The last 15 years have witnessed an explosion in research centered on bioactive sphingolipids; especially ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine phosphate. Current investigation in this field is beginning to yield significant insight into the regulation of sphingolipid metabolism and its function and exciting possibilities for therapeutic applications. In recent years, the number and diversity of bioactive sphingolipids has expanded significantly.

The International Ceramide Conference (iCC) originated as the Charleston Ceramide Conference in 2001 (through 2011; as iCC from 2013-present) in order to provide a forum for interaction of the major groups from around the world who were interested in the biochemistry and biology of bioactive sphingolipids. The goals of the conference were two-fold: (1) to provide a mechanism to foster the development of the next generation of investigators in bioactive sphingolipids and (2) to provide an environment where the emphasis on the biologic significance of these molecules and underlining mechanisms constituted the major focus. With these goals in mind, the iCC has always provided a forum for graduate student and postdoctoral researchers to present their work, and a relaxed environment in which to foster a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives.