We would like to welcome you to the 10th Joint Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine Society (ICS) and the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research (ISICR), which will take place in Geneva in 2012. The objective of the meeting is to promote interactions between scientists performing cutting-edge studies of the molecular mechanisms of cytokine function, signal transduction, and gene expression, and those working in drug discovery and in the clinic to translate this knowledge into novel therapies for human diseases. The therapeutic potential of targeting cytokines and of modulating their signaling pathways enforce the need for enhanced interactions between basic, translational, and clinical researchers. For this purpose, the sessions will include presentations of cutting edge basic science and clinical science both in plenary and concurrent sessions.

The broad themes proposed will incorporate basic and clinical research on innate immunity, host-pathogen interactions, inflammation, autoimmunity, cell signaling, transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation and tumor immunity. These themes are consistent with the well-recognized strengths of many of the world-class research institutions in Switzerland, as well as the research interests of both the ICS and ISICR societies. In addition, we have also included sessions focused on osteoimmunology, tissue repair, and the link between inflammation and metabolism.

In addition to this exciting scientific program we hope that you will take the time to visit Geneva and its beautiful countryside. Geneva is a lively international city located in the middle of Europe close to the Swiss and French Alps with many possibilities for pleasant day trips for those who wish to extend their stay after the meeting.

On behalf of all participants, we would like to express our gratitude to the meeting’s Sponsors and Exhibitors. The dissemination of knowledge that takes place at such meetings and the interactions and collaborations that are established are essential for future advances in biomedical research. Successful meetings simply would not be possible without substantial support from corporations, foundations, and institutes.

We look forward to seeing you in what promises to be an exciting and timely meeting.