The Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity (AII) is proud to announce significant changes in its leadership, organizational structure and strategic partnerships to enhance research focus and to advance research and innovation in the field of immunology, as well as infectious diseases.
New director
As of January first 2024 AII is pleased to introduce its new Director, Prof. dr. Joppe Hovius. He is replacing Prof. dr. Theo Geijtenbeek and a well-known leader in the field of infectious diseases. Dr. Hovius brings a wealth of experience and a vision towards being an inspiring and dynamic scientific hub and advancing the institute's mission to unravel both the complexities of the immune system, and to combat infectious diseases.
Restructuring for research excellence
AII will be restructured into two complementary programs, Immunology and Infectious diseases, to enhance its research focus, create a sense of belonging, foster synergy within its scientific community and leverage collaborations with strategic partners.
The immune system is crucial in human health and disease. A better understanding of the underlying processes is of paramount importance. Therefore, the Immunology program delves deep into the intricacies of the immune system and connects (pre)clinical researchers and clinicians from Amsterdam UMC, READE and Sanquin. Its aim is to understand the immune system's workings and leverage this knowledge to combat immune-mediated disorders, from cancer and allergies to autoimmune diseases. The program will be organized around four main themes and seven topics.
With the worldwide burden of infectious diseases in mind, the Infectious Diseases program aims to significantly reduce the impact of infectious diseases on individual and population health, both locally and globally. It encompasses four overarching themes and seven specific topics, strongly intertwined with Amsterdam UMC patient care and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research. Moreover, to maximize impact, the Infectious Diseases program has extended its strategic network, which includes Sanquin, the Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), the Dutch HIV monitoring foundation (SHM) and the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam).
Institute’s name change reflects new mission
Anticipating the restructuring of AII, per January 1st 2024, also the name of the Institute will be changed from the Amsterdam institute for Infection & Immunity to the Amsterdam institute for Immunology & Infectious Diseases. This name change reflects its expanded mission, covering the study of the immune system, as well as the fight against infectious diseases and AII's ongoing commitment to pursue scientific excellence.
Looking ahead
In the coming months, the two directors, Prof. dr. Hovius and Prof. dr. Mebius, and the Board, will work closely together with the immunology and infectious diseases communities to implement these changes and new structure. AII aims to unveil the transformed programs and to introduce the new theme and topic leaders at its next annual meeting later in 2024.
These changes mark an exciting chapter in AII's journey, creating a stimulating environment for its members and positioning it as a globally recognized hub of pioneering research, innovation, and scientific collaboration. Together with its strategic partners AII looks forward to continued success in advancing the understanding of the immune system, combating infectious diseases, and enhancing human well-being.