures, discussions, and observation of practical sessions.
At the end of these three days, participants will have acquired a stronger mastery of EUS techniques and an integrated vision of their place in modern echoendoscopic care.
International academic recognition
The program has been recognized by the United European Gastroenterology (UEG). The program also follows the educational recommendations of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE).
Join the ITEC 2026 adventure By attending the ITEC course, you will become part of an international community of practitioners committed to the advancement of interventional echoendoscopy. More than just a course, it is an immersive and collaborative learning experience at the heart of medical innovation.
📍 IHU Strasbourg | 🗓️ July 7-11, 2025 👥 24 participants | 🌍 12 countries | 🧠 +40 global experts | 🔬 5 intensive days of immersion
This week, IHU Strasbourg is hosting the 4th edition of its Summer School in Surgical Data Science, organized in partnership with the CAMMA research group of the Robotics, Data Sciences & Healthcare Technologies team (ICube Laboratory, University of Strasbourg) and supported by France 2030. The event brings together young talent from around the world to address a fundamental challenge for the future of medicine: the use of data to improve the quality and safety of surgical procedures.
A vision led by Prof. Nicolas Padoy
At the helm of this initiative is Prof. Nicolas Padoy, Scientific Director and Director of Research in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at IHU Strasbourg. A pioneer in augmented surgery, he has been working for over a decade to build bridges between the worlds of surgery, data science, and artificial intelligence.
His commitment has made the IHU Strasbourg a key global player in the field of data-driven surgery. This summer school fully embodies his interdisciplinary vision: to train the next generation of clinician-researchers and engineers capable of advancing surgical practice through digital technologies.
A mission to serve the medicine of tomorrow
The school’s mission is clear: to train future experts capable of designing, analyzing, and deploying digital tools for surgery, taking into account the realities of the operating room. It encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and dialogue to transform surgical data into concrete and safe solutions for the benefit of patients.
A high-level international faculty
Alongside Prof. Padoy, the 2025 edition brings together leading speakers, including:
Brice Gayet (Université Paris Cité, France),
Debby Keller (Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University, USA),
Evis Sala (Gemelli IRCC University Hospital, Catholic University, Italy),
Hongliang Ren (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China),
Nassir Navab (TU Munich, Germany),
Silvana Perretta (IHU Strasbourg et Strasbourg University Hospitals, France),
Pierre Jannin (Inserm Rennes, France),
Paul Barach (Thomas Jefferson University, USA).
A rich and immersive program
Alternating between lectures, keynote, practical work, laboratory workshops, and group projects, the 2025 program explores strategic themes:
AI for surgical gesture recognition,
Multimodal language models for surgical AI,
Endoscopic and robotic simulation,
Analysis of communication in the operating room,
Transfer to industry and healthcare entrepreneurship.
Participants also have the opportunity to work in advanced simulation environments and meet experts from the MedTech ecosystem, in connection with the research and innovation projects of the IHU Strasbourg.
International influence, in the heart of Strasbourg
This edition brings together 24 young researchers and clinicians selected for their excellence, from Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. The IHU Strasbourg is thus strengthening its position as an international leader in the field of data-driven and artificial intelligence-guided surgery.
An initiative to transform the healthcare system with a project that will shape the future of surgery
More than just an academic program, this Summer School embodies the values of the IHU Strasbourg: innovation, interdisciplinarity, openness, and clinical impact. It is part of a broader strategy promoted by the institute: to develop breakthrough surgical technologies, support high-level training, and accelerate transfer to the industrial and hospital sectors. An exemplary model of the interconnection between science, care, and innovation.
From April 14 to 17, 2025, IHU Strasbourg welcomed participants in the University Diploma (DU), Master 1 and Master 2 programs in surgical endoscopy for a intensive training session. Under the guidance of Prof. Silvana Perretta, Director of Educational Programs at the IHU, this session enabled future experts to perfect their skills in the most advanced techniques of interventional endoscopy.
A rich program combining theory, demonstrations and advanced practice
Each morning began with a series of high-level lectures and live demonstrations from the IHU operating theater. Highlights included:
Endoscopic management of complications in bariatric surgery (Dr. P. Riva)
Primary bariatric procedures and gastric complication techniques (Pr S. Perretta)
Basics of endoscopic resection (EMR, ESD) and POEM (Pr S. Perretta, Dr R. Maselli)
The approach to complex biliary lesions and the fundamentals of ERCP (Dr B. Dallemagne, Dr T. Voiosu)
The lectures were enriched by remote presentations from European specialists, providing a multidisciplinary perspective.
