From 1–4 December 2025, the immunology community will gather at the ACC Liverpool for the British Society for Immunology's (BSI) flagship event. With more than 1,500 delegates expected from across the UK and around the globe, BSI Congress 2025 promises four days of world-class science, new collaborations, and memorable conversations.
The programme is designed to showcase the breadth of modern immunology, from fundamental discoveries to translational breakthroughs. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store.
Keynote spotlight: Professor Yasmine Belkaid
Opening the congress is Professor Yasmine Belkaid, President of the Institut Pasteur, Paris. Renowned for her pioneering work on the microbiota, immunity, and host–pathogen interactions, Professor Belkaid’s lecture will set the tone for the meeting: ambitious, collaborative, and globally relevant.
Her career has spanned leading institutions in Europe and the United States, including senior roles at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), where she established landmark programs on immunity and the microbiome. A recipient of numerous international awards and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Prof. Belkaid brings a truly global perspective to tackling today’s health challenges.
Plenary sessions
The six plenary sessions provide unmissable opportunities to hear directly from leading voices driving the immunology field forward. Each explores pressing questions in immunology today:
- Challenging human infections, vaccines and allergens – harnessing genetics and human challenge studies to better understand protective immunity
- Is a cure possible in autoimmunity? – exploring cutting-edge biological and cell-based therapies aiming for drug-free remission
- What is hot in cancer immunology – insights into tumour immunity, treatment resistance, and clinical advances in immunotherapy
- Immunology in the balance – investigating how innate and adaptive responses are kept in check to prevent disease
- Innervating immunity – advances at the neuro-immune interface, revealing how the nervous and immune systems intersect
- Barrier bugs and breakdowns – highlighting how skin, gut, and lung defences maintain health, resolve inflammation, and control microbiota
Together, these plenaries set a broad agenda – from how immunity works to the prospects for transformative therapies.
Parallel sessions
Throughout Congress, parallel sessions give delegates the chance to follow their own interests, whether in infection, autoimmunity, cancer, neuroimmunology, or systems biology. These focused discussions allow for detailed exploration while encouraging dialogue between researchers across sub-fields.
You can view all the parallel sessions on the programme section of the BSI Congress 2025 website.
Bright Sparks: the next generation
On Monday afternoon, the ever-popular Bright Sparks in Immunology returns. This showcase of PhD students and early-career researchers is both a competition and a celebration of new talent. Delegates can expect exciting science presented in a friendly, supportive environment, and a first look at the ideas driving immunology’s future.
Joint sessions with the BSI-CIPN Conference 2025
Highlighting the value of collaboration between science and clinical practice, this year’s programme includes a few joint sessions with the Clinical Immunology Professional Network (CIPN). By uniting researchers and clinicians, this session bridges lab and clinic, translating discoveries into improved patient care.
Beyond the science
The BSI Congress is also about connection. Networking opportunities range from poster sessions and exhibitor demos to informal gatherings. A perennial favourite is the Congress party on Wednesday evening, where we'll enjoy live music – an essential chance to relax and celebrate with colleagues.
Comments from last BSI Congress – don’t miss out this year!
“The band was excellent.”
“Loved the live band!”
“Brilliant night”
Accessibility and inclusivity are central to the event. Support includes the BSI Congress Travel Grant, BSI Congress Carers’ Grant, on-site childcare, and prayer and quiet rooms, ensuring more members of the community can take part.
And in keeping with BSI’s sustainability goals, delegates are encouraged to travel by train, with discounted fares available! Find out more.
Why attend?
For students, it’s a chance to gain exposure and build networks. For academics, an opportunity to share findings and forge collaborations. For clinicians, insight into the discoveries shaping tomorrow’s treatments. And for all, it’s the best place in the UK to experience the full sweep of contemporary immunology.
