On behalf of the European Federation for Immunogenetics (EFI), the German Society for Immunogenetics (DGI), and the Local Organising Committee we cordially invite you to attend the 23rd EFl Conference in Ulm (Germany), May 9-12, 2009.

Within half a century, our knowledge of Immunogenetics has extended in many dimensions. Still, the ability of our immune system to distinguish between self and non-self is most relevant for our own individual survival - both, as human beings and researchers.

As usual, the errors committed by our immune system make things interesting and attract our attention: While its physiologic activity is called allorecognition, the ›false positive‹ decisions appear as autoimmunity whereas the ›false negatives‹ lead to tolerance. Both ›false‹ reactions open revolutionary avenues to the treatment of severe diseases by transplantation.

EFI2009ULM will present the most recent results on the underlying mechanisms, and new perspectives to tackle the challenges of Allorecognition and Tolerance. The Conference will cover the most interesting aspects from genetics, basic research and cell engineering to clinical applications, in particular, organ and blood stem cell transplantation.

Situated on the beautiful river Danube, Ulm is more than 1100 years old and is the home of one of the oldest democratic traditions still existing in the world. The town's most famous sights include the cathedral with the tallest spire in the world and the captivating old town with its picturesque fishermen's quarter.
In contrast to the city's age, the university is young and vibrant with a strong focus on medicine and science – not surprising since its location is within walking distance of the birthplace of Albert Einstein.

Join us and enjoy our kaleidoscope of nature and urbanity, ancient history and modern art, science and friendship.
We are looking forward to seeing you in May 2009 in Ulm!