We are delighted to announce two exceptional researchers who will deliver the prestigious memorial lectures at Cytokines 2025 – the 13th Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine & Interferon Society. Dr. Susan Kaech from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies will present the Philip I. Marcus Memorial Lecture, while Dr. Jenny Ting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will deliver the Jürg Tschopp Memorial Lecture. These selections honor two giants in our field while celebrating the groundbreaking work of today’s leading immunologists.
Honoring Scientific Legends
Philip I. Marcus (1927-2013): The Interferon Pioneer
The Philip I. Marcus Memorial Lecture honors a true giant of interferon research. Dr. Marcus spent over 60 years investigating viruses and interferon, earning the nickname “Mr. Interferon” for his pioneering contributions since 1966. As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research for 18 years, he shaped the field’s scientific discourse.
Jürg Tschopp (1951-2011): Revolutionary of Inflammation Research
The Jürg Tschopp Memorial Lecture commemorates the Swiss biochemist who revolutionized our understanding of inflammation and cell death. Tschopp’s greatest achievement was his team’s discovery and naming of the inflammasome in 2002—a breakthrough that sparked a renaissance in innate immunity and inflammatory disease research.
Looking Forward
The selection of Susan Kaech and Jenny Ting for these memorial lectures represents the perfect intersection of honoring our field’s past while celebrating its dynamic future. Both speakers embody the spirit of scientific innovation and clinical translation that Marcus and Tschopp championed.
As we gather for Cytokines 2025, these lectures will undoubtedly inspire new collaborations, spark innovative research directions, and remind us of the profound impact that dedicated scientists can have on human health. The legacy of discovery continues, carried forward by exceptional researchers like Kaech and Ting who push the boundaries of what we know about immunity, inflammation, and the intricate dance between health and disease.
Read more about Kaech’s and Ting’s insights and career journeys →