Advanced Course in Basic & Clinical Immunology

Sunday, February 4 – Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Multi-day course
Estancia Hotel, La Jolla, California

 

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Overview

The 2024 Advanced Course in Basic & Clinical Immunology will be held February 4-February 7, 2024, in La Jolla, California. 16 course lectures from renowned faculty presented a clinical spin on major topics in cellular and molecular immunology.

The lectures, delivered by talented faculty who are renowned ability to span basic and clinical science, take attendees from the bench to the bedside and back again. 

A unique feature of the course is the faculty stay at the Estancia La Jolla for the duration of the course, so there is also ample opportunity for students to interact with the faculty outside the lecture room.

Course registration rates are available with and without a hotel lodging option.

Register early as this popular course regularly sells-out and rooms at the host hotel are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Format: Live & In-Person

The course will be live and in-person during the dates specified above in San Diego, California. 

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

  • Clinical fellows in disciplines related to immunology, including rheumatology, allergy, infectious disease, oncology, and transplantation
  • Fellows doing basic research with an emphasis on human disease
  • Scientists or other research and development personnel from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies who are involved in developing new therapies for immunological disease
  • Academic or community physicians who wish to enhance their understanding of immunology

Learning Objectives

After the course, attendees will be able to:

  • Discuss the fundamental mechanisms underlying protective immune responses and discuss the recent advances and emerging themes in immunology research, including tumor immunity and the immunology of COVID-19.
  • Describe the fundamental mechanisms underlying immunologic disease and associate these mechanisms with strategies for therapeutic modulation of the immune system.
  • Appreciate the basic immunological principles underlying biotherapeutics, recognize the commonality among diverse organ-specific disease states, and infer the mechanisms of therapeutic effect.
  • Analyze the medical literature reporting immunologic advances pertinent to their patients, cite the rationale for use of new immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic modalities in their patients, and serve as thought leaders within their medical communities.

Reviews and Praise from 2023 Course Attendees

More than 2,100 clinicians, researchers, and trainees have attended the course since it was first offered in 2007.

Read why past attendees enjoyed the course:

  • “The course covered a wide range of topics of the immune system by experts in their fields, yet each lecture was also well-detailed, up to date with current/new research, and included theory related to therapeutics.”
  • “It provided a very detailed overview of different areas of immunology, but each topic was presented in such a clear and digestible manner so as not to be overwhelming.”
  • “I loved all the content presented in such a compelling way for such high-profile lecturers and researchers.”
  • “I learned a lot about the different cell populations and their interactions.”
  • “All topics were super relevant and interesting; we were provided with updated materials. The faculty showed not only camaraderie, but also excellent communication, especially when they referred to each other’s lectures.”
  • “Extremely updated and precise lectures. Very well-presented and easy to follow.”
  • “The presenters were amazing. I liked how the topics were broken up.”
  • “It was a nice review from basic immunology concepts to more clinical applications.”

Travel Award Programs

The U.S. Advanced Course FCE Travel Grant Program

FOCIS awards travel grants on a competitive basis to FCE trainees who demonstrate a desire to attend the U.S. Advanced Course. The value of the travel award is dependent on the FCE location.

    • A total of $500 per center is available for FCEs from the United States or Canada.
    • A total of $1,000 per center is available for international FCEs.

Eligibility Requirements: A) A trainee affiliated with an FCE, B) Membership in FOCIS confirmed before the course.

Application Process: Using their own selection criteria, FCE Directors may submit one primary and one secondary trainee candidate. Then, FOCIS will contact the candidates and request they complete an online application. Applications will be accepted from Tuesday, September 12 through Monday, November 6, 2023. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Review Process: The FCE Committee will review the applications and select the travel award recipients. The committee considers the following criteria when making decisions:

  • Quality of submitted applicant materials (i.e., CV and statement of interest)
  • Number of nominations received, with the goal of supporting as many FCEs as possible
  • Timing of nomination, with preference given to earlier nominations
  • Nominee classification, with preference given to primary candidates

Notification: Award recipients will be notified by email by Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

Requirements of Awardees: The travel grant award is to cover travel expenses incurred for attending the course. The award is given as a reimbursement after the event. Reimbursable expenses include air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, and meals. Documentation of expenses incurred must be provided. Reimbursements will be processed through the FOCIS office.

IUIS and FOCIS Travel Award for Immunologists from the Developing World 

The IUIS Gender Equality and Career Development Committee (GEC) in collaboration with the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS) will co-sponsor 4 trainees from the developing world to attend the above course. IUIS will pay for a travel bursary of up to USD 2,000 maximum, while FOCIS will cover for registration, 4 night’s accommodation and meals during the course. Additional expenses, if any will be the responsibility of the selected participant.

Previous experience indicates that the initiative has been very successful and the students have really appreciated the opportunity provided. Applications are now invited for the 2024 course. Interested candidates should possess sufficient background of immunology and comprehension of English to benefit maximally from the Advanced Course.

