On Wednesday, April 29, the CYI Mixer 2026 took place in the inspiring setting of the Greenhouse of the Botanical Garden in Prague, bringing together 55 participants for an afternoon of science, discussion, and networking.

This year’s event was themed around regulatory T cells, celebrating the 2025 Nobel Prize and reflecting the central topic of the International Day of Immunology. In this spirit, the keynote lectures focused on self-tolerance and Treg biology from several complementary perspectives. Dominik Filipp focused on cellular immunology, highlighting the emerging role of Sca-1+ RORgt+ Treg cells in safeguarding the early microbiota and maintaining immune balance in the gut. Matouš Vobořil expanded the theme toward fundamental mechanisms of self-tolerance by introducing thymflammation as a novel concept of central immune tolerance. Tereza Ormsby then brought a translational perspective, showing how immune-regulatory pathways involving CD73 and CD39 can be targeted by small molecules, linking Treg-related mechanisms to potential applications in anti-cancer immunotherapy. Together, the lectures showed how the topic of tolerance can be approached from basic cellular mechanisms to therapeutic intervention.

Following the scientific program and coffee break, participants continued the afternoon with the CYI Mixer networking session in the Botanical Garden, which combined informal discussion with a range of interactive activities. The program included a quest through the garden, a competition prepared together with sponsors, and a networking bingo game designed to encourage conversations across institutions and career stages. The relaxed atmosphere was further enriched by fun activities such as fortune telling, making the networking session both lively and memorable.

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion moderated by Jan Černý, featuring Kateřina Rohlenová, Tomáš Brabec, and Šimon Borna. The panelists shared their experiences from postdoctoral research stays abroad, reflected on how studying immunology at Charles University shaped their scientific journey, and discussed whether Czech students are internationally competitive.

The event concluded with dinner and an evening social program, rounding off a successful gathering that combined excellent science with a warm and open atmosphere.

See pictures in the event gallery.