April Highlights: International Day of Immunology 2026 and the EFIS Strategic Retreat

April is always a special month for the immunology community, bringing us together to celebrate the International Day of Immunology on April 29 and reflect on the impact of our field.

Since 2021, EFIS and IUIS have co-organized the annual Day of Immunology webinar, featuring outstanding speakers and timely discussions that highlight the importance of immunology and connect our global community.

This year’s theme, “Regulatory T Cells: Guardians of Immune Balance,” will focus on the crucial role of immune regulation in health and disease. We are especially pleased to welcome Nobel Prize 2025 laureate Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, alongside other distinguished scientists, for what promises to be an engaging and insightful program. The full program is now available, and registration is still open—join us live on April 29 at 15:00 CET.

The Day of Immunology Awards, another key initiative led by EFIS and IUIS, continue to recognize excellence and raise awareness of immunology. You will find more information about DOI awards in this newsletter.

Later in the month, EFIS will hold its 3rd Strategic Retreat in Cavtat, Croatia, on April 23–24. By bringing together stakeholders and partners, the retreat will provide a valuable platform for reflection, dialogue, and forward planning.

In this issue, you will also find the call for nominations of the EJI–Ita Askonas Prize, updates from our member societies, and yEFIS, as well as news from EFIS–IL Study Groups.

Finally, we encourage you to take part in our International Day of Immunology social media campaign during the week leading up to April 29. We look forward to seeing the community engage using #DayofImmunology and #RegulatoryTCell.

International Day of Immunology Awards

As in previous years, EFIS and IUIS once again invite National Member Societies and Regional Federations to celebrate the Day of Immunology by organizing outreach activities and taking part in the Day of Immunology Awards. With six prizes across two categories, the awards recognize creative and impactful initiatives that engage the public and highlight the importance of immunology in health and disease.Submit your campaign report by May 18, 2026, and gain international recognition for your impact. Find out more about how to participate and the prizes here.

Established in 2009 by EFIS and the European Journal of Immunology (EJI), Ita Askonas Award recognizes exceptional female group leaders in immunology who have led an independent laboratory for a minimum of four and no more than ten years. Nominations are due by June 30, 2026.

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EFIS Task Force News

Countdown to the 3rd yEFIS Symposium

The 3rd yEFIS Symposium is just around the corner, offering an exciting program for early-career immunologists. Attendees can look forward to inspiring keynote lectures, oral presentations, posters, and flash talks, alongside career-focused workshops and a panel discussion exploring career paths beyond academia. In addition to the scientific and professional development program, participants will have opportunities to network with peers and mentors, including a unique City Hunt experience in Prague.

Full Details

EFIS Society News

Translational Immunology School - June 25-27, 2026, Kongresshotel Potsdam

The registration 2026 is open and attendance is limited to 50 participants.

The Translational Immunology Schools (TIS) up to now were great success stories with participants from both academic research as well as clinical research institutions and industry. The topics covered include developments in diagnostics, new research technologies, modern immune intervention and new immune therapeutic principles.

Congress of the German Society for Immunology - September 15-18, 2026 in Munich

The abstract submission is open.

The Congress of the German Society for Immunology, taking place in September 2026 in Munich/Germany, brings together scientists and clinicians interested in better understanding the overarching principles that apply to immunity to infection, immuno-oncology, immunotherapy, autoimmunity, and transplantation and that determine organ-specific protective and pathological immune responses. With this specific focus, we aim to broaden our horizon by connecting basic immunological science and organ-specific pathology with translational activities and novel and emerging technologies. Your participation will help foster a dynamic connection between science, technology, and industry in a vibrant and memorable atmosphere, just ahead of the Munich Oktoberfest.

CSI & Day of Immunology

CIS Day of Immunology in Czechia offers local initiatives throughout April in Olomouc, Brno, and Pilsen. On 29th April, Prague hosts the main action, organized by the CIS young immunologists' group (CYI) in collaboration with the Faculty of Science at Charles University, along with the 5th CYI Mixer, a flagship national event featuring high-level immunological research and structured networking. The scientific program focuses on immune tolerance and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Keynote lectures span intestinal Treg biology (Dominik Filipp), thymic mechanisms of tolerance (Matouš Vobořil), and translational immunotherapy approaches (Tereza Ormsby), linking fundamental and applied immunology. More information here.

CSI - IMIC Summer School

The traditional CIS-IMIC Summer School on Tumor Microenvironment and Immunity will take place from July 1 to 4, 2026 in the Chateau of Nove Hrady in South Bohemia, Czechia. Registration fee (330 EUR) includes lectures, accommodation, all meals and school materials. For information and registration click here or use the QR code.

EFIS-IL Study Groups News

Guest Symposium at the WCI 2026

EFIS and iiSIAR will host a symposium at the World Congress of Inflammation (WCI) 2026 in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. The symposium “Regulatory Effectors in Inflammation and Autoimmunity” will include presentations by the members of the iiSIAR Study Group. This landmark meeting brings together three major events: the 17th World Congress of Inflammation (IAIS), the 11th Inflamma - Brazilian Society of Inflammation, and the 50th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society of Immunology - ImmunoFoz. See more details here.

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