Scientific program features a comprehensive lineup of presentations, roundtables, and panel discussions led by world-renowned dermatologists, innovators, and patient advocates. Topics span the full spectrum of modern care, including genetics, AI-driven diagnostics, mental health, and the latest in cosmetic solutions.

clinical demos

Attendees will have an opportunity to observe expert faculty perform real-time microsurgical procedures, offering a front-row view of sophisticated repigmentation techniques. These sessions provide a deep dive into surgical nuances, patient selection, and intraoperative troubleshooting for complex vitiligo cases.

WORKSHOP

Take part in CME-accredited Vitiligo Surgery Master-Class.
Participants will practice advanced techniques – from classical techniques to regenerative cell therapy – throughout 7 dedicated sessions over two days. This practical component ensures a "learn-by-doing" experience, allowing for personalized feedback and skill refinement in a supervised environment.

product demos

Experts will showcase the art of immediate aesthetic restoration using high-pigment, waterproof camouflage formulations. Experts will demonstrate precision color-matching and application techniques across various skin tones to provide patients with seamless, durable coverage for instant confidence.

networking

Lunch breaks and dedicated intervals facilitate peer-to-peer connection and professional networking, allowing participants to chat in a relaxed setting. These sessions offer a prime opportunity to build collaborative partnerships and engage directly with faculty mentors beyond the structured curriculum.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

We’re putting the final touches on sessions and timings. Some parts of the program are already live below, and we’re polishing the rest—session details, speakers, and final timings—so the full hour-by-hour schedule will appear here shortly.

👉 Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page to receive the complete schedule directly in your inbox the moment it drops.

June 25, 2026

On June 25, 2026, World Vitiligo Day returns to Chandigarh — the movement’s spiritual birthplace. Patients and families, clinicians and researchers, builders and artists come together to write the next chapter in real time.

Location: Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)

Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India

08:00 – 09:00

Doors Open, Breakfast, Registration

Guests arrive, check in, enjoy a light breakfast, and browse early exhibitor booths and posters.
Open floor for exhibitors, partner organizations, and research abstract poster displays.

09:00 – 10:00

OPENING & COMMUNITY STRENGTH

A welcome to World Vitiligo Day 2026 and introduction of the vision, goals, and key leaders helping shape this year’s international gathering.

Moderator:

Lee Thomas, 4 Time Emmy Award Winner, TV Anchor & Author "Turning White"

Speakers

Dr. Torello Lotti: Welcome message
Dr. Maya Tulpule: “Vitiligo Support Groups: Akela Nahin, Saath Hain” (Hindi Talk)
Patient Talk: 3–4 patients from different parts of India (5 minutes each)

10:00 – 11:00

UNDERSTANDING VITILIGO

Breakthroughs in innovation require more than science – they require purpose.

Speaker

Understand Vitiligo “Vitiligo Samjhiye: Kya Hai, Kya Nahin”
Dr. Jung Min Bae:
"Facial Vitiligo: What to Do and What to Avoid"
Surgical Intervention in Vitiligo: “When Surgery Helps in Vitiligo”

11:00–12:00

THE PATIENT JOURNEY & PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

Using the Vitiligo Patient Journey Map as our guide, this session explores the complex and fragmented path for vitiligo patients. The panel will unpack how we can simplify this maze, close systemic gaps, and build a more compassionate and coordinated care model.

Moderator

Dr. Yan Valle, Executive Director, Vitiligo Research Foundation

Speakers

Dr. Yan Valle: From Diagnosis to Dignity

Interactive Session: Interactive discussion between patients and pharma representatives

Feedback to Pharma “Patients Speak, Pharma Listens”

12:00 – 12:30

PANEL DISCUSSION & Q&A

Panel Discussion with Dermatologists

Ask the Experts: Vitiligo Without Fear

12:30 – 14:00

lunch break & NETWORKING

Lunch, refreshments and networking

13:00 – 13:30

lunch break FEATURE

Live Camouflage Demonstration

Zanderm: Cover with Confidence

14:00 – 17:30

TRACK 1: PATIENT & FAMILY ACTIVITIES

An empowering afternoon of interactive roundtables and community activities, culminating in a celebratory fashion show, awards announcements and dinner.

Track lead

Lee Thomas

14:00 – 15:30

TRACK 2: MASTER-CLASS SESSION 1

Mini-Punch Grafting in Vitiligo: Back to the Basics, Forward with Precision

Session lead

Dr. Jung Min Bae
Dr. Koushik Lahiri

15:30 – 17:30

TRACK 2: MASTER-CLASS SESSION 2

Suction Blister Epidermal Grafting (SBEG): Art, Science & Patience.
SBEG: The Gold-Standard Epidermal Transfer

Session lead

Dr. Somesh Gupta
Dr. Vinay Keshavmurthy

17:30 – 18:30

CELEBRATION OF CONFIDENCE & FASHION SHOW

10 Models with Vitiligo & 10 PG Students will present fashion show, followed by dance performances of vitiligo patients.

Spots of Style: Vitiligo on the Ramp
Expression Beyond Pigment: Bhangra, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Lavani, Kuchipudi

18:30 – 19:00

guest of honor & closing reception

Lee Thomas, 4 Time Emmy Award Winner, TV Anchor & Author, will reflect on a personal journey and make announcement of the World Vitiligo Day 2027 headquarters.

