Nantes, France – The annual Journées d’études et de formation (JEF), or National Days of Study and Training, organized by the Ingénieurs Hospitaliers de France (IHF), is set to take place in Nantes from June 17th to 19th, 2026. This key event for hospital engineering brings together professionals from across the building and healthcare sectors, focusing this year on the complexities of large-scale hospital projects.
The IHF, a prominent association for hospital engineers in France, hosts these national gatherings annually, establishing them as a cornerstone event for the hospital engineering community. The JEF provides a platform for engineers, architects, technicians, and healthcare facility directors – from both public and private institutions – to collaborate and share insights on all phases of hospital development, from initial planning to construction, renovation, management, and operation. The event’s significance lies in its comprehensive approach, encompassing the entire lifecycle of healthcare facilities.
Focus on Large-Scale Hospital Projects
This year’s conference, the 66th iteration of the JEF, will center around the theme of managing large hospital projects. The choice of Nantes as the host city is particularly fitting, as the city is currently undertaking the reconstruction of its Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), a major hospital complex. The Journées IHF website details that the conference will address the multifaceted challenges inherent in such ambitious undertakings.
The program will delve into a wide range of topics crucial to the success of large hospital projects, including programming, urban integration, energy efficiency, digital technologies, sustainable development, and maintenance. A dedicated segment will similarly explore international case studies, offering perspectives on project management practices in other countries. All conference sessions will be led by experts selected by the scientific committee following a comprehensive call for speakers.
A Comprehensive Program for Healthcare Professionals
The 66th Journées IHF promises a robust program designed to cater to the diverse needs of its attendees. According to the IHF website, the event will feature a structured scientific congress comprised of three main components: a plenary session, a roundtable discussion, and eight thematic workshops.
Beyond the core educational sessions, the JEF will also host innovation forums, providing a space for industry players to showcase their latest products, technologies, and services. An accompanying technical exhibition, featuring approximately 70 exhibitors, will offer attendees a firsthand look at the cutting edge of hospital building solutions. Site visits will also be organized, allowing participants to observe ongoing projects and learn from real-world examples.
Key Program Elements
- Plenary Session & Roundtable: A high-level overview of key trends and challenges in hospital engineering.
- Thematic Workshops: In-depth training sessions focused on specific areas of expertise.
- Innovation Forums: Showcase of novel technologies and services from industry leaders.
- Technical Exhibition: Opportunity to explore the latest products, and solutions.
- Site Visits: Practical learning experiences at ongoing hospital projects.
IHF: A Leading Force in Hospital Engineering
The Ingénieurs Hospitaliers de France (IHF) plays a vital role in advancing the field of hospital engineering in France. The association organizes not only the annual national conferences but also a variety of training programs and regional events throughout the year. Resah.fr highlights the IHF’s commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals in the healthcare construction sector.
The regional days, such as the one held in Caen – Normandie on March 22, 2023, provide a foundational element for the association’s activities, offering free access to conferences and networking opportunities for members and non-members alike. These events, whereas smaller in scale than the national JEF, serve as important local hubs for discussion and professional development.
Who Should Attend?
The Journées IHF are designed for a broad audience of professionals involved in the healthcare building sector, including:
- Hospital Engineers
- Architects
- Technicians
- Healthcare Facility Directors
- Construction Companies
- Technology Providers
- Healthcare Administrators
Nantes: A City Embracing Healthcare Innovation
The selection of Nantes as the host city for the 2026 JEF underscores the city’s commitment to healthcare innovation and infrastructure development. The ongoing reconstruction of the CHU Nantes represents a significant investment in the region’s healthcare system and provides a compelling case study for the conference’s focus on large-scale hospital projects. The city’s vibrant cultural scene and modern facilities will also contribute to a positive and productive experience for attendees.
The CHU Nantes reconstruction project is a substantial undertaking, aiming to modernize and expand the hospital’s capacity to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population. The project encompasses new buildings, renovated facilities, and the integration of advanced medical technologies. It serves as a practical example of the challenges and opportunities discussed at the JEF, offering attendees a real-world context for the conference’s themes.
The 66th Journées IHF in Nantes promises to be a valuable event for anyone involved in the planning, construction, or management of healthcare facilities. With its focus on large-scale projects, innovative technologies, and international best practices, the conference will provide attendees with the knowledge and connections they need to succeed in this dynamic field.
The program for the 2026 event is now available online at journees-ihf.com/programme-2026.
The next key date for those interested in attending is the registration deadline, which will be announced on the official conference website. Stay tuned for further updates and information as the event approaches.
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