Official Opening Day ICEP AIT
The official opening day of AIT 2026 will take place at the German House and will bring together participants for registration, opening remarks, a keynote address, a distinguished panel discussion, student exchange, lunch, and informal networking.
AIT 2026 is part of ICEP Global, the International Collaboration and Exchange Program, an international student networking and exchange initiative founded in 2014 at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons under the direction of Professor Anette Wu. ICEP Global connects more than 40 leading medical universities across five continents and fosters early international exchange among students in medicine and related health professions.
As a short international immersion experience within the broader ICEP program, AIT encourages academic exchange, intercultural understanding, and long-term collaboration among future healthcare leaders. The opening day will introduce participants to the goals of AIT 2026 in New York City and frame the week’s focus on global collaboration, student-led exchange, and science diplomacy.
Security Information:
All registered guests must bring a valid photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, for the German House security check.
Registration Fee:
Please bring $50 USD in cash. Participants who already paid during the Day 1 Meet & Greet do not need to pay again.
Schedule
9:00–09:30 | Registration
Participant check-in and arrival before the official start of the program.
09:30–11:00 | Opening Remarks & Keynote
Official opening of AIT 2026 followed by the keynote address.
Keynote Speaker:
W. Ian Lipkin
11:00–11:20 | Break
Short break between the keynote and panel discussion.
11:20–12:00 | Distinguished Panel
A panel discussion with invited leaders in international medicine, science, and academic exchange.
Panelists:
W. Ian Lipkin, Jay Vyas, Alexander Preker, Stefan Fichtner-Feigl, Chung-Liang Chien, Jan Lüdert
Final panel composition may be confirmed in a participant update.
12:00–13:00 | Lunch
Lunch break and informal networking.
13:00–14:00 | Student Panel
Student-led discussion exploring academic experiences, collaboration, and perspectives from participating institutions.
Student panel participants will be announced in the final participant update.
Event Information
July 31, 2026, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
German House 871 1st Ave, New York
Organizer(s): Consulate General of Germany in New York, UA Ruhr, University of Cologne New York Office, Liaison Office North America University of Freiburg, DWIH New York