Etty (Tika) Benveniste, Ph.D.Etty (Tika) Benveniste, Ph.D., senior vice dean at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, has been selected as a 2026 Distinguished Fellow of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI), one of the organization’s highest career honors. The title recognizes long-standing AAI members who have demonstrated exceptional scientific achievement, leadership, and service within the immunology community.
Benveniste, an internationally recognized leader in neuroimmunology, has built a career defined by influential discoveries in immune–central nervous system communication, groundbreaking studies on cytokine and chemokine signaling, and decades of sustained research excellence. Her laboratory’s work has contributed to major breakthroughs in the understanding of autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, and has been supported by continuous federal and foundation funding.
The Distinguished Fellows of AAI program honors active members with 25 or more years of service who have demonstrated excellence in immunological research, provided exceptional leadership in academic and scientific communities, or achieved notable distinction as educators. To make their selection, the AAI Council identifies the most accomplished members meeting the organization’s rigorous engagement and service criteria.
Throughout her career, Benveniste has held numerous leadership roles at UAB, including founding chair of the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, senior associate dean for Research, and advisor on major strategic research initiatives. Her commitment to mentorship, scientific service, and interdisciplinary collaboration has shaped generations of trainees and strengthened national and international immunology networks.
Benveniste and the 2026 class of Distinguished Fellows will be recognized during IMMUNOLOGY2026™, the annual meeting of the American Association of Immunologists. The event will take place April 15-19.