Greetings

I am Keizo Tomonaga, serving as the Chairperson for the 22nd Awaji International Forum on Infection and Immunology 2024 (AIFII2024). It is my sincere pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all participants.

In recent times, the field of infectious diseases has faced unprecedented challenges and advancements. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted our lives, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. This experience has reaffirmed the importance of research in infectious diseases and immunology, leading to new challenges and unexplored fields, including vaccine development.

The theme of this year's forum is "NEXT: The new challenges in the post-pandemic world." This theme signifies our collective pursuit of the next steps necessary to address emerging challenges in a world shaped by the pandemic. Beyond addressing past infectious diseases, we must prepare to prevent and manage future pandemics, responding to novel pathogens, and strengthening global health crisis management.

AIFII began in 2001 and now celebrates its 22nd edition. Over the years, researchers in virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and immunology have come together, transcending the boundaries of individual scientific societies. Collaborative research and development projects have flourished. Additionally, experts from around the world have presented their latest research findings, fostering deep discussions. By bringing together researchers with diverse perspectives, we hope to generate new insights and innovative approaches.

Our aim is to chart new directions in infectious disease and immunology research, providing a stepping stone for the next generation of internationally active scientists. Infectious disease research knows no national borders; cooperation and information sharing across boundaries are essential. We earnestly hope that this forum will contribute to building new collaborative relationships and advancing groundbreaking research.

The forum features symposia and review talks covering various topics related to infectious diseases and immunology. From fundamental research to vaccine development, participants can explore the forefront of a wide range of fields. Fostering interactions among attendees and nurturing the next generation of scientists is one of the central objectives of this forum.

This year, the forum is organized by the Kyoto University Institute for Life and Medical Sciences (LiMe) and the Graduate School of Medicine, in collaboration with various infectious disease-related initiatives in Japan. The venue is Kyoto, located in the Okazaki area - the cultural heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy exploring cultural sites such as the Heian Shrine and nearby museums during the forum.

We eagerly await your participation.