On behalf of the organizing committee, we are pleased to announce that the 48th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Immunology (JSI) will be held at ACT CITY HAMAMATSU in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, from December 11th (Wed) to 13th (Fri), 2019.

This is the second time that the annual JSI meeting will be held in Hamamatsu. The first was in 1983. Hamamatsu is an ideal location for this event. Not only are the symposium hall, poster session room, and accommodations in one complex, they are directly connected to JR Hamamatsu Station. Taking advantage of this location, we are planning a “Camp” or “Immunology Campus” style meeting, where senior, mid-level, and junior researchers as well as students can mingle. We are working hard to improve members’ social and networking opportunities. We sincerely hope that this meeting will be an ideal setting for all participants to passionately discuss immunology research, whether in a scientific program session or while enjoying delicious food. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

The nature of science raises three important questions: (1) What has been solved? (2) What remains to be solved? (3) Can innovative approaches unlock these mysteries? The first two questions will be highlighted during the overview talks, which are scheduled just before the symposia. These talks will summarize what is known and what remains a mystery in plain words so that all can understand. Regarding “innovative approaches,” we will host technical and clinical seminars to introduce state-of-the-art analytical instruments as well as the latest therapeutic agents and treatments. We encourage you to participate in these luncheon seminars about the application of these approaches in basic and clinical research. We would be delighted if you apply this knowledge to your own research.

Lastly, to truly develop immunology, we should not be confined to the JSI. Recent meetings aimed to enhance interactive positive feedback between “basic immunology” and “human immunology,” and cooperation with foreign immunology societies. One initiative is to co-host symposia with relevant academic societies in Japan. This year we are partnering with the Japanese Society of Allergology. We hope this meeting will be a good opportunity to expand your research and build your professional network. We look forward to seeing you in December.