Although there has been rapid advancement in the understanding of cancer immunity, application of this evolving body of knowledge is impeded by divisions between disciplines and the challenges inherent in remaining abreast of a rapidly developing field. Widening knowledge gaps span the interface between clinical and basic data, as well as between scientists who are focused on disparate immune components of the tumor microenvironment and between systems biology, bioinformatics data and their practical application. In bringing together translational physicians, basic immunologists and cutting-edge systems biologists, this conference will foster interdisciplinary cooperation such that cutting-edge discoveries made in the bioinformatics field will help drive translation and lab-based investigation. Additionally, it will provide a showcase for novel imaging and profiling technologies, fostering their widespread adoption by the cancer immunity field as a whole. Finally, it will highlight recent advances in our understanding of epigenetic control of T cell function. A goal of the conference is to bring together these different groups of scientists and to accelerate the application of new technologies and systems biology approaches to their own research efforts. A well-organized cancer immunity conference focused on bringing together translational and basic investigation, along with cutting edge systems biology and technology approaches represents a novel construct previously not fulfilled by other, isolated silo-like meetings. The disciplines gathered for this conference would not normally co-attend meetings. This program is aimed at addressing these widening knowledge gaps which are being promulgated by a rapidly evolving field.