May Highlights: Day of Immunology 2026 Reflections and DOI Awards Update

International Day of Immunology celebrations took place worldwide on April 29, marked by a highly attended webinar and an engaging global social media campaign. To mark the Day of Immunology 2026, under the theme “Regulatory T Cells: Guardians of Immune Balance,” the EFIS and IUIS delivered a program combining cutting-edge science with public outreach.

The joint webinar featured Shimon Sakaguchi, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025, alongside presentations from Makoto Miyara, Joris van der Veeken, and Themis Alissafi on Treg biology, inflammation, and cancer immunity. The webinar is now also available on demand via ImmunoHub.

In parallel, a global social media campaign brought together national societies worldwide, with more than 25 videos highlighting the essential role of regulatory T cells in maintaining immune balance. A massive Thank You to all participating societies! The full collection is available on the Day of Immunology YouTube channel.

To continue the momentum, EFIS and IUIS encourage Member Societies to participate in the Day of Immunology Awards with the outreach campaigns they have organized. These awards recognize the most impactful and creative initiatives conducted around April 29 that successfully engage the public and communicate the importance of the immune system in health and disease. Six prizes will be awarded for the most impactful and innovative initiatives. Member Societies are invited to submit their campaign reports by May 18, 2026, for the opportunity to gain international recognition. Read more and find out how to participate in the DoI Awards here or reach out to info@iuis.org.

In this issue, you will also find reflections on the 3rd EFIS Strategic Retreat, the announcement of the 1st Adriatic School on Immunometabolism, as well as for the SEEIS 2026, updates from our member societies, and yEFIS, along with news from EFIS–IL Study Groups.

3rd EFIS Strategic Retreat

EFIS held its 3rd Strategic Retreat in the inspiring setting of Cavtat and Dubrovnik, Croatia, from April 22–24, bringing together representatives from member societies, study groups, task forces, official journals, and partner organizations. Over two productive days, the retreat provided a valuable forum for exchange, fostering dialogue, networking, and collaboration across the EFIS community. Discussions were forward-looking and highly engaging, reflecting the shared commitment to strengthening European immunology. The meeting also served as a catalyst for several promising ideas and new initiatives, which the EFIS Board looks forward to developing further in close collaboration with its partners and stakeholders in the coming months.

Adriatic School on Immunometabolism

This school, focused on the rapidly growing field of immunometabolism, is aimed for early-career scientists. It will be held in Veli Lošinj, Croatia, from October 18 to 22, 2026. The program will bring together leading international experts and junior researchers in an interactive setting designed to foster close scientific exchange.

Find out More

SEEIS 2026 to take place in Georgia

The 15th EFIS-EJI South Eastern European Immunology School is designed for PhD students, young scientists, and medical doctors from South Eastern Europe interested in cutting-edge immunology and its clinical applications. Attendance is limited to 60 participants selected competitively. The school offers excellent opportunities for networking and discussion with faculty and peers. Application deadline: June 15! Apply now and join SEEIS 2026 in beautiful Georgia!

Application

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. Registration is still possible!

Details

EFIS Society News

The Immune Alliance - a German-Japanese Cooperation in Immunology – Lecture May 20, 2026 – 9 am (Germany) / 4 pm (Japan) | Zoom

We invite you to the next Immune Alliance Seminar with Prof. Dr. Koji Yasutomo (Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokushima University) and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schamel (CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, and Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany). Everyone is welcome to register.

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

The registration 2026 is open and attendance is limited to 50 participants. Abstract deadline: May 31, 2026

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.

Czech Immunological Society - 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

2nd Congress on Sex Differences in Immunity

EFIS - IL Study Group on Immune Sex Differences will be organizing their second congress in Hamburg at the Center for Structural Systems Biology on October 8-9, 2026. This congress will bring together researchers across disciplines to explore one of the most important and still underexplored dimensions of immunology: how sex and gender shape immune responses and disease outcomes? Registration and abstract submission deadline: June 15th, 2026.

More Information

T Cell Connect Europe - Online Immunology Lecture Series

The EFIS - Immunology Letters study group “T-cell Connect Europe” (TCCE) hosts a monthly online lecture series on T-cell biology and immunity. Started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the series has featured over 126 talks by May 2026. Lectures always take place on the first Tuesday of each month and include two 25-minute presentations followed by discussion.The next lecture, before the summer break, will be held on 2 June 2026 with Axel Kallies and Adrian Hayday. The series resumes in October 2026.

Program Details and Registration

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