16th Annual Immunology Scientific Retreat

This annual event serves as a cornerstone for fostering collaboration and innovation across the immunology research community at the Medical College of Wisconsin and its affiliated institutions.

Designed to engage trainees and early-career investigators, the retreat provides a dynamic platform to explore current advances in immunology, build professional networks, and highlight the impactful work taking place across departments and disciplines. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ryan O’Connell as our 2026 Keynote Speaker. Dr. O’Connell is Professor and Chief of the Microbiology and Immunology Division in the Department of Pathology at the University of Utah. His research focuses on the critical roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating immune cell function in both health and disease, with particular emphasis on inflammation and cancer.

Our 2025 retreat was our most successful yet, with more than 100 attendees from diverse clinical and basic science departments across MCW. We were privileged to host Dr. Kris Hogquist as our Distinguished Lecturer. A renowned immunologist at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Hogquist is celebrated for her pioneering research on T cell development in the thymus, specifically the selection and maturation processes that shape a functional and self-tolerant immune system.

We look forward to another exciting year of scientific exchange, inspiration, and community-building at the 16th Annual Retreat in June 2026!