ICHS Awards


The International Immunocompromised Host Society Awards


The ICHS awards were conceived to highlight scientific excellence. In dedication to our mission: “Advancing the understanding of the interactions between host defense and microbial agents in order to improve prevention and management of human disease in patients with compromised immune function”, the International Immunocompromised Host Society will present Awards to highly qualified scientists.

Also, as a priority to support early career physicians and participation from diverse geographical regions ICHS offered Attendance Awards. These awards are a part of our mission to mentor and highlight the importance of being an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals who are dedicated to the care of immunocompromised individuals. Click here for the history of the ICHS Awards. Awards are presented to individuals for exceptional contributions related to the immunocompromised host field at the ICHS Biennial Symposium. 

The following 2026 awards will be presented at the ICHS 24th Biennial Symposium. 
Celebrate excellence and join us in Houston, Texas.

Congratulations to all of the awardees!

ICHS 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award

Dimitrios Kontoyiannis, MD, ScD, PhD (Hon), FIDSA, FAAM, FAAAS, AAP
Professor, Robert C Hickey Chair in Clinical Care
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
President Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium
ECMM Diamond Excellence in Mycology Center
Houston, Texas USA

The International Immunocompromised Host Society is delighted to present Dr. Dimitrios Kontoyiannis with the ICHS Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to an individual for exceptional contributions related to the immunocompromised host field.

His work has been described as a master clinician, devoted teacher and mentor, and impactful clinical and laboratory research. This exemplary career has been a source of inspiration in the study of immunocompromised hosts, and he serves as a true ambassador for the field. We are grateful for his efforts on behalf of ICHS over the years, and for his unparalleled passion to inspire a generation of physicians and scientists. 

Dr. Kontoyiannis will speak on Saturday, May 16, 2026, during the Symposium Program in the session entitled: "Reflecting on the Foundational Milestones Since the Dawn of Medical Mycology in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: Enduring Lessons and a Vision for the Future."

Don't miss this opportunity to see Dr. Kontoyiannis receive this award, and for this insightful presentation.

Dr. Dimitrios Kontoyiannis Bio

The ICHS 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award is supported by Eurofins Viracor.

ICHS 2026 Junior Investigator Award

Maddalena Giannella, MD, PhD
Professor

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences
University of Bologna
Bologna, Italy

The International Immunocompromised Host Society is delighted to present Dr. Maddalena Giannella the 2026 Junior Investigator Award.

In addition to her significant research and publications, Dr. Giannella is worthy of this special recognition due to her consistent scientific output and pursuit dedicated to better understanding and improved management of infectious complications in immunocompromised host, including solid organ transplant recipients and patients with hematological malignancies.

Dr. Gianella will receive this award and speak on her work on Sunday, May 17, 2026, during the Awards Session in the Symposium Program. Please join us!

Dr. Maddalena Giannella Bio

New! ICHS Impact Award 

Camile N. Kotton, MD, FIDSA, FAST
Clinical Director, Transplant Infectious Diseases
Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division
Massachusetts General Hospital
Associate Professor
Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Congratulations to Dr. Camille N. Kotton on receiving the inaugural ICHS 2026 Impact Award.
The ICHS Impact Award is a new initiative to recognize excellence, dedication, and leadership in advancing the field of infection in immunocompromised host through education, research, guideline development, and mentorship.

This recognition is a testament to Camille's unparalleled dedication, remarkable contributions, and exceptional commitment to our field and our Society. Her innovative approaches, leadership, and continuous pursuit of excellence have inspired many, and has significantly shaped the landscape of our profession. There is no doubt that her contributions will continue to inspire future generations of professionals in our field.

Dr. Kotton will receive this award at the opening session of the Symposium on Thursday, May 14, 2026. 

Dr. Camille N. Kotton Bio

 Virology Awards

Alessandra Mularoni, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh 
Unit of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control
Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (ISMETT-IRCCS)
Palermo, Italy

The International Immunocompromised Host Society is delighted to present Dr. Alessandra Mularoni with the ICHS 2026 Clinical Virology Award. This award is presented to an author of an important paper relevant to Clinical Virology.

Her research paper, “Serologic Screening and Molecular Surveillance of Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus/Human Herpesvirus-8 Infections for Early Recognition and Effective Treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus-Associated Inflammatory Cytokine Syndrome in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients, published in the American Journal of Transplantation, has been recognized as a recent and exceptional contribution to clinical virology in the immunocompromised hosts.

Dr. Mularoni will receive this award and speak on her work on Saturday, May 16, 2026, during the Awards during the symposium program. 

Dr. Alessandra Mularoni Bio

Valeria Cagno, PhD
Assistant Professor
Institute of Microbiology of Lausanne
University Hospital and University of Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland

The International Immunocompromised Host Society is delighted to present Dr. Valeria Cagno, with the ICHS 2026 Laboratory Virology Award. This award is presented to an author of an important paper relevant to Laboratory Virology.

Her research paper, A Pan-Respiratory Virus Attachment Inhibitor with High Potency in Human Airway Models and In Vivo," has been recognized as a recent and exceptional contribution to laboratory virology in the immunocompromised hosts.

Dr. Cagno will receive this award and speak on her work on Saturday, May 16, 2026, during the Awards during the symposium program. 

Dr. Valeria Cagno Bio

ICHS Virology Awards are made possible with support from Takeda.

Abstract Awards

ICHS prioritizes the support of early career physicians and participation from diverse geographical regions. This support is part of our mission to mentor and highlight the importance of being an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals dedicated to the care of immunocompromised individuals. 

We are proud to announce the following attendees will receive ICHS support to attend the 24th Biennial Symposium.

Top Oral Abstract Awards 

This award includes a presentation during the Symposium program, and includes travel coverage,
hotel accommodations, and the Symposium registration fee.

The Top Oral Abstract Awards will be presented in the program on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Claudia Bartalucci, MD

Division of Infectious Diseases

Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL)

University of Genoa

Genoa, Italy

Georgios Angelidakis, MD

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas United States


Francesco Peracchi, MD

School of Medicine and Surgery
University of Milano-Bicocca
Milan, Italy

Gemma Reynolds, MD

Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology

National Centre for Infectious in Cancer
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Melbourne, Australia


Top Poster Awards 
The Top Poster awards is a new initiative to support scientific research.
Six awards will be presented for the top posters! 
The award includes a $1,000 USD (total) award to support attendance at the symposium.


Alaa Atamna, MD

Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel

Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv Israel

Alicja Sadowska-Klasa, MD, PhD

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States

Medical University of Gdansk
Gdansk, Poland


Sung-Yeon Cho, MD, PhD
The Catholic University of Korea

Seoul, Korea, Republic of

Victoria G. Hall, MBBS, MPH

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia

University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia

Ming-Tao Tsai

National Taiwan University Cancer Center
Taipei, Taiwan

Sebastian Wurster, MD, MSc

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas United States

By participating in ICHS, these physicians will have the opportunity to connect with physicians, researchers, and healthcare providers from around the world who share a common interest in the care of immunocompromised patients. This global network of professionals is dedicated to providing others with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, enabling you to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field and exchange valuable insights.

These connections foster collaborative research projects, promote the sharing of clinical experiences, and facilitate mentorship opportunities, all of which are crucial for professional growth and development.

If you are not already a member of ICHS, we would love to welcome you to our community and to offer membership benefits!


International Immunocompromised Host Society

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