Practical immersion in ex-vivo and in-vivo models
The afternoons were devoted to technical training on the IHU’s experimental platform. Participants were able to perform complex gestures in an environment that faithfully simulated operating room conditions. The program included :
Navigation and endoscopic suturing
Perforation closure
Placement of bariatric stents
Vacuum therapy
EMR, ESD, POEM and ERCP on simulated models
Introduction to cholangioscopy and LAMS (Lumen apposing metallic stent)
Master 2 students were able to deepen their knowledge of dissection and resection techniques.
Excellent training for tomorrow’s practitioners
This week of training illustrates IHU Strasbourg’s strong commitment to developing skills in surgical endoscopy. Thanks to teaching that combines clinical expertise, technological innovation and simulation, the DU and Masters courses are training a generation of professionals ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s surgery.
Are you passionate about medicine, technology, and innovation? Do you dream of pushing the boundaries of tomorrow’s healthcare by exploring fields like minimally invasive surgery, artificial intelligence, and robotics? Then don’t miss the B.E.S.T. Innovation Course 2025—an immersive program at the crossroads of science, design, and entrepreneurship.
Two sessions, one international experience
IRCAD Taïwan – July 28 to August 1, 2025
IHU Strasbourg – August 25 to 29, 2025
Building on the success of previous editions, the B.E.S.T. Innovation Course 2025 returns with two exclusive sessions at IRCAD Taiwan and IHU Strasbourg, two world-renowned centers for surgical innovation.
This intensive program is designed for students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs eager to develop groundbreaking solutions for the future of healthcare. Over the course of a week, you’ll be immersed in an unparalleled learning environment, blending interactive lectures, design thinking workshops, and real-world operating room experiences.
A program designed to unleash your creativity
Understand the challenges of medical innovation through presentations by international experts,
Experiment with the most advanced technologies: surgical robotics, artificial intelligence, simulation and new experimental platforms,
Engage in innovation challenges—turning ideas into prototypes,
Observe live surgeries and witness the latest advancements in minimally invasive techniques,
Pitch your project to a panel of experts and investors!
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics: innovation in action
The 2025 edition will focus on the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in tomorrow’s medicine. From diagnostic assistance to the optimization of surgical procedures, these technologies are already revolutionizing medical practice. Through demonstrations, case studies, and expert discussions, you’ll discover how AI is evolving into a co-pilot for surgeons and innovators.
An international network of experts and innovators
By joining the B.E.S.T. Innovation Course, you join a dynamic communityof innovators and benefit from the support of world-renownedsurgeons, engineersand entrepreneurs. It’s the perfect opportunity to develop your network and accelerate your career in medical innovation.
Secure Your Spot Today!
Discover in pictures what awaits you at the B.E.S.T. Innovation Course 2025!
Registration is now open! Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of medical innovation. Secure your place today and join a community of passionate innovators!
From February 12 to 14 and March 5 to 7, 2025, the IHU Strasbourg hosted two groups of students of the Master’s degree in Santé – Surgical Science & Innovation technology, option Bariatric endoscopy for their first hands-on session of the second year of the curriculum. This top-class course,led by Professor Silvana Perretta, Director of the Institute’s Education Programs, is part of the academic trainings, developped in partnership with the University of Strasbourg and part of the EVE – Evolving Education – platform.
For three days, each group of practitioners from Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East were able to learn about the most advanced techniques in interventional endoscopyfor the treatment of obesity, a fast-changing field at the heart of minimally invasive management strategies.
Immersive, practice-oriented teaching methods
The teaching program, built around hands-on workshops, live demonstrations and interactive clinical cases, aims to enhance participants’ technical skills while stimulating critical reflection on indications and therapeutic approaches. The IHU’s cutting-edge technological environment provides realistic situations and encourages learning through simulation, with personalized support from internationally renowned experts.
“This master’s program is much more than just a training course: it’s a genuine laboratory for exchange between practitioners, a place for transmitting not only skills, but also the values on which tomorrow’s surgery is founded”, emphasizes Prof. Silvana Perretta.
Join the next session
Are you a surgeon or gastroenterologist looking to deepen your expertise in endoscopic bariatric surgery?
Discover the complete surgical and interventional endoscopy program and upcoming training sessions on our website or directly via the EVE platform:
We use cookies on our website to provide you with the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking on "Accept all", you consent to the use of ALL cookies. However, you can consult the "Cookie settings" section to give a personalized and controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience when browsing the site. Among these cookies, those that are considered necessary are stored on your browser, as they are essential to the operation of the website's basic functions. We also use third-party cookies to help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your consent. You also have the option of refusing these cookies. However, disabling some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Functional cookies enable certain functionalities such as sharing website content on social media platforms, collecting comments and other third party functions.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies provide information about the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertising cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant advertisements and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide personalized advertisements.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionality and security features of the website, in an anonymous manner.
Recent Comments