Welcome!

The 4th PNIRS Ibero-America Symposium is a scientific meeting dedicated to psychoneuroimmunology, bringing together researchers, clinicians, and trainees interested in the interactions between the nervous system, the immune system, and behavior. This symposium is designed as an open and interdisciplinary space, welcoming participants whether they are long-time contributors to the field or newly exploring psychoneuroimmunology.

Our main goal is to expand scientific networks. We aim to foster dialogue, stimulate new collaborations, and strengthen connections across disciplines, career stages, and countries. This fourth edition is intentionally rooted in Minas Gerais, with a commitment to strengthening psychoneuroimmunology in the state while connecting local research to the international community.

As part of this meeting, participants will also learn about the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society (PNIRS), an international society dedicated to advancing psychoneuroimmunology through research, training, and global collaboration. While PNIRS has traditionally engaged researchers mainly from North America and Europe, outstanding psychoneuroimmunology research has long been developing across Latin America.

This recognition led to the creation of PNIRS Ibero-America in 2022. Inspired by the PNIRS Asia-Pacific initiative, early-career scientists from the region proposed a similar effort for Latin America and were encouraged by PNIRS leadership to build it. Since then, PNIRS Ibero-America has organized three symposia within major scientific conferences in Brazil, bringing together researchers from Latin America, the United States, and Europe.

The 4th PNIRS Ibero-America Symposium represents a new step forward. It is the first stand-alone symposium of the initiative, reflecting its growth and continuity. By hosting this meeting in Minas Gerais, we seek not only to expand our international network, but also to foster lasting collaborations within the state and across Ibero- America.

We warmly invite you to be part of this symposium — whether you are deeply embedded in psychoneuroimmunology or newly discovering the field. This meeting is an opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to a growing and inclusive PNI community. We look forward to welcoming you.

The Organizing Committee

4th PNIRS Ibero-America Symposium