Providing training in advanced and cutting edge basic and clinical immunological research for early career researchers

By Dr Steven Heaton | ARC Imaging CoE and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University
Dr Nick Gherardin | ARC Imaging CoE and The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity

Many of Australia’s and New Zealand’s most recognized immunologists were recently united with our up-and-comers at the inaugural Advanced Immunology School (AIS), an event organized by The Australia and New Zealand Society for Immunology (ASI) with the support of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging as a major sponsor.

What is your immune life? Throughout the four days of ASI-AIS 2019 this July, immunologists dissected this question through inspiring seminars, panel discussions and expert skills workshops in professional development and cutting-edge imaging techniques. The array of topics showcased included thymic development, T and B cell biology, viral infections, innate immunity, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, vascular biology, ageing and cancer.

A diverse group of ECRs from the University of Melbourne Node and Monash University presented their latest research achievements and vision while being nurtured and equipped to challenge dogma and blaze an independent trail. The genuine warmth and connectedness between all in attendance burned away the Mornington Peninsula’s Winter air, revealing to all attendees a road that needs neither be built nor crossed in solitude.

“Whatever the immune life holds in store, we are glad for the many connections and future collaborations forged by those gathered from around the world and enjoined in the same life-long journey here at ASI-AIS 2019.” said Dr Heaton, Imaging CoE and DBI researcher.

“Nurturing our best-and-brightest in this way is crucial to secure the future of our discipline, which is now experiencing a ‘golden age’ in technological and therapeutic development.” said Dr N Gherardin, Imaging CoE and The Peter Doherty Institute researcher.

ASI-AIS 2019 was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring event, one of the best we have had the privilege of being involved with, and we hope you will join us in encouraging PhD students and ECRs to mark it on their calendars for 2020.