Messages to Membership
Gwen Fortune-Blakely Named AAI Chief Membership and Engagement Officer
AAI is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwen Fortune-Blakely, M.B.A, CAE, as its new chief membership and engagement officer. In this pivotal role, she will lead the charge in enhancing AAI's marketing, communications, and membership strategies. Her impressive career includes roles in leading enterprise, brand, and marketing strategies at Marriott, Coca-Cola Company, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Fortune-Blakely begins her tenure on November 13.
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2023 National Medal of Technology and Innovation Awarded to Immunologist Steven Rosenberg
On October 25, President Biden bestowed the highest U.S. honor for technological achievement on a pioneer of immunotherapy: esteemed immunologist Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Rosenberg, was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
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2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded to Immunologist
The Nobel Assembly in Solna, Sweden, announced on October 2, 2023, that the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to the University of Pennsylvania research team of Dr. Drew Weissman and Dr. Katalin Karikó, whose years of scientific partnership led to an understanding of how to modify mRNA to make it an effective therapeutic—and to rapidly develop lifesaving vaccines amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. Weissman is the latest in a long history of no fewer than 28 immunologists who have been awarded a Nobel Prize since 1901.
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Register now for Upcoming AAI Webinar on ARPA-H!
On November 9, from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST, AAI is hosting a webinar to help educate the immunology community about funding opportunities from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The event will be chaired by AAI Committee on Public Affairs (CPA) Chair Gretchen Diehl, Ph.D., and moderated by AAI CPA member Cherié Butts, Ph.D. AAI is delighted to welcome two special guest speakers:
Susan Monarez, Ph.D., Deputy Director, ARPA-H
Paul de Figueiredo, Ph.D., NextGen Precision Health Endowed Professor, University of Missouri
The formal presentations will be followed by a Q&A session. More details about the event are available here.
Lauren G. Gross Named AAI Chief Program and Policy Officer
AAI is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren G. Gross, J.D., as its new chief program and policy officer. With her deep knowledge of AAI and extensive experience in science policy and federal advocacy, Gross is exceptionally well qualified to lead and strengthen AAI’s excellent programs, including its educational offerings, scientific journals, policy efforts, and legislative activities.
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Akiko Iwasaki Is 2023–2024 AAI President
AAI is pleased to announce Akiko Iwasaki, Ph.D. (AAI '00), as its 2023–2024 president following her election to the office this past spring. Dr. Iwasaki, a distinguished immunologist and esteemed member of the AAI Council, will assume her role as president on July 1, 2023.
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Susan W. Medick Named AAI Chief Finance and Operations Officer
AAI is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan W. Medick, CPA, CAE, as its new chief finance and operations officer. With her extensive experience in strategic finance and operations management, Medick is well qualified to drive and strengthen AAI's mission, brand, and revenue impact. Medick will begin her tenure on July 1.
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AAI Appoints Gail A. Bishop as Incoming Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Immunology
The AAI Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Gail A. Bishop, Ph.D., DFAAI (AAI ’84), as the incoming editor-in-chief of The Journal of Immunology (The JI). Dr. Bishop’s five-year term will commence on January 1, 2024, and end December 31, 2028.
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The American Association of Immunologists (AAI), Inc., has been recognized by ASAE with the 2023 Gold Circle Award in Media/Public Relations.
The Gold Circle Awards competition is the premier association marketing, membership, and communications award that recognizes excellence, innovation, and achievement in association/nonprofit marketing, membership, and communications programs. This year’s competition received more than 150 applications across 16 categories.
AAI received the award in media/public relations for its 2022 National Immunization Awareness Month Campaign, which reached more than 36 million consumers through media tours, social media campaigns, and social media influencers to encourage the public to get back on track with regular immunizations, especially childhood immunizations.
Read the announcement
AAI Issues Statement Decrying Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs; Moves IMMUNOLOGY2024™ from Phoenix to Chicago
After carefully considering Arizona’s abortion law, which drastically restricts access to abortion services and related health care, and which went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, AAI has moved IMMUNOLOGY2024™ from Phoenix to Chicago. AAI is delighted to bring its annual scientific meeting back to Chicago for the first time since 1983.
In conjunction with this announcement, AAI issued a statement articulating its deep concern about the Dobbs decision’s deleterious impact.
