The first Day of Immunology (DoI) was held April 29, 2005 in more than 30 European states. It was brought to life by the European Federation of Immunological Societies, who noticed that although the public are very interested in health, people without a scientific background often miss the relevance of immunological research and findings. Australia was invited to join the DoI in 2007. We are very keen to share current clinical and experimental immunological knowledge with our fellow Australians on the DoI.

Our aim: To create a bridge between immunologist's growing understanding of the immune system and the public, in order to improve health and well-being.

Activities: We will take the general public inside the wonderful world of the immune system and reveal the intricacies of a system that has evolved over millions of years to defend the human body against harmful organisms. There will be displays, public lectures and one-on-one with the scientists. Swine flu, AIDS, vaccination, autoimmunity and cancer are issues that will be covered.

To list an activity here, or to find out more about it, please contact the Day of Immunology coordinator, Dr Delia Nelson, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, WA 6102, E-mail: Delia.Nelson@curtin.edu.au

For further information on what immunologists do, and to take our immunology quiz, click here.

Activities for 2011

Melbourne, Friday 29th April, 2011:

Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC; located at The University High School) and the University of Melbourne

There will be 3 key events: Immunology competitions for primary school students A full day Immunology program for 90 VCE Biology students at GTAC A free evening lecture for the general public at The University of Melbourne featuring addresses by three leading Melbourne research scientists: - Professor Elizabeth Hartland - Bacterial diarrhoea: infection by stealth - Professor Brendan Crabb - Fighting malaria and the evolution of humans - Professor Anne Kelso - The continuing challenge of influenza Click here for a flyer and here to learn about the Primary School student Immunology competition.

Perth, Friday 29th April, 2011:

Scitech City West, Sutherland St, West Perth, commencing at 6pm

Bugs, Immunity and You 6.00 pm - How the immune system works 6:30 pm - Encounters of a viral kind 6:50 pm – Visit our immunology stalls whilst having a bite to eat 7.20 pm – Vaccination and allergies-the good and the bad 8.00 pm – Finish and meet the speakers Click here for a flyer.

Brisbane, Wednesday 27th April, 2011:

Russell Strong Auditorium, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, commencing at 4pm

Everything you always wanted to know aabout immunology but were afraid to ask 4.00 pm - Hands-on science 5.00 pm - Why vaccinate? 5.40 pm – 'It started with a kiss: I never thought it would end like this' - Q&A-ask anything about EBV and mononucleosis 6.10 pm – Diabetes Q&A - ask anything about diabetes 6.40 pm – A joint strategy for arthritis. Q&A - ask anything about rheumatoid arthritis Click here for a flyer.

Dunedin, NZ, Thursday 28th April, 2011:

Hutton Lecture Theatre, Otago Museum, Cumberland St, Dunedin

Vaccination: Not Just a Shot in the Dark 4.30 pm - Refreshments 5:00 pm - Public Lecture, presented by Dr Nikki Turner, Director of tthe Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) and Senior Lecturer in the Division of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland Click here for a flyer.

Townsville, QLD, Friday 29th April, 2011:

School of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences Courtyard James Cook University

The Pioneers of Immunology 7.00-9.00 am - BBQ breakfast 1:00 pm - Public Lecture, The Pioneers of Immunology - a series of short talks highlighting the significant contribution of preeminent immunologists, Mechnikov, Medawar and Burnet. Click here for a flyer.