SLB 2021 Announcement

SLB 2021 Announcement

The Society for Leukocyte Biology welcomes the new year with gratitude and excitement. While we look ahead to 2021 with optimism, the society also recognizes the realities and questions ever present.

The virtual 2020 meeting was very successful and showed us the value of that format in reaching researchers from around the globe. We are thankful to our presenters and audience for joining us on that uncharted journey. While we join the world in hoping for successful vaccine rollouts, SLB also recognizes the next several months present many questions and challenges. SLB aims for complete equity and inclusion in accessing our programs and it is in this spirit that the SLB Council has decided to conduct the 2021 meeting on a virtual platform. Making this decision now enables SLB to work with our program chairs, speakers, and volunteers in creating another successful virtual program using the lessons learned in 2020.  It is SLB’s plan to return to in-person meetings in the Fall of 2022.

Many elements of 2020 will carry over such as the extended program which enables attendees to benefit from quality presentations on a schedule that works with other obligations and priorities. SLB will also welcome abstracts from researchers and clinicians at all education and career levels; including the full line-up of award opportunities with multiple presentation options. The program will also include a new SCHOOL, created by trainees, for trainees; a number of workshops on mentoring planned in conjunction with the SLB Professional Development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees; a new webinar series with sessions focused on supporting and connecting educators in the undergraduate arena; and Special Interest Group Satellite Programs led by members in specific topical areas.

Registration for the event, and access to all aspects, will be complimentary for current SLB members. The fee for non-members will be $100 USD (junior faculty and above) or $25 USD (trainees) and both event registration and membership are provided for this fee. Waivers will be available to those with demonstrated financial challenges to ensure SLB content and resources are fully accessible, regardless of economic status.

The current program of confirmed speakers is available on the website with updates to be posted regularly. Look for coming details in the early spring regarding presentation schedules along with registration, abstract, and award submission instructions.

Thank you for your understanding and support as SLB continues to serve the entire scientific community. We welcome questions and look forward to your participation in 2021.