Prominent speakers will lecture on topics in cellular and molecular immunology, innate immunity, B and T cells, dendritic cells, cytokines and mucosal immunity. Special sessions will cover autoimmune, allergic and immunodeficiency diseases, as well as new advance in transplant and clinical immunology, and the molecular and genetic basis of immune-mediated diseases. There will be ample opportunity for attendees to interact with the faculty inside and outside the lecture rooms. The target audience includes clinical fellows in disciplines related to immunology (such as rheumatology, allergy, infectious disease, oncology and transplantation) and graduate students and fellows doing basic research with emphasis on human disease.

Please click here for further details about the course, schedule, speakers, and presentation titles.

Do not register for the course. The GEC Committee will do the selection of candidates for the four awards and forward their recommendation to FOCIS. Interested candidates should email i) brief CV with the list of publications in indexed journals, ii) a letter outlining how you would benefit from this course and iii) a letter of reference from the supervisor or mentor to Prof. Dr. Paola Ricciardi-Castagnoli (paola.castagnoli@gmail.com) AND Prof. Dr. Hannes Stockinger (hannes.stockinger@meduniwien.ac.at).

Application deadline: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 in order to allow time for the US visa for selected participants

Notification of awards: Friday, November 17, 2023

The awardees only will be notified by November 17, 2023.

Registration Information

2024 Advanced Course Registration Rates

Rate With Lodging* Without Lodging 
FOCIS Member
Trainee/Fellow Member $1,513 $1,045
Regular Member $1,711 $1,100
Industry Member $2,624 $2,063
FOCIS Non-Member
Trainee/Fellow $1,672 $1,210
Regular $1,870 $1,265
Industry $2,783 $2,222
Guest Registration $303 $303

 

All registration rates include course materials, name badge, certificate of participation, and the following meals/snacks: Sunday evening, breakfast Monday-Wednesday, lunch Monday-Tuesday, and dinner Tuesday. Attendees are responsible for all other meals.

The asterisk (*) indicates the additional lodging package that includes three nights at the Estancia La Jolla. Upon registration payment, a hotel room reservation will be made in your name on your behalf. Register early as rooms at the host hotel are available on a first-come, first-served basis. While available, additional nights may be purchased at a greatly reduced, pre-negotiated rate. Please contact the FOCIS office for availability and pricing.

FOCIS members receive the lowest registration rates – one of many benefits of membership. Become a FOCIS member today.

A guest registration rate is available upon request for $303 and includes access to all meals/snacks provided to other attendees: Sunday evening, breakfast Monday-Wednesday, lunch Monday-Tuesday, and dinner Tuesday. Guest registration does not include access to the scientific sessions. The guest registration is limited to guest attendees and does not include a certificate of attendance. To qualify for this rate, the attendee must be at least 13 years of age and accompany a course registrant in a role that is non-professional, non-college health related, and non-business-related.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel or transfer your registration, the notification must be sent to info@focisnet.org. Please include the name of the course in the subject line of your email. If cancellation notice is received before January 5, 2024, a full refund less a $100 administration fee to be given. No refunds will be issued after January 5, 2024, nor for failure to attend.

Registration transfers are available with a $30 administrative transfer fee. Any difference in the registration rate will be charged in addition to the transfer fee.

Questions?

Contact us at +1 414-359-1670 or info@focisnet.org.

Program

Renowned speakers explore major topics in cellular and molecular immunology – taking you from the bench to the bedside and back again.

Lectures focus on major topics in cellular and molecular immunology, including innate immunity, B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, cytokines, and mucosal immunity. In the second half of the program, lectures will cover autoimmune, allergic, and immunodeficiency diseases, as well as new advances in interventional and clinical immunology.

View the complete program with speakers and presentation topics below.

