There’s no doubt, Cytokines2024 in Seoul, Korea was a resounding success. The ICIS/KAI joint meeting boasted nearly 2,000 attendees from 36 countries, 55 invited speakers, 55 pharma and vendor sponsors, > 600 posters, 20 junior and senior research awards, 47 ICIS travel awards, and a Nobel Laureate.
The conference was held in the COEX conference complex in the Gangnam area of Seoul (yes, as in the PSY K-pop hit). “Kudos to the KAI team and particularly Drs. You-Me Kim and Sang-Il Lee for pulling this complex event together, and it was a terrific success,” commented Dr. Curt Horvath, Northwestern University (USA), ICIS President-Elect.
“I’ve been meaning to come to this conference for a long time, and I’m so glad I finally made it. I absolutely plan to come again.” — First time attendee and speaker Dr. Stephanie Eisenbarth (Northwestern University, Chicago, USA)
The exciting science presented covered topics from cytokine-based immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune disease, novel cytokine-based and related therapeutics, host defense against myriad pathogens, vaccine developments, and cutting edge methodologies. In her Keynote lecture, Dr. Judith Allen (University of Manchester, United Kingdom) shared her work on parasite immunology and the surprisingly intricate interactions of the immune system and tissue matrix biology.
In the closing Keynote speech, Dr. Drew Weissman (University of Pennsylvania, USA) reviewed his Nobel prize winning work on RNA modifications that underlie Covid vaccines but also discussed his inspiring efforts to improve worldwide access to RNA-based therapeutics, including establishing GMP facilities in low-income and minoritized parts of the world.
“Though of course I am impressed by Dr. Weissman’s Nobel Prize work, I am even more struck by how he is using the power of the Prize to bring improved equity to under-served countries.” — Dr. Karen Mossman (McMaster University, Canada)
A highlight was the traditional ICIS Early Career Researcher Networking Session, led by Dr. Kevin Lee (University of Melbourne, Australia), Dr. Juan Mendoza (University of Chicago, USA), and Dr. Patrick Han (Yonsei University of Incheon, Korea) in which several hundred young investigators mingled with seasoned faculty, journal editors, and industry scientists as well as with each other. Everyone sported ribbons on their nametags denoting their favored cytokine or chemokine, creating a little friendly rivalry. There were definitely a lot of Interferon enthusiasts present, and a healthy number of IL-1-family cytokine advocates. A PhD student from Bristol was overheard to argue that “IL-6 is really the best cytokine.” Other fun activities included a photo booth and the chance to try on traditional Korean costumes.
The Gala banquet was a unique and fitting culmination for this remarkable Conference. A party with over 300 attendees was held at the ‘Floating Island’, a unique event space on the Han river with stunning views, and definitely the biggest Cytokines banner we’ve ever had (see photo). Toasts from the organizers (“Wihayeo”, in Korean) feted the successful meeting. Entertainment included traditional Korean dancers and musicians, followed by a fantastic cover band and spirited and energetic dancing. The city of Seoul itself was a special treat for foreign attendees.
Postdoc Melissa Cook (University of Pittsburgh) described the city this way: “Seoul is a ubique blend of sleek modernity placed right next to ancient traditions and culture. The most impressive part, aside from the friendly locals, is of course the amazing food!”
Many voiced similar opinions about the delicious cuisine and the fascinating city. As summarized by ICIS Conferences Committee Chair Prof. Brendan Jenkins (University of Adelaide, Australia) “Cytokines2024 was definitely one for the books.” Mark your calendars for Cytokines2025 (Nov 2-5, 2025 in Seattle Washington), organized by Drs. Ram Savan (University of Washington, USA) and Michael Gale, Jr (University of Minnesota, USA).