The International Ceramide Conference (iCC) originated as the Charleston Ceramide Conference in 2001 (through 2011; as iCC from 2013-present) in order to provide a forum for interaction of the major groups from around the world who were interested in the biochemistry and biology of bioactive sphingolipids. The goals of the conference were two-fold: (1) to provide a mechanism to foster the development of the next generation of investigators in bioactive sphingolipids and (2) to provide an environment where the emphasis on the biologic significance of these molecules and underlining mechanisms constituted the major focus. With these goals in mind, the iCC has always provided a forum for graduate student and postdoctoral researchers to present their work, and a relaxed environment in which to foster a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives.

History

The 1st meeting of the iCC was held at the Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms in South Carolina, November 14th to 17th, 2001. Since then, the meetings have been held biennially at the following locations:

  • 2nd Lake Como, Italy
  • 3rd Isle of Palms, SC
  • 4th Pacific Grove, CA
  • 5th Charleston, SC
  • 6th Villars, Switzerland
  • 7th Montauk, Long Island, NY
  • 8th Izmir, Turkey (partnered with the Sphingolipid Club)
  • 9th Port Jefferson, Long Island, NY
  • 10th Cascais, Portugal (with FEBS meeting & the Sphingolipid Club)
  • 12th Charleston, SC
  • 13th Varna, Bulgaria (with FEBS meeting & the Sphingolipid Club)