From April 15–19, 2026, the global immunology community met in Boston, MA for IMMUNOLOGY2026™, the 109th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI). Thousands of attendees, including researchers, clinicians, and trainees, gathered to share discoveries that are shaping the future of immunology. Here are our top 10 highlights from the meeting.
1. President’s Address: Immunology in Space and Time
AAI President Ulrich H. von Andrian opened the meeting with his president’s address, highlighting his impactful career studying how blood-borne leukocytes know where to go and what do they do when they get there. Dr. von Andrian also spoke about an issue that has been on his mind for some time—the ever-expanding expectations for data to publish. Von Andrian finished by announcing his intention to convene a task force to examine the impact of increasing data requirements to publish in immunology on the field and early-career immunologists.
2. Distinguished Lectures and Deeper Dives
Three evening Distinguished Lectures drew packed halls, with presentations on T and B cell insights from novel vaccine efforts by Dr. Shane Crotty, insights into B cell memory by Dr. Frances E. Lund, and the amazing adventures of IL-9 by Dr. Mark H. Kaplan. Each morning, the president’s address or distinguished lecture was followed by a Deeper Dive with the speaker, allowing attendees an intimate, small group setting to ask questions ranging from research to career advice.
3. President’s Symposium on Immune Cell Trafficking
Titled “Going Places: The Multi‑Step Adhesion Cascade—35 Years and Counting,” the President’s Symposium brought together leading scientists Dr. Eugene C. Butcher, Dr. Timothy A. Springer, Dr. Federica Sallusto, and Dr. Paul Kubes to reflect on decades of progress in leukocyte homing and future therapeutic applications.
4. Careers in Science Keynote Lecture from Dr. Akiko Iwasaki
In the Careers in Science Keynote Lecture, sponsored by the AAI Committee on the Status of Women, former AAI President, Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, DFAAI, shared her personal journey in science over the years. A Sterling Professor of Immunobiology at Yale University and Investigator at Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Dr. Iwasaki’s talk was full of advice, personal anecdotes, and calls to action to continue improving experiences for women and minorities in science.
5. The Future of Vaccine Policy
In a session sponsored by the AAI Committee for Public Affairs, Dr. James Campbell, Dr. Daniel Jernigan, and Dr. Bruce Gellin shared the history of vaccine policy and recommendations in the U.S. and how organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and Vaccine Integrity Project are working to address current needs for evidence-based policy.
6. Major Symposium Celebrates 20 Years of Th17 cells
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, attendees gathered for a Major Symposium highlighting the discovery and clinical impact of Th17 cells. With talks discussing the role of Th17 cells across health, including autoimmunity, allergy, and infection, the symposium celebrated the impact of this work and its future applications.
7. The Importance of Science Communications
IMMUNOLOGY2026™ offered an expanded program for attendees to enhance their skills in science communications. Two standing-room only sessions in the AAI Booth Theater covered how to talk to legislators and creating a culture where trainees pursue science communications. During a highly engaged panel session, Dr. Jess Steir, Dr. Elisabeth Marnik, and Dr. Yasmin Mohseni answered attendee questions on how to help the public understand, trust, and engage with science.
8. Findings in 5
IMMUNOLOGY2026™ debuted short, fast‑paced “Findings in 5” sessions, allowing selected scientists to present late‑breaking results in concise, five‑minute talks at the AAI Booth Theater. The highly successful format provided more options for attendees to present their work and engage with colleagues.
9. NextGen Immunologists Day
A full day dedicated to undergraduate students welcomed the next generation into the immunology community through hands‑on learning, mentoring, and professional development activities. Through poster presentations, networking, and career sessions, students gained the confidence, clarity, and community to support their future in science.
10. IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Gala
The final night of the meeting featured the IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Gala at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, sponsored by BioLegend From Revvity. A night with panoramic harbor views, time to relax with colleagues, live band and dancing, and an AI photobooth, the Gala was full of connection for the immunology community.
IMMUNOLOGY2027™ in Los Angeles, CA
We enjoyed seeing everyone in Boston and are already looking forward to IMMUNOLOGY2027™ April 30–May 4, 2027, in sunny Los Angeles, CA. Mark these important dates on your calendar:
- Abstracts Submission: October 6–November 17, 2026
- Late-Breaking Abstracts: January 13–27, 2027
- Early Registration: January 5–March 30, 2027
- Regular Registration: March 31–April 29, 2027
Photos by Abby Greenawalt
