2023 Sex Differences in Immunity Gordon Research Conference

SUMMARY Partial support is requested for a new Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Sex Differences in Immunity. The inaugural conference will be held April 2-7, 2023 at the Four Points Sheraton in Ventura Beach, California, The Sex Differences in Immunity GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. This is the first GRC dedicated to sex differences, and the concentration on immunity is timely given growing appreciation that biological sex, near the Los Angeles International Airport. meaning the differences between males and females caused by differential sex chromosome complement, reproductive tissues, and concentrations of sex steroids, impacts the functioning of the immune system. Although sex differences in immune function have been documented for decades, the COVID-19 pandemic considerably raised awareness about the implications The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in sex differences in immunity ranging from infectious diseases and cancer to autoimmunity, inflammation, mucosal immunity, metabolomics, and genomics. Throughout the diverse sessions, there is emphasis on sex differences in responses to immunomodulatory drugs and biologics. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, a power hour dedicated to addressing challenges to achieving equity in science among women and all underrepresented groups, and afternoon free time and communal meals to allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field. of sex differences in immunity to viruses and vaccines. Underrepresented minority scientists are well represented among meeting discussion leaders, speakers, and attendees. Through conscious consideration of representation and inclusion, the Sex Differences in Immunity GRC will foster involvement of underrepresented minority individuals at all levels. Funds are requested to support registration fees for invited discussion leaders and speakers, as well as junior investigators and trainees. The meeting program is freely available on the GRC website.