14th EFIS-EJI Tatra Immunology Conference
The week-long conference took place in Mikulov, Czech Republic from 13–17 June 2026. Michaela Fehringer served on the organizing committee alongside SHIELD PI Prof. Wilfried Ellmeier, helping shape the program for early-career researchers by organizing networking events and a yEFIS academic writing workshop.
SHIELD symposium - Where Protection Ends and Destruction Begins
At the first SHIELD Symposium (March 26 & 27, 2026), the students assembled a program of immunology experts from across the globe, from the US all the way to Australia. Over two days, they shared their expertise across Tumor Immunology, Host Immunity, and Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases. A particular highlight was the panel discussion, where researchers shared honest advice for early-stage scientists, alongside a "meet the editor" session that walked students through how to publish their work successfully.
19th International Congress of Immunology (IUIS 2025)
Vienna became the centre of immunology in August 2025 as the 19th International Congress of Immunology (IUIS 2025) brought together researchers and experts from around the globe. The focused sessions offered deep insights, bringing together researchers from the same subfields and giving SHIELD students the chance to connect with leading experts worldwide. A special highlight were the poster presentations by Jiaqi Shen and Marina Gladkova, who presented the first results of their projects.
Boat trip of the SHIELD PhD students
One of the summer highlights for the SHIELD PhD students was a relaxed boat trip on the Old Danube in July 2025. Surrounded by sunshine and good company, the group spent the afternoon talking openly about shared struggles and exchanging feedback in a light, supportive atmosphere. With homemade food on board and expert steering by Laura, Marina and Yu Tian, it was a refreshing switch-up from the usual SHIELD meetings.
CCC-TRIO Symposium 2025
In June 2025, SHIELD PhD members joined the CCC-TRIO Symposium in Vienna — a gathering hosted by the Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna that brought together some of the brightest minds in cancer research. Over two days, SHIELD members exchanged ideas during lively poster sessions and after talks by international experts as Florian Greten, Douglas Hanahan, Catherine Alix-Panabières, Tjalling Bosse, Anna Fagotti, Freddie Bray, Péter Hegyi and Thomas Powles, including SHIELD principal investigators Maria Sibilia and Thomas Bauer.
CCR Retreat 2025
In March 2025, the CCR retreat took place at Kastélyhotel Szidónia in Hungary. PhD students, including some of our SHIELD students, staff and PIs came together, with all new members joining for the first time. The two days program combined poster sessions, cross-group project work and inspiring lectures. The setting offered space for exchange and fresh ideas, with coffee breaks on the balcony and walks in the castle park adding to the atmosphere.