Read the full statement
AAI Issues Statement on Whether the COVID-19 Pandemic is Over
AAI Committee on Public Affairs Chair Peter Jensen, M.D., recently issued a statement responding to questions regarding whether the COVID-19 pandemic is over. The statement highlights the extraordinary progress that has been made in combatting COVID-19, including the rapid development of safe and effective vaccines. Jensen cautions, however, that “[w]hile remarkable progress has been made, hundreds of Americans are still dying from COVID-19 each day and millions are suffering from symptoms of Long COVID,” and urges all who are eligible “to get fully vaccinated and boosted.”
Read the full statement
AAI Expresses Thanks to Dr. Fauci for More Than Five Decades of Outstanding Public Service and Scientific Leadership
AAI President Mark M. Davis, Ph.D., issued a statement on behalf of AAI in response to the news that Dr. Anthony Fauci (DFAAI, AAI ’73) will be stepping down from his federal government posts, including as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), at the end of the year. In the statement, Dr. Davis expresses gratitude to Dr. Fauci for his “invaluable role in advancing immunological discovery and its application to human health. His innumerable scientific achievements have been matched by his exceptional communication skills, which have not only strengthened NIAID and the research community it supports, but also provided the American public—and people around the globe—with clear, critically important scientific information, particularly during public health emergencies.”
AAI has worked closely with Fauci, a longtime AAI member and recipient of numerous prestigious AAI awards, for many years. According to Davis, “AAI looks forward to continuing to work with Dr. Fauci for the duration of his government tenure and to maintaining our longstanding relationship as he pursues new ways to advance biomedical research and strengthen the research enterprise.”
Read the full statement
AAI Issues Statement on President Biden’s FY 2023 Budget Request for NIH
AAI Committee on Public Affairs Chair Peter E. Jensen, M.D., recently issued a statement on President Joe Biden’s fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget request for NIH. The statement expresses appreciation for the president's longtime support for NIH, concern about this year's insufficient funding request, and support for increased NIH and pandemic funding.
The president’s request would increase the regular NIH budget by just $275 million (0.6%) in FY 2023, reducing the agency’s purchasing power after adjusting for inflation. Separately, he requests a $4 billion funding increase for the newly-created Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and proposes a comprehensive pandemic preparedness plan (to be paid for through mandatory funding that is not subject to the annual appropriations process). Dr. Jensen’s statement recommends an increase in the regular NIH budget of $4 billion for FY 2023, a ”substantial” funding increase for ARPA-H, and full funding of the president’s pandemic preparedness plan.
Read the full statement here.
Longtime AAI CEO Michele Hogan to Depart
AAI President Gary A. Koretzky, M.D., Ph.D. (AAI ‘92), announces on behalf of the AAI Council that long-time Chief Executive Officer M. Michele Hogan, Ph.D., DFAAI (AAI ‘88), has announced she will be stepping down from her position. Hogan has held the chief executive position at AAI for 26 years. Her official departure date is August 31, 2022. She will remain as Senior Advisor to the Council after this date.
“The Council recognizes the enormous contributions Michele has made to AAI in the years she has led our society,” said Koretzky. “Michele brought a unique skill set to AAI: a passion for and knowledge of immunology, an insider’s understanding of NIH and funding, and a keen business acumen. We are a completely different organization than we were when she joined. Through her leadership, we have become a financially sound society that provides outstanding services to its members.”
Read the full announcement here.
AAI Statement on Russian Invasion of Ukraine
On March 3, AAI President Gary A. Koretzky, M.D., Ph.D., issued the following statement on behalf of AAI:
“The American Association of Immunologists (AAI) is horrified by the unprovoked and brutal attack by Russia on the people of Ukraine. We condemn Russia’s invasion, which has already resulted in the needless death or injury of thousands, the destruction of many Ukrainian residential and other civilian areas, and the destabilization of life and commerce in neighboring countries. Russia’s aggression is also causing a massive humanitarian and refugee crisis, upending people’s careers and livelihoods, and undermining Ukrainian scientists’ and physicians’ efforts to conduct important research and deliver urgently needed medical care.
AAI fully endorses the Joint Statement by the National Academies of the G7 States on Russia’s Attack on Ukraine, which calls the Russian invasion ‘an assault on the fundamental principles of freedom, democracy, and self-determination, which provide the basis for academic freedom and opportunities for scientific exchange and cooperation.’ AAI stands with the Ukrainian people, our colleagues in the Ukrainian immunological community, and people worldwide who condemn Russia’s actions, and calls for an immediate halt to all hostilities.”
