The International Cytokine & Interferon Society (ICIS) convened its Annual Business Meeting on November 5, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, marking a pivotal moment in the Society’s evolution. Under the leadership of outgoing President Dr. Sarah Gaffen, the meeting highlighted the organization’s financial stability, growing global membership, and an exciting strategic initiative that will shape its future identity.
The centerpiece of this year’s business meeting was the introduction of a comprehensive rebranding initiative. After careful consideration and planning, the ICIS Council is proposing to adopt a new name: “The Cytokine Society.” This proposed change represents the most significant transformation for the organization during President Gaffen’s term.
The Council believes this new name offers compelling advantages for the Society’s future. “The Cytokine Society” is simple, memorable, and captures all areas of research and inquiry under the organization’s umbrella. Importantly, the name does not easily lend itself to an acronym, which will help mitigate confusion with similarly-abbreviated organizations while keeping the cytokine “brand” front and center. The new name also aligns with terminology already in common use by members, making it a natural evolution rather than a dramatic departure.
The rebranding initiative will include a new logo (example below) paired with flexible, descriptive taglines that will communicate the Society’s mission and scope. Members are currently casting their votes on this transformative proposal, with the ballot period open through November 30, 2025. Members who have not yet received their ballot are encouraged to check their junk mail folders or contact Managing Director Stephanie Flores for assistance.
Solid Financial Foundation and Growing Membership
Dr. Gaffen reported stable financial health for the Society, with over $300,000 in unrestricted reserves and an addition $260,000 in reserves that are restricted as endowed award funds. This includes an anonymous gift of $50,000 which will be matched by the Society to endow another award expressly for a young investigator pursing novel research in cytokine biology.
Membership continues to grow, with the Society now serving 964 members across 44 countries. This global reach underscores the Society’s role as the premier international community for cytokine and interferon research.
Leadership Transitions and Global Meeting Schedule
The meeting marked an important leadership transition as Dr. Gaffen completed her presidential term and Dr. Curt Horvath assumed the presidency. The Council also welcomed new members who will help guide the Society’s strategic direction in the coming years.
Looking ahead, ICIS announced an impressive schedule of international meetings that will bring the cytokine community together across four continents. Cytokines 2026 will take place in Glasgow, Scotland (October 18-21, 2026), followed by Cytokines 2027 in Sydney, Australia (September 2027, dates TBA). The Society will return to North America for Cytokines 2028 in Boston, USA (November 1-4, 2028), before heading to Salamanca, Spain for Cytokines 2029 (dates TBA).
The Road Ahead
As ICIS members cast their votes on the proposed rebranding, the Society stands at an exciting crossroads—poised to embrace a new identity while maintaining its core mission of advancing cytokine science and fostering international collaboration. The coming weeks will determine whether “The Cytokine Society” becomes the organization’s new banner for future discoveries and connections.
