British Society for Immunology

Recent reports have highlighted proposed changes to childhood vaccination recommendations in the United States (US), including recommendations to reduce the number of routinely recommended childhood vaccines and to separate the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into individual components. Questions have also been raised about the safety of MMR vaccination and a potential link between vaccination and autism.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dame Bridget Ogilvie, an internationally recognised immunologist and parasitologist, Honorary Lifetime Member of the BSI and influential champion of biomedical research. Dame Bridget's scientific career was shaped by a question she first encountered growing up on her family's sheep farm in rural Australia: why do parasitic infections provoke such a powerful immune response without leading to lasting immunity?

Government changes to science and research: what BSI members need to know The government has announced significant changes to the organisation of science, research, and technology across Whitehall. These changes are significant to BSI members because decisions about departmental responsibilities, research funding, and long-term Research and Development (R&D) strategy are likely to shape the environment in which immunology research takes place.

We're delighted to announce that Professor Adrian Hayday will join us as the keynote speaker at BSI Congress 2026, taking place from 30 November to 3 December at SEC Glasgow.

A vital part of our mission is supporting immunologists to engage with the public, inspire future scientists and strengthen understanding of immunology. The British Society for Immunology is proud to announce the members who successfully obtained funding in the latest round of the BSI Communication and Engagement Grant scheme. We are delighted to support these innovative public engagement projects and the researchers leading them.

Another metrics season is upon us, and the British Society for Immunology is thrilled to announce our new metric results for our three journals. Discovery Immunology 2025 Metrics Our newest journal, Discovery Immunology, has seen some great successes this year. One highlight has been the expansion of our scope to further embrace veterinary research, complemented by our ongoing special collection ‘’, led by Dr Jayne Hope.

Patient and public voices are increasingly shaping the future of immunology, from vaccine confidence to research design and lived experience of illness and infection. In this series, we speak to three members of the BSI Patient and Public Involvement Network to explore how their perspectives are informing research, improving communication, and highlighting gaps that science alone cannot capture. Jamie Gold has a strong interest in vaccine communication and youth engagement.

2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the British Society for Immunology. In 1956, a small, visionary group of immunologists – John Humphrey, Bob White, Robin Coombs and Av Mitchison – founded the Society with the goal of bringing immunologists together to share knowledge and best practices. What began as a modest gathering of like-minded scientists has grown into a vibrant, global community at the forefront of immunological research and innovation.

The Ulster Immunology Group recently marked the BSI’s 70th anniversary with a special event – ‘70 Years of immunology: innovations, discovery and future directions’, held in the Great Hall at Queen's University Belfast on 27 April 2026. The event brought together over 80 clinical, research and teaching colleagues from across Northern Ireland and Ireland to celebrate the history of immunology in the region while showcasing the exciting discoveries and collaborations shaping its future.

Jenner's 'Temple of Vaccinia'. Edward Jenner performed the first ever vaccination at his home in Berkeley, Gloucestershire in 1796. This is now the Jenner Museum, education and conference centre run by the Jenner Trust, an independent charity. The Trust is undertaking a major restoration programme and preparing to host the 50-year celebration of the eradication of smallpox on 8 May 2030. The Jenner Trust has worked closely with the BSI for many years.