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The Chemotactic Cytokines GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes an array of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.

Precise cell positioning in space and time is fundamental for organ development, immunity and inflammatory responses. Chemotactic cytokines, chemokines, comprise a family of nearly 50 structurally homologous small, secreted proteins that efficiently induce cell migration leading to their correct localization in tissues. Cognate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit chemokine signals while dynamic distribution patterns and local gradients of chemokines convey essential guidance cues along which cells migrate and orient. Notably, a subfamily of atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs) has been delineated from GPCRs based on their inability to couple to G proteins and mediate cell migration in response to chemokines. However, ACKRs play important roles within the chemokine system by sequestering, transporting or internalizing chemokines, thereby regulating their availability and shaping their gradients.

The last three decades have witnessed the birth and growth of the chemokine field and countless discoveries of the multifaceted involvement of chemokines and their receptors in orchestrating leukocyte trafficking in health and disease, immunity and inflammation, in particular. Notable examples include chemokines driving immune cell trafficking from and into immune organs, the recruitment of leukocytes into the tissues e.g. in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and efficient fighting of microbial pathogens. In addition, the chemokine system also plays a pivotal role in cancer development, growth, and metastatic spread. Moreover, chemokine receptors can serve as entry sites for viruses such as HIV or malarial parasites. Despite the significant progress made in our understanding of this remarkable family of proteins and their receptors relating to myriads of diverse functions, many important questions remain unanswered. Only a deeper understanding of the complexity of the chemokine system and better mapping of the dynamic interplay among its individual members would allow to translate our vast knowledge on chemokines into novel therapeutic interventions in different diseases.

It is with great honour and excitement that I invite you to the 101st Congress of the European Orthodontic Society, which will take place in the vibrant city of Dublin, Ireland, in June 2026.

Following the landmark centenary celebration in Kraków, we look forward to building on this legacy with a dynamic and forward-thinking programme. Our scientific agenda will feature internationally respected keynote speakers, innovative research presentations, and a renewed emphasis on clinical excellence and digital integration in orthodontics.

Dublin offers the perfect backdrop for this event—a city rich in culture, creativity, and conversation. Alongside our scientific sessions, a lively networking programme will provide ample opportunity to connect with colleagues, make new friends, and enjoy Irish hospitality at its finest.

We warmly welcome you to join us in Dublin for what promises to be an inspiring and memorable Congress.

See you in Ireland!

It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of honor that I invite you to the 34th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons, to be held in the timeless city of Athens in 2026.

Athens, the cradle of democracy and philosophy, has long been a meeting place for inquiry, innovation, and dialogue. It was here that Socrates asked questions that shaped the foundations of reason, where Plato envisioned ideal forms, and where Aristotle explored the essence of nature and the human condition. This heritage is not a relic of the past—it lives on, and it resonates with the spirit of thoracic surgery today: a discipline that constantly questions, refines, and advances in pursuit of excellence.

In that tradition, our meeting will be a forum not only for the dissemination of the latest scientific knowledge – ranging from surgical techniques and oncologic strategies to novel technologies – but also for critical dialogue, mentorship, and collective reflection on where we are, and where we must go next.

To our trainees and emerging surgeons: like the students of the Athenian academies, come curious and open-minded. This is your space to question, learn, and grow.

To our experienced colleagues and mentors: your wisdom is the compass that helps the next generation navigate complexity with confidence. Share generously, guide patiently.

Beyond the lecture halls, Athens offers an atmosphere that is uniquely suited to learning and connection. As you walk its storied streets – from the steps of the Acropolis to the vibrant cafés of Plaka – you will feel the pulse of a city that knows how to mix contemplation with conviviality.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Program Committee, I welcome you to ESTS 2026 in Athens, where history meets science, and where thought, like surgery, is a craft we are honored to practice together.

Viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens pose a serious threat to human health, requiring a coordinated response from the innate and adaptive immune systems. Our immune system relies on pathogen receptors and signaling pathways to initiate defense through secreted effector molecules and cell-mediated responses. Additionally, cell-autonomous immunity—an evolutionarily conserved mechanism enabling non-immune cells to independently combat infections—serves as a crucial first line of defense, preserving cellular integrity against diverse pathogens. However, improper activation of these pathways leads to immunopathology and ineffective antimicrobial responses, as observed in certain disorders with immune-related gene mutations.

Recent advances in genetic screening, single-cell sequencing, and high-resolution live-cell imaging have identified novel receptors, signaling hubs, regulatory mechanisms, and post-translational modifications that shape pathogen defense. This EMBO Workshop will unite experts in molecular and cellular immunology, virology, microbiology, and cell signaling to discuss cutting-edge discoveries in antimicrobial defense. Building on the success of three previous highly rated meetings, the 2026 edition will continue fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among leading scientists. Participants from diverse career stages and scientific backgrounds will have the opportunity to present their work in formats that encourage scientific exchange and collaboration. Dedicated sessions that incorporate multiple formats and venues will encourage networking among early career scientists, established experts, and journal editors. Through interdisciplinary discussions and presentations, this EMBO Workshop aims to deepen our understanding of immune mechanisms and inspire new research directions in the field.

The Hands-On Cadaver Course Zurich Switzerland is an advanced medical training program focused on microneurosurgery and brain anatomy dissection using cadavers (human anatomical specimens). Participants learn neurosurgical anatomy, white matter fiber dissection, brain tumor surgery approaches, epilepsy surgery anatomy, and vascular microsurgical techniques through lectures and practical hands-on sessions.

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

We are very pleased to invite you to the 9th edition of the FORTE Summer School 2026 in Catanzaro, Italy. The FORTE Summer School is an exceptional learning experience that has become a cornerstone for Orthopaedic and Trauma trainees across Europe.

From Monday to Friday, the FORTE Summer School offers two different courses in two separate conference rooms that will run in parallel. In one room, the Comprehensive Review Course (CRC) will be available for those who wish to expand their knowledge by attending a general review course. In the second room, the Exam Preparation Course (EPC) will be available for those seeking more interactive training in preparation for the National Exams and the EBOT Exam. Participants can engage in case discussions and interact with the experts in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

Our faculty is highly experienced, including more than 50 elite international experts and EBOT examiners, ensuring that all subspecialty topics are covered and high-yield exam topics are discussed in depth. High-quality comprehensive lectures, structured case presentations, and keynote lectures from pioneering surgeons will be the cornerstones of our educational objectives. You can expect a state-of-the-art learning experience combined with a pleasant social program that will not only advance you professionally but also make it an enjoyable and enriching experience.

Join us in Catanzaro next summer to learn from the best, connect with your peers from all over Europe, and gain insights that will help you excel in your future career. Learning and networking in a wonderful setting. Register for the FORTE Summer School and become part of our community.

The FOCIS Annual Meeting is THE meeting in translational immunology that will give you a competitive edge in your career.

Stay ahead of the curve with leading clinicians and researchers delivering the latest breakthroughs across immune-mediated diseases. Focusing on molecular pathways and their implications in human disease provides the unique opportunity for innovative thinking and applying ideas from the pathologies of other diseases to uncover novel solutions to challenges in the diseases you study.

Through the FOCIS Annual Meeting, researchers and clinicians share knowledge across traditional disease borders and identify commonalities between treatments and therapies that are life-changing for those affected by immune-mediated diseases.

Join us for the FOCIS Annual Meeting in person, June 9–12, 2026, at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis! Scientific Program is live and abstract submission, registration, and hotel lodging are now open.

The “Information Evening for Parents-to-be” is an educational session organized by the University Hospital Zurich for expecting parents. It provides information about:

Pregnancy and childbirth Hospital maternity services Pain management during delivery Postnatal care Baby care and safety Q&A with doctors, nurses, and midwives