The 7th European Congress of Immunology (ECI-EFIS 2024) was a key event for the international immunology community. Organized by the Irish Society for Immunology (ISI) under the auspices of the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS), the congress was designed to address major global challenges through the lens of immunology, promoting innovation, scientific exchange, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The theme of this edition, “Conquering Challenges with Immunology,” highlights the essential role of the field in tackling complex health threats and building a more resilient future.
Organizing an international congress with such an ambitious scientific agenda meant confronting a number of challenges: selecting relevant, cutting-edge content; coordinating the logistics for a global audience; and ensuring an inclusive, accessible experience for all participants. Another key challenge was communicating effectively - before and during the event - to actively engage the scientific community via digital and social media channels.
To meet these goals, ECI 2024 assembled a world-class scientific program featuring internationally renowned speakers such as James P. Allison, Tak W. Mak, and Yasmine Belkaid, with sessions ranging from immunotherapy to the role of the human microbiome. Special attention was given to early-career researchers, with dedicated workshops and networking opportunities to support their professional development. The choice of the Dublin Convention Centre offered a cutting-edge, well-equipped setting to foster meaningful dialogue and interaction among participants. Communication efforts were amplified through EFIS’s active social media presence (particularly on Instagram and X) providing real-time updates, sharing key moments, and encouraging participation from the broader immunology community, including those joining remotely.
ECI 2024 positions itself as a flagship event of scientific excellence, capable of catalyzing ideas, visions, and solutions in the field of immunology. A unique opportunity to foster connections, explore new perspectives, and contribute together to the advancement of medicine and global health, in the welcoming and vibrant setting of international cities like Dublin, and in 2027, Florence.
