Fraunhofer CIMD Winter School 2026

We are pleased to announce this year's Fraunhofer CIMD Winter School "Rethinking Immunity and Disease in the Face of Data Gaps"! As always, our four Ds - Drugs, Diagnostics, Data, and Devices - are at the core of the program. Whether you are joining for the first time or returning – look forward to new topics, perspectives, and stimulating discussions.

Immune diseases affect patients worldwide. These conditions often exhibit sex- and gender-specific differences in symptoms, disease progression, and treatment response—differences that have often been insufficiently considered in medical research.

What to expect:

During our three-day Winter School, we will explore the exciting question of how to make (immunological) research more sex- and gender-sensitive—and why this matters for everyone.

Together, we will examine:

• How culture and society influence our health
• Existing strategies and recommendations for sex- and gender-sensitive research
• Sex- and gender-specific differences in the diagnosis and treatment of immune-mediated diseases
• How modern technologies can help close existing knowledge gaps
• How real-world data and robust study design can improve the evidence base
• How we can make science more understandable and accessible

…and much more!

What makes it special?

In addition to inspiring lectures, there will be plenty of opportunities for exchange, networking, and discussion. Participants will also have the chance to present their own work in a poster session and learn from others.

Who is the Winter School for?

The Winter School is primarily intended for PhD candidates, early-career researchers, and medical professionals. However, students and all other interested participants—whether young or young at heart—are warmly invited to register.

Would you like to join the Fraunhofer CIMD Winter School 2026?

Register via the registration link at the bottom of this page! You have to submit your abstract for a poster presentation until 01 September 2026. Final confirmation of participation will be sent by mid-September.

We look forward to seeing you!

Note: All participants are expected to actively contribute by giving a five-minute pitch (a short presentation without PowerPoint) on their own research project. The project presented may be any project the participant is currently working on.