• In the field of cancer, there will be a symposium that explores the clinically relevant and exciting field of the immune response in cancer. Evasion from immunosurveillance by cancer cells is a major cancer hallmark, and restoration of immunosurveillance has been demonstrated as an effective anti-tumor strategy. This session will explore how aberrant gene expression often leads to downregulation of the anti-tumor immune response in neoplasia. To expand on the cancer theme, there will be a symposium dedicated to the topic of hypoxia signaling in the pathogenesis of cancer. As tumors grow, they can sense the oxygen tension and reprogram critical pathways that are important for cancer cell survival and therapy resistance. This symposium will provide an overview on exciting mechanistic studies of hypoxia signaling in cancer pathogenesis. In addition, there will be a workshop on the role of hormone regulation in breast cancer. This workshop will explore basic science, translational, and clinical aspects of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers.
• In the realm of neuropathology, there will be a symposium on the interface of neuropathology and neuroimmunology. This session will explore topics ranging from recent advancements in our understanding of the lymphatic system in the brain to the role of neuroinflammation in traumatic injury. In addition, the ACVP will host a symposium exploring non-traditional animal models in neuropathology that will help propel future research in this area.
• For the important topic of liver pathobiology, there will be a workshop exploring liver stem cells and regenerative medicine. This session will include talks on iPS-derived hepatocytes and organoid cultures, transdifferentiation of hepatocytes to cholangiocytes, and formation of a functional biliary system, as well as liver-on-chip. In addition, a major symposium will be dedicated to the broader topic of tissue-cross talk signaling in alcohol-induced tissue damage. This session will focus on the basic mechanisms of molecular signaling from different tissues such as adipose, gut-intestine, pancreas as well as liver and their impact on alcohol-induced tissue injury.
• There will be a major symposium to explore the connection between the environment and gene expression. The complex epigenetic interactions in the chromatin landscape regulating gene expression are very susceptible to the adverse effects of environmental exposures. There has been a rapid accumulation of mechanistic data enhancing our understanding of these alterations and how phenotypic effects including human disease are selected by specific toxic agents and exposures. Robust discussion of these topics will be fostered by six plenary presentations.
• In what promises to be a fun event, a combined symposium and debate will delve into the topic of fibrosis across different organs on Tuesday morning. An exciting session exploring the clinical issues and research initiatives in sepsis has been organized for Tuesday afternoon. In addition, there will be sessions dedicated to vascular and mucosal pathobiology (VAMP), and the blood vessel club. While the SIPMet will host a symposium on endothelium pathophysiology and the SCVP has organized a session on cardiac pathobiology.

This year, the Gold-Headed Cane Award will be given to Dr. Vinay Kumar (University of Chicago) and a special event will be held on Sunday evening featuring his highly-anticipated award lecture, which promises to be a stimulating culmination to a great day of science. Furthermore, his lecture will be followed by a combined social and networking event including the Scientific Interest Group (SIG) poster session and ASIP reception.

Fundamental components of the four-day program are multiple ASIP-sponsored abstract-driven minisymposia and poster sessions. ASIP's strong commitment to supporting young investigators and trainee members means that the program also provides special opportunities to trainees and junior faculty.

An important note: ASIP Trainee members (including undergraduate students) and Junior Faculty who submit abstracts to ASIP Topic Categories are eligible to be considered for travel awards. Please see details about the many special award opportunities at https://asip19.asip.org/awards/about-the-awards/.

As members of the investigative pathology community, your participation in the ASIP Annual Meeting is absolutely vital to the Society's success; join us in staying abreast of leading scientific research in deciphering the pathways of health and pathology that will lead to biomarker development, and disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Lastly, an editorial note…Besides participating in the Annual Meeting, any faculty (senior or junior) or trainee with interest in the many ASIP-related educational, career development, research, and leadership opportunities should feel free to contact me (david_willjr@med.unc.edu), Bill Coleman (wbcoleman@asip.org), or Lisa McFadden (Lmcfadden@asip.org) at the ASIP office.

We look forward to seeing you at EB 2019 in Orlando!