At the start of the annual SIP Symposium, we honor a scientist that has made substantial impact on progression in the field of Immunogenetics. The awardee is invited to deliver a keynote lecture named after the eminent Dutch scientist Prof dr. Jon J. van Rood (1926-2017) who was one of the discoverers of the HLA-system.

Van Rood devoted his medical career to improve tissue transplantation and translation of HLA-associated polymorphisms into improved matching protocols in the clinic was key to its success.

Nowadays, we start to understand better how HLA and other immune polymorphisms may influence resistance or health to disease. Such knowledge builds further on the path that was paved by founding fathers like Jon van Rood.

Prof dr. R.E. Bontrop

The Co-Evolution of MHC/KIR Systems in Primates

Prof dr. J.T. Trowsdale

Title to be announced