The 7th European Congress of Immunology (ECI 2024) was held in Dublin, Ireland, September 2024. This major event is organized once in every three years and was this time hosted by the Irish Society for Immunology and European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS). Conference brought together more than 1600 participants. The theme of the event “Conquering Challenges in Immunology” focused on groundbreaking immunology research aimed at improving disease treatment. For me attending the congress was an unforgettable experience!

The first day of the conference kicked off with various workshops and symposia, including the2nd Symposium of the Young European Federation of Immunological Societies (yEFIS). The theme of the symposium, “Conquering Early Career Challenges as Young Immunologists,” was especially engaging for early-career researchers (ECRs).

The symposium featured inspiring talks and panel discussions addressing common challenges in the early stages of an immunology career, including the development of essential skills, leadership practices, and maintaining good mental health.

The conference’s opening keynote was delivered by Nobel laureate Professor James Allison, who discussed his groundbreaking work on immune checkpoint inhibition —a transformative approach to cancer treatment. Professor Tak Mak delivered the second keynote, where he explored the role of metabolic targets in T cell therapy and other immunological breakthroughs beyond infectious diseases. His insights were particularly relevant to my own PhD research on T lymphocyte differentiation, and I found his talk deeply motivating.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to exchange ideas and feedback on my own research. I had the chance to present my PhD project, which focuses on epigenetic mechanisms of T helper 17 cell differentiation and received valuable insights from fellow researchers. I was also honoured to chair a workshop session on “T Cells in Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases,” thanks to the support of yEFIS.

News: ECI 2030 will be hosted by SSI in Copenhagen

In addition to scientific sessions, the Scandinavian Society for Immunology (SSI) held its year 2024 annual meeting during the conference. One of the exciting announcements was that ECI 2030 will be hosted by SSI in Copenhagen, Denmark. During this meeting, we also celebrated the inclusion of two ex-officio members from the young SSI (ySSI)on the council of SSI, further supporting the development and visibility of early-career researchers.

As a board member of ySSI, I had the privilege of discussing the activities we have organized over the past year, which were met with great enthusiasm. Additionally, I and my colleague on ySSI task force members had the opportunity to engage with peers at the SSI booth, showcasing the important work we’re doing to build a strong network of ECRs and advocate for their career development.

Irish dances, Guinness and jogging

The social program at the conference was impressive. The Welcome Reception featured traditional Irish dance and drumming, setting a lively tone for the rest of the event. One of the highlights of the conference was the Networking Dinner at the Guinness Storehouse, where we had the chance to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar. Other fun events included the Pint of Immunology social event at a bar, the European Pipetting Competition organized by Assay Genie, and a morning 5km cancer charity social run for jogging enthusiasts.

ECI 2024: a unique platform

The conference provided a unique platform for sharing cutting-edge research, fostering collaborations, and engaging with the global immunology community. I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Professor Riitta Lahesmaa, for encouraging me to attend and present my PhD research, which is conducted at Turku Biosciencea jointly supported centre by the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University.

I would also like to thank the InFLAMES Flagship for their support, as well as the Scandinavian Society for Immunology for their travel grant.

Attending this conference has not only expanded my scientific knowledge but has also been an invaluable opportunity for professional and personal growth. I look forward to continuing to apply what I have learned and to the many exciting collaborations that lie ahead.

Rahul Biradar, Doctoral Researcher