For information on ways to help, see "Here’s how Americans can donate to help people in Ukraine" in The Washington Post and "How You Can Help Ukraine" in The New York Times.
AAI Reaffirms Commitment to Fostering a Safe, Inclusive Environment for the Scientific Community
AAI President Gary Koretzky, M.D., Ph.D., recently issued a statement on behalf of AAI that reaffirms the organization’s commitment to “fostering an inclusive and diverse biomedical research community working in environments free of harassment, discrimination, and fear.” The statement is a reaction to increased reports of workplace harassment and threats of violence against scientific and lay colleagues.
Read the full statement here.
22 AAI Members Named AAAS Fellows
AAI congratulates the 22 members recently named 2021 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This honor recognizes those whose efforts on behalf of the advancement of science or its applications in service to society have distinguished them among their peers and colleagues.
View the AAI honorees here.
AAI Announces 2022 Career Awardees and Distinguished Fellows
AAI is pleased to announce the 2022 Career Awardees and 2022 Distinguished Fellows of AAI.
The 2022 AAI Career Awards honor individuals for outstanding research and career achievements. The recipients will be recognized with award presentations and lectures throughout IMMUNOLOGY2022™, May 6-10, in Portland, Oregon.
The 2022 Distinguished Fellows of AAI are recognized for distinguished careers and outstanding scientific contributions as well as their service to AAI and the immunology community. Election occurs annually and is among the highest honors bestowed by AAI.
AAI Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines and Booster Shots
AAI President Gary A. Koretzky, M.D., Ph.D., issued the following statement on December 2, 2021.
The American Association of Immunologists (AAI)* urges all Americans to get fully vaccinated,** and once eligible, to receive a booster shot against COVID-19. Vaccination significantly reduces your chance of being hospitalized for, or dying from, COVID-19, and will help protect the lives and health of your family, friends, and community. As immunologists and other scientists work to understand the threat of new variants, including omicron, our existing vaccines remain our best – and an extraordinarily effective – tool against a disease that has already claimed the lives of more than 780,000 Americans and more than 5.2 million people globally.
* AAI (www.aai.org) is the nation’s largest professional association of research scientists and physicians who study the immune system.
** Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers people fully vaccinated “2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.”
Statement by AAI President Gary Koretzky on Dr. Collins’ Decision to Step Down as NIH Director
AAI President Gary Koretzky, M.D., Ph.D., recently issued a statement in response to the news that Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., will step down as NIH Director at the end of the year. In the statement, Dr. Koretzky thanks Dr. Collins, on behalf of AAI, for his “12 years of exemplary leadership as NIH Director” and “wish[es] him the very best as he begins the next chapter of his career.”
Read the full statement here.
From the AAI President
On assuming the leadership of AAI, President (2021-2022) Gary A. Koretzky, M.D., Ph.D., shared his President’s Message with AAI members.
Read the full message here.
AAI Announces 2021 Election Results
AAI is pleased to announce the results of the 2021 AAI Election. Congratulations to our newest leaders on their election to the AAI Council and committees. A sincere thank you to all candidates who agreed to stand for election!
AAI also thanks all members who voted in the 2021 election for investing in the future of their profession and in the mission of AAI.
See the election results here.
Anthony S. Fauci. M.D., Honored by AAI
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., DFAAI (AAI ’73), Director, NIAID, NIH, was honored with the AAI Exceptional Leadership in Science Award on May 10. Jenny P.-Y. Ting, Ph.D., AAI president, and Jeremy M. Boss, Ph.D., AAI past president, presented the award during the opening session of Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™, which was held May 10–15. This special award recognizes Dr. Fauci’s significant leadership on behalf of science and immunology throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the full AAI award announcement here.
Former AAI President Frank W. Fitch, M.D., Ph.D., Remembered as Leading Researcher, Devoted Mentor, and Advocate for Science
AAI extends sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Frank W. Fitch, M.D., Ph.D., DFAAI (AAI ’61), who died peacefully on April 2 at the age of 91.
Dr. Fitch served as AAI President from 1992 to 1993 and was on the AAI Council from 1987 to 1994. Following this service, he was chair of the AAI Publications Committee and then served as editor-in-chief of The Journal of Immunology from 1997 to 2002. Dr. Fitch also served as the 1993–1994 president of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) and as a FASEB board member from 1991 to 1994.
Read the full remembrance here.
