
A cutting-edge and interdisciplinary hub for faculty, researchers, clinicians, health policy experts, and educators who seek to advance the study of immunology and improve human health
The UAB Heersink School of Medicine Immunology Institute serves as a central focal point for coordinating immunologic research, which by its very nature is spread across disciplines including microbiology, infectious disease, cell biology, transplantation, pediatric and adult medicine, rheumatology, oncology, pathology, and many others. Major goals of the Immunology Institute are to foster cross-disciplinary science and to facilitate collaborations between the clinicians who bring immune-modifying therapies to their patients and the basic researchers who elucidate the fundamental principles of the immune system and use this knowledge to drive discovery of better therapies to treat and prevent disease. The Immunology Institute is also committed to becoming a nexus for those interested in educating our campus, our community and our state on the critical role that the immune system plays in promoting health and well-being.
Integrating immunologic methods and fundamental immunologic research into clinical disciplines
Immunology at UAB spans the range from fundamental basic and discovery research to clinical trials that use the latest immune-targeting drugs and vaccines. Immunology-focused UAB researchers and clinicians are learning to channel the power of the immune system to treat and prevent infectious disease, transplant organ rejection, autoimmunity, allergy, cancer, and numerous inflammatory-based conditions including neurologic, renal, and cardiac diseases.
Developing robust technical and physical infrastructure
Access to cutting-edge technologies, facilities and informatics resources will further propel immunologic research at UAB, which will ultimately lead to a fundamental appreciation for how the immune system protects us from disease and may be harnessed to improve the lives of individuals in our community and our state.
Providing comprehensive immunologic education
Immunology education at UAB extends across the undergraduate, graduate and professional schools and is designed to ensure that the next generation of researchers, clinicians, educators and healthy policy professionals understand the importance of the immune system in protection from a myriad of diseases. The Immunology Institute supports vibrant programs that support the education of our trainees and those in our community who want to learn more about how their own immune system promotes their health and well-being.