Top three reasons to come to Kobe for the 14th International Congress of Immunology (2009)

The 14th International Congress of Immunology, which will be held in Kobe, Japan, is only eight months ahead. We, the local organizers, are busy finalizing the preparation of the Congress in the hope that it will become another landmark event in the history of immunology, just like the one held in Kyoto, Japan in 1983 where sensational reports such as the molecular identification of the T-cell receptor and the isolation of human immunodeficiency virus represented the beginning of an exciting era of immunology when a number of important immunologically relevant components were identified. This time, we would like to organize an innovative and invigorating Congress reflecting the direction of immunology in the 21st century, which is to defeat infection, autoimmunity, allergy, and cancer. The program committee has compiled a scientific program of the Congress, consisting of 30 symposia, 120 workshops, a keynote lecture by Dr. David Baltimore, more than 15 master lectures and more than 8 lunchtime lectures, and more than 2000 poster presentations. Workshop presentations will be selected from submitted abstracts, and all accepted abstracts will be presented at the poster sessions. We look forward to receiving your abstract, and please note that the abstract submission deadline is 3 February 2010. An updated list of more than 200 confirmed speakers can be found on the Congress website (http://www.ici2010.org). Special scientific features associated with the Congress include a symposium on influenza infection, timely given the recent outbreak of the new influenza virus and a continuing medical education-credited teaching course (FOCIS/JSI Immunology Update) covering issues at the forefront of immunology. The latter, however, requires separate registration. The Congress will be held in a comfortable, yet exciting, environment that offers a wide range of diversions to participants of all backgrounds. The opening ceremony of the Congress will welcome you with a live music performance by the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, whereas a night cruise through the Kobe port and Osaka bay has been arranged for a fun and relaxing Congress party. Not only the home for sophisticated Kobe beef and the renowned Nada sake breweries, the city of Kobe offers an exotic mixture of multi-cultural history, fashionable technology, and landscape. Kobe is located at the heart of Japan's premier tourism region, a short ride via public transport from Osaka and the historical cities such as Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, and Tokushima. Kobe also offers easy access to Kansai International Airport and other major cities including Tokyo. The Congress site has an unmatched combination of extensive conference facilities, modern and affordable accommodation, and rapid and efficient transportation. The local organizers have additionally arranged super budget accommodation to encourage student participation (see the website for details). Various travel bursaries are available and listed on our website. The local organizers offer travel bursaries for 200 researchers from developing countries and 100 for students and post-doctoral researchers. Other sources for travel awards are the various national immunology societies and their Federations, including the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS, see feature box) and the Federation of Immunological Societies Asia Oceania (FIMSA). Those interested in applying for such grants should inquire directly with the respective societies for further details. We believe that we could make an extensive list of the many excellent reasons why you should come to Kobe and participate in the International Congress of Immunology, but here we would like to briefly mention those that we feel are the top three. First of all, the quality of science. The Congress focuses on immunology in the 21st century. Most, if not all, prominent leaders in immunology and related fields, irrespective of their geographical and cultural backgrounds, regularly attend the triannual International Congress of Immunology. The coming Congress in Kobe this summer will be no exception and provides an ideal opportunity for participants to hear the latest research, review the direction of future study, and meet a variety of internationally acclaimed scientists working in relevant fields. Second, the beauty of Japan. Japan consists of 6852 islands, blessed with beautiful nature; it is a country that treasures its history, culture, and traditions, but one that also has the most advanced technology and innovative science. If you have visited Japan previously, come and enjoy again its beauty and hospitality. If you have not, please take advantage of this opportunity to visit this beautiful country. Last, but not least, Japanese immunologists. Probably, you have seen many Japanese authors and many Japanese laboratories in leading articles published in the field of immunology. Japan is one of the leading nations in scientific research, including immunology and the biomedical sciences. Indeed, the Japanese Society of Immunology has 40 years of history and more than 6000 members, making it the second largest national immunology society in the world. This International Congress of Immunology in Kobe will be a great opportunity for you to personally meet or reunite with Japanese immunologists at the Congress, as well as in their hometowns if you plan additional visits while in Japan. For more information on the 14th International Congress of Immunology, please visit our website (www.ici2010.org). We would appreciate your input to help ensure that the Congress is the success we are aiming for, so please do not hesitate to write us if you have any questions and/or suggestions. We very much look forward to seeing you in Kobe very soon! www.ici2010.org