Indian Immunology Society

Dear Colleagues,

Greetings from Bengaluru, the science and innovation capital of India!

On behalf of Indian Immunology Society and the organizing committee of the annual conference, we are delighted to extend a cordial invitation to attend the fifty first annual meeting of the Indian Immunology Society (IMMUNOCON-2024) which will be held at the iconic J.N. Tata Auditorium Complex of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru from 17th-20th October 2024. The only time this meeting was hosted in this city was in January 1993. Therefore, we consider it a privilege and honour to be given the responsibility of hosting this prestigious academic event at the Indian Institute of Science, a premier institution of higher learning in India.

The theme `Newer beginning in immunological munificence' was deliberately chosen for IMMUNOCON-2024 to address the fact that post completing fifty years, we need to take fresh guard and restart a new chapter in our growth as a Society. Keeping this aspect in mind, the scientific committee of the conference has ensured that speakers are representative of various institutions all over our country. In addition, gender balance among the speakers has been kept in mind. Focussed talks and a panel discussion on Immunology teaching and research have also been planned. These are, in addition, to awards and orations, oral and poster presentations, technical sessions. We are happy to note that several international speakers have readily accepted to deliver talks and we thank them. It is important for us expose our students to the latest advances in research and knowledge in the rapidly expanding field of Immunology. We are confident that the deliberations by the galaxy of eminent international and national faculty will inspire the immunology community and ensure a memorable experience.

For the benefit of young and budding immunologists, a few pre-conference educational events are planned. On 14th and 15th October, 2024, a continuing medical education (CME) will be held in NIMHANS, Bengaluru. On 16th October, 2024 a 'Hands on workshop on Flowcytometry' conducted by the Tech-Experts will be held in the Department of Biochemistry, IISc, Bengaluru. Further, the technical sessions and an industry exhibition during the event will encourage interactions and foster 'academia-industry' partnership. The social events will create opportunities for delegates to intermingle, exchange ideas, develop collaborations and long term relationships.

Bengaluru is a wonderful city to live and we encourage you to visit the city and its surrounding areas before or after the meeting. As you will notice, it is a bustling city and it is a far cry from the “pensioner's paradise” label that it had several years back. Kindly walk around the idyllic and green campus at the Indian Institute of Science which is closely associated with the history of Indian science. The Institute was established in 1909 and it is honour to host the meeting in the iconic institute which is representative of indian science. The Tata statue was inaugurated in 1923 and is symbolic in many ways: the dolphins, for example, represent travel. After all, it was during one of his travels that the idea of a science institute was suggested to Sir Jamshedji Tata from Bombay. Indeed, we plan to take a walk to this statue post the meeting.

We look forward to your presence and participation in this remarkable event and hope that you will return with some of the most cherished memories, enhanced knowledge and inspiration for future endeavours.

On behalf of the organizing committee, we warmly welcome you all to 'IMMUNOCON-2024' at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.