On 16–17 April 2026, we will be holding our 4th Immunometabolism meeting, ‘Fuelling the Immune Response’, in Newcastle upon Tyne. This biennial meeting brings together scientists from all career stages, with a wide range of interests in the expanding field of immunometabolism, from across the UK and beyond for scientific exchange, collaboration and inspiration.
Over the past decade, immunometabolism has evolved from a relatively small field into an area of interest to many. Initially, immunometabolism research mainly centred on the question of cellular energetics – how immune cells fuel their functional outputs. However, studies have quickly expanded to encompass the role of metabolic pathways in immunity: in building cellular structures, regulating cell differentiation and fate, metabolites being used as signalling molecules for intra-, inter and systemic communication, and the production of metabolite-derived defence molecules to deter pathogens. It has become clear that, apart from cellular regulation, the immune system plays key roles in regulating systemic metabolism, influencing the storage and release of nutrients, and perturbations of these carefully controlled interactions lead to metabolic disorders and/or exacerbate non-communicable as well as infectious diseases. Interactions are intricate and often surprising; cancer cells go as far as ‘stealing’ mitochondria from immune cells increasing their own energetic capacity, while in the process weakening their adversaries. Equally, pathogens co-opt their hosts’ metabolism for their own needs.
Our meeting will explore many of these themes, discussing exciting new discoveries across the range of immune cell types, spanning both innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Speakers will again share cutting‑edge work that illustrates the diversity and depth of the field.
This year’s programme features leading scientists whose work spans the core intersections of immunity and metabolism. Professor Doreen Cantrell (University of Dundee) is renowned for defining how nutrient‑ and cytokine‑driven signalling pathways shape T‑cell development, activation and metabolic programming. Dr Alex Clarke (University of Oxford) investigates metabolic regulation in autoimmunity, revealing how autophagy and altered nutrient use impacts B‑cell dysfunction. Professor Inés Pineda Torra (CABIMER/UCL) explores how lipid‑activated nuclear receptors coordinate lipid metabolism and immune pathways to influence cardiometabolic and autoimmune disease. Professor Dirk Brenner (Luxembourg Institute of Health) uncovers how redox balance, metabolic rewiring and mitochondrial control govern immune‑cell fate, inflammation and anti‑tumour responses. Dr Cécile Benezech (University of Edinburgh) illuminates immune–metabolic crosstalk in adipose and cardiovascular health, particularly how obesity and ageing reshape B‑cell biology and infection risk. Dr Claus Desler (University of Copenhagen) focuses on mitochondrial bioenergetics and immunosenescence, clarifying how age‑related metabolic decline impairs immune activation and drives chronic disease vulnerability. Dr Hayley Sharpe (Babraham Institute) investigates how redox‑regulated phosphatase and kinase signalling integrates metabolic cues to influence immune signalling fidelity, ageing and dysfunction.
Together, these speakers span the full spectrum of immunometabolism – from nutrient sensing and lipid regulation to redox biology and immune ageing – promising a programme rich in mechanistic insight and translational potential.
At the heart of our meeting is the early career researchers (ECRs) showcase. We are excited to provide this platform, highlighting new discoveries and achievements and providing plenty of opportunities for networking and discussion. Submitted abstracts will be considered for oral and poster presentations, and we will once again host a dedicated Bright Sparks session, presenting work from postdoctoral researchers and PhD students.
Looking to the future, we hope this meeting will continue to strengthen the UK’s immunometabolism community. By bringing together researchers from across the country and internationally, we aim to cultivate an inclusive network that fosters collaboration, innovation, supports sharing resources and expertise, and propels the field forward.
We look forward to welcoming a diverse group of enthusiastic scientists to Newcastle this April.
By Anna Schurich, Nick Jones and Linda Sinclair