The 16th International Conference of the international Mesothelioma interest group (iMig) will soon be held in Lille, France on June 26-28 2023. This year, the iMig conference will be hosted by the French Cooperative Thoracic Intergroup.
iMig is a community of scientists, clinicians, care providers and social advocates that are united by a common goal – to understand the underlying genetics, immune and molecular mechanisms, proteomics, and epidemiologic factors associated with mesothelioma. Their purpose is to promote research, treatment and education surrounding mesothelioma. The group was formed to foster collaboration, communication and action amongst members, as there was no existing interest group for mesothelioma at the time it was created.
NCARD has longstanding ties with iMig. Professor Bruce Robinson was a founding member of iMig when it was first established in 1991. Since then, iMig has held its international conference biennially in multiple cities across the world, with NCARD memorably hosting it in Perth in 2002. The last conference was held virtually in Brisbane in 2021; however, the event has now returned in person for 2023.
Historically, NCARD members – from students to senior researchers – have participated enthusiastically in iMig conferences to speak, present their work, and help administer the event. This year, the trend looks set to continue. Both Prof Robinson and Professor Anna Nowak are members of the iMig 2023 executive board. Additionally, Prof Robinson, Professor Jenette Creaney and Dr Jonathan Chee are all scheduled to speak over the three days. It is set to be an exciting and informative event for all interested in mesothelioma research!