History and Mission
Our Legacy: Bridging Five Decades of Discovery
The New England Immunology Conference (NEIC) was established over 50 years ago by Drs. Terry Strom (Harvard Medical School) and Henry Wortis (Tufts University), who envisioned a dedicated focal point where regional immunologists could share and discuss their work in a casual, collaborative atmosphere. To maintain a diverse and democratic spirit, the stewardship of the conference rotates, with various premier Northeast institutions hosting the meeting in five-year intervals.
Following a long tradition of exceptional leadership, the torch has been officially passed from Drs. Noah Palm and João Pereira (Yale University)to our new co-organizers at the Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine: Drs. Priyadharshini Devarajan, Pawan Kumar, and Brian Sheridan
Having celebrated our landmark 50th Anniversary last year, this year's meeting marks a thrilling milestone. As we gather for our 51st conference, we are officially celebrating the start of the next 50 years of immunological excellence, honoring our rich history while driving the future of biomedical research.
Our Mission
The core mission of NEIC is to foster high-caliber, open scientific exchange while enhancing the training of future immunologists. We achieve this by focusing on three pillars:
Showcasing Cutting-Edge Science: We provide a vital platform for presenting unpublished research spanning innate and adaptive immunity, host-pathogen interactions, translational immunotherapy, and emerging disciplines within immunology. We spotlight research from across the entire Northeast corridor.
Promoting Trainee Interactions: The meeting format is intentionally structured to maximize meaningful networking between graduate students, post-docs, and established world-class investigators.
Cultivating Community: We believe great science thrives in a relaxed, egalitarian environment, removing the barriers often found at larger international conventions. We believe that the professional networks that begin at NEIC will be carried forward into future endeavors.
The Woods Hole Experience
Spanning from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon on a crisp fall weekend, the conference owes much of its unique magic to its venue: the historic Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL)in scenic Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
The MBL facilitates unparalleled community-building by providing on-site accommodation and shared meals for all attendees. This immersive environment culminates on Saturday night with the famous New England lobster dinner, followed by an open-bar evening poster session where ideas flow freely and lifelong professional connections are forged.
Support for Early-Career Scientists
NEIC is deeply committed to elevating the next generation of researchers. Trainees have the invaluable opportunity to present their work alongside invited world-class speakers, both in standard poster formats and selected short talks.
To reward and incentivize outstanding science, we proudly offer numerous prestigious awards, including the Charles Janeway Award, generously sponsored by the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) and our dedicated industry partners. Local, national, and international sponsors continue to support this exciting venture to promote our mission at NEIC.
