Dear ICEP AIT participants,
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Welcome to New York City and to AIT 2026.
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It is a pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP Global) and our partners at Columbia University. This year’s Academic Immersion Travel brings together students from across our partner institutions for a shared experience of learning, exchange, and international collaboration.
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AIT represents more than a conference. It is an opportunity to encounter new perspectives, engage with different academic and healthcare environments, and strengthen connections that reach beyond national and institutional borders. Through these experiences, ICEP Global continues to encourage the growth of future healthcare leaders who value dialogue, collaboration, and intercultural understanding.
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Many of you have already built connections through previous exchanges and online meetings. Now, in New York City, those connections can grow through personal encounter, academic discussion, and shared experience. We hope this year’s program will inspire meaningful conversations, new insights, and lasting professional and personal relationships.
​
We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has contributed to making AIT 2026 possible, especially our hosts, organizers, and student teams. Their commitment and effort have created a program that reflects the spirit of ICEP Global and the importance of international exchange in medicine and healthcare.
​
As you take part in this year’s conference, we encourage you to make the most of every conversation, every encounter, and every new perspective. We hope your time in New York City will be both memorable and inspiring, and that the connections formed here will continue long after AIT 2026 has come to an end.
​
With best wishes,
Join students, researchers, and professionals from around the world for five days of academic exchange, scientific dialogue, and cultural connection in New York City.
Dear ICEP AIT participants,
​
Welcome to New York City and to AIT 2026.
​
It is a pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP Global) and our partners at Columbia University. This year’s Academic Immersion Travel brings together students from across our partner institutions for a shared experience of learning, exchange, and international collaboration.
​
AIT represents more than a conference. It is an opportunity to encounter new perspectives, engage with different academic and healthcare environments, and strengthen connections that reach beyond national and institutional borders. Through these experiences, ICEP Global continues to encourage the growth of future healthcare leaders who value dialogue, collaboration, and intercultural understanding.
​
Many of you have already built connections through previous exchanges and online meetings. Now, in New York City, those connections can grow through personal encounter, academic discussion, and shared experience. We hope this year’s program will inspire meaningful conversations, new insights, and lasting professional and personal relationships.
​
We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has contributed to making AIT 2026 possible, especially our hosts, organizers, and student teams. Their commitment and effort have created a program that reflects the spirit of ICEP Global and the importance of international exchange in medicine and healthcare.
​
As you take part in this year’s conference, we encourage you to make the most of every conversation, every encounter, and every new perspective. We hope your time in New York City will be both memorable and inspiring, and that the connections formed here will continue long after AIT 2026 has come to an end.
​
With best wishes,
July 30 - August 3, 2026
Anette Wu, MD MPH PhD
Director, International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP Global)
Associate Professor
Sustainable Global Collaboration in Medicine and the Health Sciences
The purpose of AIT is to promote face-to-face interactions, strengthen cross-national collaborations, and expand international networks among global medical students to foster Science Diplomacy in Medicine and the Health Sciences.
Join us as we explore the frontiers of knowledge and build enduring partnerships that transcend borders and disciplines.
Program Highlights
Five Days of Insight & Connection
Day 1
Arrival & Welcome
Participants arrive in New York City, check in, and join the first informal welcome gathering.
Day 5
Keynotes & Lab Visits
Scientific program, closing remarks, and visits to selected research environments across multiple labs.
Day 2
Opening & Exchange
Official opening of AIT 2026 with keynote contributions, invited panel discussions, and student exchange.
Day 3
Collaboration In Action
Group preparation, city activities, and informal opportunities to connect with fellow participants.
Day 4
Campus & Science
Campus visits, Model UN debate, student presentations, and scientific exchange.
Featured Speakers
Meet selected keynote and scientific speakers contributing to AIT 2026 through research, clinical expertise, and international academic exchange.
Keynote Speaker & Distinguished Panelist
W. Ian Lipkin, MD
Internationally recognized infectious disease expert advancing pathogen discovery, outbreak response, and global public health research.
Scientific Keynote Speaker
Michel Sadelain, MD, PhD
World renowned pioneer of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) immunotherapy, a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment. Professor at Columbia Universtity.
Distinguished Panelist
Alexander Preker, MD, PhD
Former Chief Economist for Health of the World Bank, physician and economist. Expert in Health Economy and Finance. Adjunct Professor Columbia University.
Distinguished Panelist
Chung-Liang Chien, PhD
Former deputy minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology in Taiwan, former Dean of Student Affairs at that National Taiwan University and Columbia Univeristy graduate.
Distinguished Panelist
Anette Wu, MD, MPH, PhD
Associate Professor Columbia University, ICEP Director, world leading expert in Internationalization of Medical Education and Science Diplomary.
Distinguished Panelist
Stefan Fichtner-Feigl, Prof. Dr. Med
Distinguished academic surgeon and medical leader contributing expertise in clinical research, surgery, and international collaboration.
Distinguished Panelist
Jay Vyas, MD, PhD
Associate Dean for Academic Innovation and Director of Physician-Scientist Programs at Columbia University.
The Heart of Academic Immersion in NYC
AIT 2026 takes place within the architectural landmarks of Manhattan. Our venue is designed to foster high-level discourse and global collaboration, offering state-of-the-art facilities amidst the vibrant energy of the world’s intellectual capital.
Sponsors & Partners
We are proud to collaborate with leading institutional and organizational partners dedicated to advancing global academic exchange and interdisciplinary research.