News

EFIS is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Day of Immunology European Awards, recognising outstanding efforts by immunological societies across Europe to promote immunology and engage the public through Day of Immunology activities. The 2026 submissions showcased a remarkable diversity of approaches, including museum-based educational experiences, nationwide school outreach programs, science-art collaborations, and innovative digital communication formats.

This year attracted a high number of submissions, reflecting the growing enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment of immunological societies to public engagement and science communication. The exceptionally high quality of submissions resulted in a tie for second place, highlighting the challenge faced by the evaluation committee in distinguishing between several outstanding campaigns. 

In recognition of the particularly high standard of applications received this year, EFIS also introduced Honourable Mentions to acknowledge additional projects that demonstrated exceptional merit and impact. The winning campaigns were selected for their originality, creativity, impact, and broad public and community outreach.

First Place

Spanish Society for Immunology with Catalan Society for Immunology

The first-place campaign titled "Immune Mission" engaged families and young children through activities hosted at a local science museum. Using a game-based approach, participants were invited to discover how the immune system works in an interactive and accessible way, creating a memorable learning experience for audiences of all ages. View/download their report.

Joint Second Place

Young Portuguese Society for Immunology with Portuguese Society for Immunology

This campaign combined scientific lectures with educational school outreach activities across the country, inspiring the next generation of scientists while promoting immunology literacy among students. View/download their report.

Next Generation Immunologists of Austria with Austrian Society of Immunology and Allergology

Through a creative combination of science and art, including exhibitions, lectures, and interviews focused on regulatory T cells, this initiative sustained public engagement before and after Day of Immunology, demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary science communication. View/download their report.

Third Place

Italian Society of Immunology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology

The third-place campaign centred around an innovative educational Reel presented in the familiar format of a WhatsApp conversation. Through a dynamic and familiar digital dialogue, the video explained the role of regulatory T cells and their importance. By combining scientific accuracy with an engaging digital format, the campaign successfully bridged the gap between academic science communication and contemporary online culture. View/download their report.

Honourable Mentions

Young Scandinavian Society for Immunology with Scandinavian Society for Immunology

This campaign combined a ten-day online awareness initiative with a carnival-style public celebration of the diversity of the immune system. A LinkedIn countdown series featuring custom-designed "immune cards" introduced different immune cells in a memorable and accessible way, while the on-site event fostered learning through play, conversation, and community engagement. View/download their report.

Estonian Society for Immunology & Allergology

Focused on high school students, this initiative combined introductory lectures with hands-on laboratory activities; transforming immunology from an abstract concept into a practical and exciting experience that sparked curiosity and enthusiasm for next generation. View/download their report.

EFIS warmly congratulates all award recipients and extends its sincere thanks to every participating society. The creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm demonstrated through this year's initiatives have made an important contribution to raising awareness of immunology and strengthening public engagement across Europe.