57th Annual Meeting of the Society for Leukocyte Biology - ABSTRACT
This proposal is to request support for the 57th Annual Meeting of the Society for Leukocyte Biology
entitled: “Not Lost in Translation: Innate and Adaptive Immunity”. The meeting will be held October 22 – 25,
2024, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI. Funds derived from
this proposal will be distributed in the form of travel awards that will provide much needed assistance to young
investigators and trainees. The Co-Organizers of the 57th annual meeting are Amanda Brown, Ph.D. (Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine), Jamie Sturgill, Ph.D. (University of Kentucky), and Nathaniel Lartey,
Ph.D. (University of Michigan Medical School).
SLB is the leading scientific society with a focus on leukocytes and their roles in the pathophysiology of
acute and chronic diseases. No other scientific meeting regarding study of the immune system focuses on the
leukocyte with the breadth and depth of the SLB, so the annual meetings sponsored by SLB fill this void.
Therefore, SLB is the premier society in the field of leukocyte biology and convenes annually to promote scientific
exchange among researchers and support the career development of trainees and junior investigators. Funds
derived from this proposal will be distributed in the form of travel awards that will provide much needed assistance
to facilitate the attendance of young investigators and trainees. The essential goals of the annual meeting
include: 1) advancing original research and related scientific endeavors in the field of leukocyte biology and host
defense, 2) promoting the career development of junior and new investigators interested in leukocyte biology, 3)
disseminating information about the field to the wider scientific and lay audience, and 4) encouraging the
translation of basic research in leukocyte biology to applications in the clinic. These goals will be achieved
through three Aims: Aim 1 is to provide an innovative and scientifically progressive program, in a collegial forum,
to address the latest developments in leukocyte biology. The agenda will include a total of 4 Plenary Sessions
and 8 Concurrent Sessions with a total of 20 invited speakers. Aim 2 is to provide an opportunity for new
investigators and trainees to interact closely with established scientists. There will be numerous events and
formats for mediating career development and networking activities at the meeting. Aim 3: To promote diversity
and inclusion in the field of leukocyte biology by cultivating the participation of women, underrepresented groups
and disadvantaged individuals. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee will sponsor workshops and
awards to encourage the participation of women and those from underrepresented backgrounds. In sum, the
2024 annual meeting of the SLB is purposefully designed to enhance awareness of the influence of leukocyte
biology in health and disease and to inspire young investigators.
