Well, it’s hard to believe it but October is here, and with it Cytokines2024! As I write this my bag is packed, my itinerary organized (sort of), and my excitement is mounting for my first trip to Seoul, Korea. The program is set, featuring Keynote speakers, Dr. Judith Allen (University of Manchester, UK) and 2023 Nobel Laureate, Dr. Drew Weissman (University of Pennsylvania, USA). We have an incredible lineup of award-winning speakers, lightning talks, and hundreds of posters. The social program, including an Early Career Researcher Networking Social, and Gala dinner promises to be an unforgettable experience on a Floating Island (pictured below).
I’d like to send a huge shout-out to the organizers of the meeting, Dr. You-Me Kim and Dr. Sang-Il Lee, who have done a terrific job of pulling together a complex meeting.
If you are a newcomer to a Cytokines meeting, welcome!
Don’t be shy to introduce yourself – we are a nice bunch of people, and we’d love to see you again and again at meetings to come. Mark your calendars now for Cytokines 2025: the 13th Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine & Interferon Society, November 2 – 5, 2025 in Seattle, Washington, USA. Indeed, you might find that some of your best colleagues and friends will be people you meet here. At one of my first Cytokines meetings (Cleveland, 2001) I met Dr. Karen Mossman (this year’s winner of an ICIS Honorary Lifetime Membership), and in the 20+ years since we have become collaborators, dive buddies, and good friends. I encourage all trainees especially to reach outside your comfort zone and meet new people. Remember, all the other trainees are just as nervous as you, and many are here on their own – they will appreciate a friendly smile and chat over coffee or kimchee!
Have a great time in Korea, and safe travels to all.