CARINA Network

Our aims

1. Build a collaborative network with researchers and experts from many different sectors

2. Map the key research questions in immune ageing

3. Investigate how to address them through an interdisciplinary approach

Who’s involved?  

The CARINA Network’s membership includes over 90 researchers from different areas of expertise. Together, these researchers are sharing their knowledge, skills and experience to create a holistic and collaborative approach to researching the immune system as it ages. 

To join the CARINA Network, get in touch here.

The Management Group of the CARINA Network, led by Professor Arne Akbar, directs the network by identifying new research strategies and ensuring that the Network is facilitating a novel approach to ageing research through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The CARINA Network is supported by an independent Scientific Advisory Board, with representatives from academia, clinicians, and public and patient groups. The Scientific Advisory Board guides the network and ensures that its activity is as inclusive and interdisciplinary as possible. 

The British Society for Immunology has a leading role in supporting the network through provision of project management, events support, communications expertise and patient and public involvement (PPI).

Ageing and immunity  

Most parts of the immune system change as we get older. Different cells and organs respond to different threats, and the efficacy of these responses varies according to the age of the individual. Studies suggest that immunity declines with age, making it harder to mount an effective immune response to infection. Older people are more likely to experience severe outcomes upon infection with pathogens that have not been encountered previously, which has become increasingly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With an increasingly ageing population, further understanding of the changes to the immune system throughout life could help to identify new routes to support ageing populations to experience healthier lives for longer. The CARINA Network seeks to achieve this by bringing together researchers and experts specialising in a wide range of areas related to ageing and working in variety of sectors including medical, immunology, nutrition, industry and charity.

Support for Early Career Researchers

The immunology of ageing is a growing and dynamic discipline. As such, those working in the field require a huge range of skills and knowledge to effectively adapt to the ever-changing landscape. We recently opened a grant scheme to provide flexible financial support to members of the CARINA Network at the early stage of their career with a focus on ageing. 

We are pleased to announce the following awardees of this scheme:

• Charandeep Kaur, University of Oxford
• Barbara Kronsteiner-Dobramysl, University of Oxford
• Jonathan Lewis, University of Birmingham
• Alexandra Sanchez, University of Surrey