IRCI-2025 bridges global expertise to accelerate progress in cancer and infection immunology

At the heart of Lyon, France, two leading institutes, the Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie and the Cancer Research Center of Lyon, have built strong immunology programs since their establishment in the early 2010s. Their collaborative spirit led to the creation of the Immune Responses in Cancer and Infection (IRCI) meeting, establishing a lasting platform for scientific exchange. The third edition of the IRCI symposium (IRCI-2025), held June 18 to 20, 2025, at the École Normale Supérieure in Lyon, gathered over 350 participants, including 30 percent from abroad. Attendance was intentionally capped to promote in depth discussions between experts and trainees. Financial support from grants, institutional partners, and corporate sponsors helped reduce registration fees, ensuring broad accessibility. The scientific committee emphasized strong involvement of students and postdoctoral researchers through abstract selected short talks, poster sessions, and teaser presentations. Outstanding posters were recognized with prizes awarded by invited speakers and committee members. Gender parity was fully integrated, with balanced representation among international speakers and local researchers from Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie and Cancer Research Center of Lyon, highlighting the strength of Lyon's immunology community. The program featured 6 interactive scientific sessions, 3 dynamic poster sessions, and networking events including a cocktail mixer and gala dinner. A Meet the Editors session with editors from Cell and Nature further enriched exchanges.