The Amsterdam Institute for Immunology & Infectious Diseases (AI&I) has recently embarked on significant changes in its leadership, organizational structure, and strategic partnerships to amplify research focus and propel innovation in the realms of immunology and infectious diseases. Furthermore, in March 2024, AI&I underwent an external evaluation. Where do we stand now?
External site visit: reflecting on the past
In early March 2024, a committee comprising esteemed national and international scientists conducted a comprehensive site visit at AI&I. They engaged in discussions with the directors, former board members, committee members, post-docs, PhD students, and technicians. While the official written report is pending, the initial verbal feedback and recommendations were overwhelmingly positive. The committee endorsed our vision for the future, including our new leadership structure, the establishment of two distinct programs, as well as our updated mission and vision. Additionally, they provided valuable recommendations, which we are eager to incorporate into our strategic plans.
New organizational structure: embracing the present
AI&I has undergone a reorganization, now comprising two complementary programs: Immunology and Infectious Diseases. This restructuring aims to sharpen research focus, foster a sense of community, stimulate synergy within our scientific ecosystem, and bolster collaborations with strategic partners. Our strategic partners now include AIGHD (Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development), SHM (Stichting HIV Monitoring), GGD Amsterdam (the Public Health Service of Amsterdam), READE (a center of expertise for rehabilitation and rheumatology), and Sanquin (the national non-profit blood bank). Furthermore, each program has been delineated into four overarching themes and seven specific topics.
New organizational structure AI&I
Immunology program: envisioning the future
New structure Immunology program
Infectious Diseases program: forging ahead
The Infectious Diseases program is built on four overarching themes and seven specific topics. These themes, encompassing Host-Microbe Interaction, Public & Global Health, Diagnostics & Therapeutics, and Vaccines & Other Preventive Strategies, seamlessly intertwine with our distinct topics, ranging from Sepsis & Complex Bacterial Infections to Post-Acute Infection Syndromes.
New structure Infectious Diseases program
New leadership: paving the way forward
As of January 1, 2024, Prof. Dr. Joppe Hovius and Prof. Dr. Reina Mebius assume the roles of directors at AI&I, with a vision to transform the institute into a vibrant scientific hub and propel our mission to decipher the complexities of the immune system and combat infectious diseases. In February 2024, new board members representing the Immunology and Infectious Diseases programs were appointed. Prof. Dr. Marjolein van Egmond, Prof. Dr. Derk Amsen, Dr. Jan van der Bossche, and Prof. Dr. Conny van der Laken represent the Immunology program, while Prof. Dr. Joost Wiersinga, Prof. Dr. Nina van Sorge, Dr. Marit van Gils, and Prof. Dr. Constance Schultsz represent the Infectious Diseases program on the board. Currently, we are finalizing the appointments of theme and topic leaders, following which the new committees, forming the organizational core of our institute, will be established. Collaborating with our strategic partners, AI&I is poised to deepen our understanding of the immune system, combat infectious diseases, and enhance human well-being. Over the coming months, Prof. Dr. Hovius, Prof. Dr. Mebius, and the new Board will implement these changes, aiming to introduce the new theme and topic leaders and committees at the annual meeting on July 4th, 2024.
Abbreviation
While setting the new course, it was decided to abbreviate the Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases as AI&I (instead of AII) from now on in order to improve readability.