Date: May 14–17, 2025
Location: Prague Congress Centre
Project Manager: Marcela Rajtorová
Introduction:
For several days in May, Prague became the hub of global immunogenetics. The EFI Conference 2025 welcomed more than 800 professionals including scientists, physicians, laboratories, and research teams who came to share their experiences, the latest findings, and participate in discussions on the directions research and clinical practice will take in the fields of transplantation, genetic diagnostics, and immunotherapy. The city itself supported the scientific program of the conference—with its history, intellectual legacy, and atmosphere that inspires collaboration and new discoveries.
Scientific Program:
The scientific program of the EFI Conference 2025 was designed with an emphasis on balance between basic research, clinical applications, and technological innovations. Five plenary sessions offered thematically cohesive blocks focused on organ and hematopoietic cell transplantation, new directions in immunological tolerance and gene therapy, evolutionary genetics, and the use of artificial intelligence. Educational sessions were also strongly represented, covering topics such as bioinformatics, donor allocation, chimerism, and the training of young professionals. Corporate symposia were also an essential part of the event, with six in total. Leading global experts from Oxford, Harvard, and Paris took the stage, and the Czech contribution resonated strongly—both in expert presentations and in the organization. Overall, the program reflected current developments in immunogenetics and its practical relevance for modern transplantation and personalized medicine.
Social Program:
In addition to the scientific content, EFI Conference 2025 in Prague offered a vibrant accompanying social program. On Wednesday evening, May 14, a traditional Welcome Drink was held at the Prague Congress Centre.
On Friday morning, May 16, the GenDx Tulip Run charity event took place, allowing participants to join by running or walking. The 4.5 km route led through Vyšehrad, one of Prague’s most significant historical sites, and proceeds from participant contributions were donated to the Czech Registry of Hematopoietic Cell Donors—further matched by partner company GenDx.
The Friday Networking Dinner, held in the prestigious National House of Vinohrady, provided a chance to meet in a relaxed atmosphere beyond the official program. Guests enjoyed an elegant evening full of conversations, experience-sharing, international networking, and informal entertainment during the disco.
Closing Ceremony:
The EFI Conference 2025 concluded with a closing ceremony featuring the presentation of prestigious awards, including the Jon van Rood Award for Best Abstract, as well as prizes for the best oral presentations and selected posters. These awards highlighted the high level of scientific work presented throughout the conference. The ceremony was complemented by a final keynote lecture from a different field and an invitation to the next edition of the conference, which will be held in Edinburgh in April next year.
Conclusion:
The EFI Conference 2025 in Prague confirmed that immunogenetics is a dynamically evolving field with a crucial impact on modern medicine. The intensive scientific program, rich discussions, and international meetings demonstrated the importance of collaboration across disciplines and borders. In addition to new knowledge and contacts, participants left with inspiration for their future work—and a belief that science can increasingly contribute to better, more precise, and more accessible patient care. Once again, Prague proved to be a city that connects the past of scientific discovery with the future of medicine.
