I am a fan of musical theatre, and scientific meetings definitely have some aspect of performance – just imagine if speakers had to sing their talks? Perhaps a musical about cytokines could be the next hot thing to come to Broadway or the West End? Here are some proposed titles: Miss Cytokine; The Lion CytoKing; The Phantom of the Laboratory; West Cytokine Story; Kiss Me Cytokine; La Cytokine Aux Folles). For those punsters reading this (you know who you are!) feel free to come up with your own list (and tag us on social media if you are so inclined).
The Covid19 pandemic taught us in the research community many things, and a lesson pertinent to ICIS that there is no substitute for being, “In the room where it happens” (per my favorite song in Hamilton). In other words, in-person meetings are worthwhile, despite the hassle and expenses of travel. In that regard, Cytokines / KAI 2024, the joint ICIS-KAI Meeting in Seoul, South Korea, is not until October, but some big deadlines are coming up so it’s not too early to start planning your trip.
- Trainee travel award applications are due MAY 20. Grants vary depending on distance and need.
- There are also merit-based awards ($1,250) sponsored by Pfizer for the most promising research presentations based on submitted abstracts.
We have many generous sponsors who help support these awards, so be sure to apply. JULY 31 is the deadline for early registration fees for the conference. Be sure to spread the word among your colleagues and friends- this is a meeting not to be missed!
In addition to our own meeting, ICIS has a presence at some upcoming conferences, including Cytokines “Regulating Neuroimmunometabolism” Session Chairs: Lydia Lynch, Princeton University and Ai Ing Lim, Princeton University, at the annual American Association of Immunologists, May 5 1:15-3:15 pm in Chicago; and “IL-9: From Birth to Breath” at FOCIS 2024, chaired by Daniella Schwartz and Mark Kaplan, June 18, 3:30-5 pm in San Francisco. If you are attending either conference, be sure to stop by the session and give your fellow ICIS members some love (and questions). Thanks to the chairs for organizing these events.