June 26, 2026

VITILIGO SURGERY WORKSHOP

Participants in the CME-accredited Vitiligo Surgery Master-Class will take part in seven dedicated hands-on sessions over two days, June 25 and 26, covering advanced surgical approaches from established techniques to regenerative cell therapy.

The workshop is currently fully booked. We encourage interested participants to subscribe to our newsletter and watch for future announcements should additional places or related opportunities become available.

Location: Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)

Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India

09:00 – 11:00

MASTER-CLASS SESSION 3

Non-Cultured Epidermal Cell Suspension (NCECS): The Workhorse of Vitiligo Surgery
NCECS : From Protocol to Perfection

Faculty

Dr. Samia Esmat
Dr. Munish Paul
Dr. Deepti Ghia

11:00 – 13:00

MASTER-CLASS: SESSION 4

Hair Follicle–Based Surgery in Vitiligo
Hair Follicle Suspension & Follicular Unit Grafting

Faculty

Dr. Manas Chatterjee
Dr. M Razmi

13:00 – 14:00

lunch break & NETWORKING

Lunch, refreshments and networking

14:00–15:00

MASTER-CLASS: SESSION 5

Dermal Cell Suspension: Beyond Melanocytes
Dermal Suspension & Fibroblast-Melanocyte Cross-talk

Faculty

Dr. Vishal Thakur

15:00 – 16:00

MASTER-CLASS: SESSION 6

“Cells in your Hands”

A true lab immersion — not a demo, but a do-it-yourself experience

Hands on for each participant on multiple stations

Epidermal Cell preparation
Dermal Cell preparation
Hair follicle cell suspension

16:00 – 17:15

MASTER-CLASS: SESSION 7

Innovation Session: Exosomes + NCECS (Signature PGIMER Approach)
Exosome-Augmented Cell Therapy in Vitiligo
Preparation of Exosomes

June 27, 2026

CLINICAL & SCIENTIFIC DAY

This full day of expert talks and discussions will focus on the latest advances in vitiligo research and clinical care, led by Prof. Davinder Parsad.

Seats are limited and free registration is required to reserve your spot.

Location: Hyatt Regency Chandigarh (178 Industrial and Business Park Phase 1, Chandigarh 160002)

09:00 – 10:00

SESSION 1

Pathomechanism of Vitiligo – Clinically Relevant & Interactive

Step 1: Genetic Predisposition – The Loaded Gun Implication of genetic predisposition. Do we need to treat differently patients with family history of vitiligo vs no family history of vitiligo?
Step 2: Oxidative Stress – The First Strike Is oxidative stress the cause of vitiligo… or just the excuse?”
Step 3: Adaptive Immunity – The Execution Phase Role of central axis IFN-γ → JAK-STAT → CXCL9/CXCL10 → CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells in melanocyte destruction
Step 4: Resident Memory T Cells – The Relapse Code Should maintenance therapy become standard in vitiligo?

10:00 – 11:00

SESSION 2

Segmental Vitiligo – Same Disease or a Different Biology?
Segmental Vitiligo: Is There a Viral Fingerprint?
Segmental Vitiligo: is there need for Immunosuppressive therapy
Mini Debate: Segmental vitiligo is primarily a neuroviral disease (for and against)

11:00 – 12:00

SESSION 3

Oxidative Stress and its clinical implication. Have antioxidants failed… or have we used them wrongly?
Newer targets for antioxidant therapy Mitochondrial stabilizers Nrf2 activators. Catalase mimetics. Topical redox modulators
Mini Debate: If oxidative stress is the first domino…Should our first drug be an antioxidant or an immunosuppressant?

12:00 – 13:00

SESSION 4

Let There Be Light: Science & Strategy of Phototherapy
Phototherapy as standalone stabilisation therapy Is waiting with light an intelligent strategy…or a missed opportunity to shut down immunity early?
Home Phototherapy: Treatment Without Travel
Beyond UV: When Light Needs a Partner: Combination therapy

13:00 – 14:00

LUNCH & NETWORKING

14:00 – 15:00

SESSION 5

Conventional Immunosuppressive in Vitiligo (Steroids, Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Cyclosporine – when, why, and how)
Immunosuppressive Therapy in Vitiligo: Indications, Duration and Exit Strategy
Conventional Immunosuppression: Still Relevant or Ready to Retire?
Mini Debate: Conventional immunosuppressives should remain first-line in active vitiligo

15:00 – 16:00

SESSION 6

The JAK Revolution in Vitiligo: Turning Off the Immune Switch in Vitiligo
Topical JAK Inhibitors in Vitiligo: Evidence, Expectations and Experience
Systemic JAK Inhibitors in Vitiligo: Biology to Bedside

June 28, 2026

CLINICAL & SCIENTIFIC DAY

This last day program will build on the insights from the previous Clinical and Scientific Day, offering focused sessions on practical applications, case discussions, and next steps in vitiligo care.

Location: Hyatt Regency Chandigarh (178 Industrial and Business Park Phase 1, Chandigarh 160002)