Course Directors

Terri Laufer, MD – University of Pennsylvania

Shiv Pillai, MD, PhD – Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard

Faculty

Mark Anderson, MD, PhD – University of California, San Francisco

Paul Bryce, PhD – Northeastern University

Stephanie Eisenbarth, MD, PhD – Northwestern University

Lewis Lanier, PhD – University of California, San Francisco

Terri Laufer, MD – University of Pennsylvania

Andrew Lichtman, MD, PhD – Brigham & Women’s Hospital

Carrie L. Lucas, PhD – Yale University

Jonathan Maltzman, MD, PhD – Stanford University

Cathryn Nagler, PhD – University of Chicago

Shiv Pillai, MD, PhD – Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard

Kenneth Rock, MD – University of Massachusetts Medical School

Agenda

Sunday, February 4

5:00-7:00 pm Welcome Reception and Registration


Monday, February 5

7:00-8:30 am Continental Breakfast
8:30-9:00 am Overview of the Immune System – Shiv Pillai, MD, PhD, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard
9:00-10:00 am Innate Immunity (Molecules) – Stephanie Eisenbarth, MD, PhD, Northwestern University
10:00-10:15 am Break
10:15-11:15 am Innate Immunity (Cells) – Stephanie Eisenbarth, MD, PhD, Northwestern University
11:15-11:30 am Break
11:30 am – 12:30 pm NK Cells – Lewis Lanier, PhD, University of California, San Francisco
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
1:30-2:30 pm Antigen Presentation – Kenneth Rock, MD, University of Massachusetts Medical School
2:30-2:45 pm Break
2:45-3:45 pm T Cell Tolerance – Mark Anderson, MD, PhD, University of California, San Francisco
3:45-4:00 pm Break
4:00-5:00 pm Lymphocyte Activation – Shiv Pillai, MD, PhD, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
5:00-6:00 pm Reception


Tuesday, February 6

7:00-8:30 am Continental Breakfast
8:30-9:30 am CD4+ and T Cell Subsets – Andrew Lichtman, MD, PhD, Brigham & Women’s Hospital
9:30-9:45 am Break
9:45-10:45 am T-B Cell Collaboration – Shiv Pillai, MD, PhD, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard
10:45-11:00 am Break
11:00 am-12:00 pm Antibodies and Disease – Shiv Pillai, MD, PhD, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch
1:00-2:00 pm Allergies – Paul Bryce, PhD, FOCIS Education Committee
2:00-2:15 pm Break
2:15-3:15 pm Mucosal Immunity – Cathryn Nagler, PhD, University of Chicago


Wednesday, February 7

7:00-8:00 am Continental Breakfast
8:00-9:00 am  Transplantation – Jonathan Maltzman, MD, PhD, Stanford University
9:00-9:15 am Break
9:15-10:15 am Autoimmunity – Terri Laufer, MD, University of Pennsylvania
10:15-10:30 am Break
10:30-11:30 am Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy – Andrew Lichtman, MD, PhD, Brigham & Women’s Hospital
11:30-11:45 am Break
11:45 am – 12:45 pm Primary Immunodeficiencies – Carrie Lucas, PhD, Yale University

Networking

The course boasts a great location and activities to connect with attendees from similar and different backgrounds, including:

Restricted Class Size to Maximize Attendee Interactions
The Advanced Course has been held annually since 2006. Over the years, optimal class size has been defined that best maximize interactions between participants. The course attendance is restricted to maintain the optimal class size.

Faculty that are Approachable and Stay Onsite for the Duration of the Course
An important factor in attendee satisfaction is interaction with faculty. Past attendees rave about their access to faculty during the course. The faculty are available for the duration of the course and they encourage personal connections and conversations with attendees.

Several Networking Events held during the Course
The course program boasts many opportunities to meet new contacts. The course meals, breaks, and receptions are scheduled to encourage interaction between faculty and students outside of the lectures. The networking events are held in a relaxed environment to allow you to build a “course network” and leave with several new connections and friends.

Location

la jolla2

Join us in beautiful La Jolla, California for our immensely popular immunology retreat.

La Jolla is located 14 miles north of the San Diego airport and approximately two hours driving south from Los Angeles.

La Jolla is surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla’s natural beauty and incredible coastline views ensure it lives up to its nickname as “the jewel” of San Diego, California.

Venue

Estancia La Jolla
9700 N. Torrey Pines Rd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
https://meritagecollection.com/estancia-la-jolla/

Certificate of Attendance

Attendees who complete the online course evaluation may select to receive an electronic certificate of attendance.

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

To enable all those involved in the research and treatment of immune-mediated diseases to participate in the exchange of ideas that contribute to the forward motion of the field, FOCIS will not offer CME credit for the Advanced Course.

Photos

Promotions

2024 U.S. Advanced Course Updates

Stay up to date with the U.S. Advanced Course by following FOCIS social media accounts:

Facebook: Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies 
Twitter: @FOCISimmunology
LinkedIn: Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS)
FOCIS FCE Twitter: @Focis_FCE

Promotional Kit

Help us make the U.S. Advanced Course a success by promoting the course to your own network using the promotional items available in our promotional kit!

The kit includes:

  • Electronic Graphics– graphics to use on social channels, websites, e-publications, and more!
  • PowerPoint Slides– interested in sharing the Advanced Course at an upcoming talk or presentation? These slides can be included in any presentation slide deck.
  • General Information Copy– informational text and general information to be used when promoting the Advanced Course in any capacity.

What Can You Do?

There are multiple ways you promote the U.S. Advanced Course:

  • Share U.S. Advanced Course in emails, organization communications, and with your members
  • Add the U.S. Advanced Course banners or logos to your website and event listing pages
  • Raise awareness of the U.S. Advanced Course by promoting it on your social media channels

Contact Us

Do you have a specific promotion in mind? Need a specific size or format of the logo? Have another question?

Contact us at info@focsinet.org or (414) 359-1670.