World Day of Immunology

Friday 29th April 2011 is the World Day of Immunology
28 April 2011

Since 2005, the 29th of April has marked Day of Immunology in many countries across the globe. Established by the European Federation of Immunological Societies, its primary goal is to strengthen public awareness of the importance of the immune system to each person’s health and wellbeing.

Here in New Zealand researchers at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, New Zealand’s premier immunology research centre, are always keen to promote the day and the key messages that are so relevant to the work that they undertake.

Many diseases such as asthma, arthritis and multiple sclerosis result from an inappropriately operating immune system. Scientists at the Malaghan Institute believe that understanding immunology is therefore key to developing treatments to help manage and reduce the debilitating effects these diseases bring.

This year the Malaghan Institute has teamed up with Victoria University of Wellington and the Australasian Society for Immunology to present a series of short talks on the 29th April, discussing how microbes can be used to regulate immune responses that affect diseases including cancer, asthma, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

“While some microbes cause illness in humans,” says Dr Joanna Kirman, Infectious Diseases Group Leader at the Malaghan Institute and one of the speakers at the event, “others can help promote a healthy life and we can use them to fight disease. The balance between microbes and humans is delicate and complex.”

It’s a challenge to promote the event this year with the date coinciding with the Royal Wedding in London and its unprecedented media coverage. However, the Institute is thrilled that the public seminar is booked to capacity well in advance.

Places are still available for the more light-hearted free quiz evening “Plagues and Pestilence” taking place from 6pm on Thursday 05 May at Victoria University’s Kelburn campus.

“We delayed the date of the quiz,” explains Dr Kirman, “so that students will be back from their mid-semester break. We have put together some humorous questions with more serious underlying messages regarding immunology and our research.”

No scientific knowledge is necessary and teams are encouraged to get together and come along. Refreshments will be provided so reservations are necessary. For more information and to book, the web address is: www.malaghan.org.nz/newsevents/doi2011quiz/

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