Diversity in immunology

Immune system diversity is intrinsic to providing adequate immunity in different environments. This diversity arises through multiple factors at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels, as well as through evolutionary and environmental influences. From the vast array of immune responses and cell types that shape health and disease, to the diverse perspectives brought by the researchers studying them, this year's "Diversity in immunology" conference aims to celebrate both.

The BSI London Immunology Group (LIG) invites you to a one-day event at the Holiday Inn – Brentford Lock, where we will showcase cutting-edge research exploring the multifaceted nature of the immune system. Through a combination of invited talks, short presentations, and poster sessions, the meeting will highlight diversity in immune regulation, disease responses, and novel therapeutic approaches, while fostering a platform to discuss equity and inclusion in immunological research. Delegates are invited to submit abstracts for posters and invited talks, making this a great opportunity for early career researchers to present and discuss their work.

We believe that diversity in science - whether in ideas, immune mechanisms, or the individuals driving innovation - is essential for advancing knowledge and improving outcomes in immunology. Join us for this exciting opportunity to connect, share, and celebrate. Stay tuned for updates by following the BSI (@bsicongress,  ‪@britsocimm.bsky.social‬) and the BSI London Immunology Group (@London_immuno, @london-immuno.bsky.social‬) and using the event hashtag #LIG2025.

Abstract submission

Abstract submissions are now closed.

Programme

08:30 | Registration and refreshments

09:00 | Welcome    

Session 1   

09:10 | Invited speaker: Professor Tao Dong (University of Oxford, UK)
Uncovering the role of integrins in TCR signaling and antigen-specific T cell cytotoxicity

09:40 | Selected short talk: Dr Shoba Amarnath (Newcastle University, UK)
PD1 receptor deficiency enhances CD30+ T regulatory cell function in Melanoma 

09:55 | Selected short talk: Dr Nicolas Veland (Francis Crick Institute, UK)
T Cell Receptor γδ is a Critical, Real-time Determinant of Unique, Innate-like Tissue Immune Surveillance

10:10 | Sponsor short talk: Hasi Patel, MSC. Snr Single Cell Solutions Architect, (BD Biosciences)
Decoding cellular heterogeneity with multiple 'OMES' the SMART way

10:25 | Invited speaker: Professor Adrian Liston (University of Cambridge, UK)
Regulatory T cells across the tissues

10:55 | Refreshments and networking

Session 2

11:25 | Invited speaker: Professor Claudia Mauri (University College London, UK)
Regulatory B cells in cancer 

11:55 | Selected short talk: Dr Faruk Ramadani (University College London AND King's College London, UK)
The role of IgE BCR in human IgE+ plasma cell survival

12:10 | Selected short talk: Ms Shubha Talwar (Imperial College London, UK)
Investigating the role of autoantibodies in long lasting respiratory symptoms post COVID-19

12:25 | Invited speaker: Professor Deborah Dunn-Walters (University of Surrey, UK)
Human B cell development and class switching

12:55 | Diversity in research speaker: Dr Claire Malone
Slowing down to speed up: rethinking progress in STEM

13:10 | Lunch break, poster viewing and meet the exhibitors

Session 3

14:30 | Invited speaker: Professor Jan Böttcher (University of Tübingen, Germany)
Decoding tissue-specific mechanisms of immune regulation in tumors

15:00 | Selected short talk: Dr Samantha George (Institute of Cancer Research, UK)
Macrophages and amoeboid cancer cells: a dangerous liaison

15:15 | Selected short talk: Dr Emma Chambers (Queen Mary University of London, UK)
Age-associated inflammatory monocytes are increased in menopausal females and reversed by Hormone Replacement Therapy

15:30 | Selected short talk: Ms Heather Cross (University College London, UK)
Sex-specific mechanisms associated with female childhood-onset lupus revealed by transcriptomic analysis of transgender adolescents undergoing gender-affirming sex hormone therapy

15:45 | Keynote: Professor Elina Zuniga (UC San Diego, USA)
Multi-system response to a viral infection

16:30 | Closing remarks and prizes

16:40 | Networking reception

18:00 | Meeting close

Registration

Registration is now closed.

If one of the following categories apply to you, please contact meetings@immunology.org for a discount code prior to registering. For BSI members in the Early Career/Clinician in training, Postgraduate or Senior categories, your discount will be applied automatically if you are logged in to your account. 

• Member - Discounted membership/rate
• Non-member - Postgraduate
• Non-member - Discounted

Early Bird

The deadline for Early Bird registration is 23:59 on Wednesday 25 June.

Late registration (from Thursday 26 June)

Registration fees include VAT

*If this fee applies to you, please contact meetings@immunology.org for a discount code prior to registering.

BSI grants to support your attendance at this event

As part of our career development package, we have two grants available to BSI members to support your attendance at this event. 

• BSI Regional & Affinity Group Conference Grants: BSI members can apply for up to £100 to contribute towards their travel costs in attending this conference. In this scheme, we have 10 grants available for this conference and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to eligible BSI members. Deadline: Friday 20 June. Find out more and apply.
• BSI Regional & Affinity Group Carers' Grants: BSI members can apply for up to £100 to contribute towards extra care arrangements costs they incur during the conference, for example, childcare costs, or for additional care for the applicant themselves. Deadline: Friday 20 June. Find out more and apply.

Sponsorship

Thank you to our sponsors who are supporting this event. 

Principal sponsor:

Sponsors:

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact our Events & Corporate Engagement Manager, Becky Dempsey, at b.dempsey@immunology.org