AAI Issues Statement on Violence and Discrimination Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
AAI President Jenny Ting, Ph.D., recently issued a statement strongly condemning the “extremely concerning trend of violent and discriminatory acts against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community that has been escalating dangerously since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic” and reaffirming “that AAI stands with all who decry racism, misogyny, and discrimination of any kind.”
View the full statement here.
AAI Congratulates President Biden and Vice President Harris, Recognizes Administration’s Commitment to Science
AAI sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris congratulating them on their inauguration and recognizing their “commitment to fact-based inquiry, diversity, and international collaboration” and their “strong belief in the promise of scientific research.” The letter, which was signed by AAI President Jenny Ting, Ph.D., AAI Chief Executive Officer Michele Hogan, Ph.D., and AAI Committee on Public Affairs Chair Ross Kedl, Ph.D., also offers the assistance of AAI to the new Administration.
View the full letter here.
AAI Issues Statement on the Violent Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol
On January 12, AAI issued a statement condemning the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and expressing concern for the safety of all who work on or visit Capitol Hill.
View the full statement here.
AAI President’s Invitation to Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™
I am delighted to invite you to attend Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™ being held May 10–15.
It has been such a long time since we’ve been able to gather and celebrate our community and achievements. The accomplishments and excitement of our field have been broadcast into every household by news outlets around the world....
Read Dr. Ting's full letter here.
AAI Issues Statement on Herd Immunity Against COVID-19
AAI President Jenny Ting, Ph.D., and AAI Committee on Public Affairs Chair Ross Kedl, Ph.D., recently issued a statement opposing an “unprecedented and dangerous strategy to achieve ‘herd immunity’ by intentionally allowing COVID-19 to infect healthy Americans.” While achieving herd immunity in the population is critically important, “vaccination is the only proven, responsible way to accomplish this goal.”
Read the full statement here.
AAI Leadership Issues Statement on the Politicization of Science
The AAI leadership issued a statement on October 14 expressing deep concern about “reports of significant and increasing political interference by the Administration in efforts by ... CDC and FDA ... to keep the public safe” during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement, signed by all members of the AAI Council and the Chair of the Committee on Public Affairs, urges the Trump Administration and Congress to follow the advice of key scientific and public health leaders throughout the pandemic and cautions against “any actions that would lead to the premature approval of any drug or vaccine candidate.”
Read the full statement here.
A Tribute to Dr. Wendy Havran
Resources for Communicating with Non-Scientists
Communicating with friends, family, or lay audiences about science is more important than ever during the pandemic. Our guide, Talking Science to Non-Scientists, has resources and tips on how to speak about your science so that anyone can understand it.
Read the Guide.
2020 AAI Election Now Open
AAI voting members in good standing are eligible to cast their ballots in the 2020 AAI Election. To do so:
- Log into the AAI Member Site
- Click the "VOTE" button displayed on "My Homepage"
Once you have completed your ballot, please review it carefully before submitting as you will be unable to resubmit it.
Voting Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 11:59 PM ET
2020 Career Award Recipients Announced
AAI is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 Career Awards, which honor individuals for outstanding research and career achievements.
Meet the 2020 awardees now.
AAI President’s Invitation to Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™
I am delighted to invite you to attend Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™ being held May 10–15.
It has been such a long time since we’ve been able to gather and celebrate our community and achievements. The accomplishments and excitement of our field have been broadcast into every household by news outlets around the world....
Read Dr. Ting's full letter here.
AAI Issues Statement on the Violent Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol
On January 12, AAI issued a statement condemning the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and expressing concern for the safety of all who work on or visit Capitol Hill.
View the full statement here.
AAI Congratulates President Biden and Vice President Harris, Recognizes Administration’s Commitment to Science
AAI sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris congratulating them on their inauguration and recognizing their “commitment to fact-based inquiry, diversity, and international collaboration” and their “strong belief in the promise of scientific research.” The letter, which was signed by AAI President Jenny Ting, Ph.D., AAI Chief Executive Officer Michele Hogan, Ph.D., and AAI Committee on Public Affairs Chair Ross Kedl, Ph.D., also offers the assistance of AAI to the new Administration.
View the full letter here.
June 5, 2020
Dear AAI Members:
Frightened. Anguished. Saddened. Horrified. Hopeful.
We could use these words to describe our mental state during the past three months as we were experiencing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, or now, after the murder of George Floyd as we witness public outrage to systemic racism.
Please read the full letter.