The COIN conference gave network members the opportunity to network and collaborate, with 100 network members travelling from Oxford and 100 from across China.
The conference commenced with the speech of Professor Xuetao Cao, Professor of Immunology and Co-Director of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute who discussed his pleasure at seeing so many people together and his hopes that the conference will inspire collaboration across both sides. This was followed by Professor Richard Cornall, Nuffield Professor of Clinical Medicine and Head of Department at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, who pledged his ongoing support from NDM for COI in the future. Professor Chen Wang, Professor of Respiratory Diseases and President of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) discussed his wish that the conference is successful in strengthening the bonds between CAMS and COI to contribute to global health and well-being.
Darren Nash, Director of Strategy & Finance of COI, gave some excellent advice on how to break the ice and encourage interaction between colleagues. Professor Tao Dong, Ita Askonas Professor of Translational Immunology, Founding Director (Oxford), CAMS-Oxford joint International Centre for Translational Immunology and the Founding Director COI (Oxford), shared the accomplishments of COI to date, as well as the plans for the future expansion and success of COI.
Conference attendees were then treated to four plenary talks by distinguished scientists on both sides: Sir Andrew McMichael, Professor Xuetao Cao, Professor Gavin Screaton & Professor Zihe Rao.
The rest of the conference agenda afforded each COI research group the opportunity to share their research, with the timetable split across four key themes: Cancer Immunology, Emerging Virus infection & Vaccines, Non-classical T Cells & Inflammation, Proteomics & Chinese Medicine.
More junior group members were also given the opportunity to present a flash talk and poster at the event. Flash talks were limited to three minutes but provided an excellent advert for their research, encouraging further discussion during the conference breaks. A panel of judges from both China and the UK marked the flash talks and posters.
The conference concluded with the prize ceremony for flash talks and posters led by COI Clinical Director, Professor Chris Conlon. This was followed by the closing remarks by CAMS Vice President, Professor Jianwei Wang, who concluded that the meeting had been a great success with all network members looking forward to the next meeting.
The conference was jointly organised by COI, CAMS and Beijing Lianke Debang Culture Communication Co. Ltd. The next COIN conference will be held in Oxford in Summer 2024.