Montagna Symposium on Biology of Skin 2026

October 15–19, 2026.

Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington, located in the Columbia River Gorge about one hour east of Portland International Airport.

The symposium was billed as exploring resident memory T cells in skin diseases, cancer immunity, antiviral defense, and tissue-specific immune regulation, with sessions scheduled to cover infection, tumor immunology, inflammatory skin disease, and cellular biology.

Oncologists, immunologists, dermatologists, biologists, geneticists, and biomedical engineers at all career stages: MDs, PhDs, fellows, residents, postdoctoral researchers, and students.

The program was scheduled to feature speakers including Dennis Roop, Hitomi Aoki, Kyle Oetjen, Liv Eidsmo, Marlys Fassett, Naoki Oshimori, Ortega Loayza, Rachael Clark (Program Chair), Sancy Leachman, and Thomas Gebhardt.

A conference charter shuttle was scheduled to depart from PDX baggage claim on Thursday, October 15, and return Monday, October 19, in the late morning.

The symposium aimed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, translate resident memory T cell research into clinical practice, and support the next generation of researchers and clinicians across dermatology, immunology, and oncology.

It suited dermatologists, immunologists and oncologists who work on resident memory T cells, since the program centred on those cells in skin disease, cancer immunity and vaccine development, with Rachael Clark billed as Program Chair and speaker. Clinicians looking for a general practice update would have gotten less from it, because the subject was narrow and research-driven, and the lodge setting with its own airport shuttle made it a committed few days away.

Scientific symposia at lodge-style venues usually call for casual or smart casual clothing, such as slacks or jeans with a sweater, plus layers and sturdy shoes for cool October weather in the Gorge.

The symposium organizers arranged a conference charter shuttle from Portland International Airport.