Hull, birthplace of John Venn, creator of the Venn Diagram, and William Wilberforce, leader of the movement to abolish slavery, will welcome leading experts from around the world for the Global IBD Conclave next week.
This two-day international conference, to be held on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st July 2026, will bring specialists together to explore and debate the latest advances, opportunities, and practical strategies for improving the care of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) across the world.
The event will be hosted by the IBD Hull team who, over the course of many years, have built an international reputation for their innovative work to integrate clinical care and research; to deliver good patient outcomes; and their experience in leading national and international studies in the field of IBD for more than two decades.
And now, through the generosity of the late Dr Assem Allam and his family, the team has access to world-class facilities in which to continue driving this work forward.
For years, the Allam Family have worked alongside the local NHS to build a lasting legacy of healthcare improvement, education, innovation and research in the Hull and East Yorkshire region. The most recent facility to open, and the final one before Dr Allam sadly passed away in 2022, is the Allam Digestive Centre at Castle Hill Hospital.
This striking, purpose-built, three-floor building incorporates specialist clinical treatment space, world-class training facilities and the Yorkshire Digestive Research Institute, enabling patients to benefit from purpose-built treatment areas, new diagnostic techniques and access to the latest cutting-edge IBD research trials.
By investing in research, education and global collaboration, the family is seeking to improve outcomes for people with digestive conditions right here in Hull and East Yorkshire, whilst also establishing Hull as a recognised centre of excellence for the delivery of IBD care and innovation.
Dr Gilaad Kaplan, a gastroenterologist and epidemiologist based in Calgary, Canada, and who is internationally renowned for studying the global epidemiology of digestive diseases, will deliver the inaugural Allam Global Lecture, Global Evolution of IBD – Are we prepared?, sponsored by Allam in the Community, at next week’s event.
Among the other renowned national and international speakers joining the line-up are Professor James Lindsay, Professor of IBD at Queen Mary University of London who will discuss dietary interventions in IBD; Dr Partha Pal, a Consultant Gastroenterologist & IBD Specialist from India who will discuss the use of AI and interventional approaches in IBD; and Dr Yamile Zabana from Barcelona, Spain, who will discuss IBD and obesity.
The event is being led by Professor Sebastian who, as well as heading up the IBD Hull team at NHS Humber Health Partnership*, is also currently a governing body member of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) and co-leads the Lancet GH Global Commission on IBD.
Professor Sebastian says:
“IBD is rapidly increasing in both incidence and prevalence. Around one in 100 people are predicted to be affected by 2030, and some of the fastest growth in what were once considered to be ‘Western diseases’ is now being seen in places such as Asia, South America and the Middle East.
“Indeed, IBD is becoming very much a global disease which requires global collaborations and research to deliver solutions.
“The aim of the Global IBD Conclave is to pool the knowledge and expertise from colleagues around the world and consider what the disease may look like in years to come, how we should be preparing for the challenges ahead in treatment and prevention, and how we can contribute to the provision of equitable IBD care for millions of people around the world.
“We’re excited to be a part of this global approach to improving IBD care through some of our work here in Hull, and to be bringing together experts from all corners of the world so that we may showcase our service and the facilities we have been generously provided with.”
Catherine Bishop, Head of Community Investment for Allam in the Community says:
“Dr Assem Allam was a true philanthropist who, in the process of investing in quality healthcare and improving access to treatments, also wanted to show how proud he was of the region. The innovative Allam Digestive Centre is a fitting reflection of his beliefs and his aspirations, bringing together patient care, world-class training and pioneering research in one place and helping to put Hull on the map.
“The Allam family are proud to continue supporting his legacy, vision and the vital work taking place to advance understanding and treatment of digestive conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, for patients here in Hull, East Yorkshire, and around the world.”
The Global IBD Conclave is a free to attend, in-person event for health professionals which will also be live streamed globally to promote international IBD learning and education. It will take place across two days, Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st July 2026, at Hull’s iconic Connexin Arena.
