Why do we immunologists enjoy attending congresses so much? I guess the most frequent answers to this question include: you hear the latest news about state-of-the-art science; you get an excellent overview about what is going on in related fields; you meet friends, colleagues, young students and experienced researchers alike. For sure, this is all guaranteed at the International Congress of Immunology (ICI), which takes place every 3 years under the auspices of the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). As President of the IUIS, I welcome you to join the 15th ICI to be held in Milan, Italy from August 22–27, 2013. For further information about IUIS activities, members of the Board and the Council see www.iuisonline.org, and for information about our new official journal Frontiers in Immunology see www.frontiersin.org/immunology. The last ICI, which took place in Kobe, Japan August 2010, was a marvelous success with more than 6,000 participants. We at the IUIS are proud of the triennial ICI, which is by far the most important event in the immunology arena, globally. This was proven consistently in the past and is guaranteed at the next ICI in Milan, as assured by the outstanding researchers enlisted in the Congress Advisory Committee, the Scientific Program Committee, and other Committees. The 15th ICI promises once again to represent the full complement of one of the most vibrant scientific areas in biomedicine, immunology. It will encompass basic research, translation and clinical application. It will interest both young students and experienced researchers. It will cover the full spectrum from academic research to industry. The Congress, however, will not only serve as platform for communication and exchange of the most challenging state-of-the-art research among immunologists. It will also serve as impressive platform for making laypersons, the press and politicians aware of the importance of immunologic research for maintenance of well-being, and combat of major diseases, including infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases or allergic diseases. Last but not least, it will provide a unique platform for meeting colleagues/friends/post-doc candidates and mentors. In short, the 15th ICI will be wonderful meeting point for researchers from academia, industry and clinics both from industrialized and developing countries and hence strengthen existing friendships and invite new ones. The 15th ICI will take place in Milan, Italy and this guarantees another wonderful aspect, namely, the great opportunity for social activities in a most accessible and welcoming city. Milan boasts a unique, world‐famous artistic heritage, of which the best known is Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Today Milan is not only the international centre of fashion and design, but also a vibrant city, which guarantees a lot of fun after a hard working day at the Congress. The IUIS represents all immunologists worldwide, who are members of the 65 national societies and 4 regional federations of immunology. We are looking forward to meeting you all at the 15th ICI in Milan.