AAI President’s Message
Avery August, PhD, AAI ’99
Avery August, PhD, AAI ’99
Professor of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology—Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine; Deputy Provost—Cornell University
AAI President, 2026-2027
Throughout my career, I have been struck by how deeply immunology shapes our understanding of biology and our ability to improve health. From the most fundamental discoveries to transformative therapies, immunology is the foundation upon which much of modern science and medicine is built. It is an honor to serve the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) as President, and to lead this inspiring community that, in the face of drastic changes in the research ecosystem, continues to expand and build upon this foundation, creating new knowledge and maximizing its impact.
Today, I believe that fundamental discoveries in immunology make the field a critical scientific infrastructure. Just as physical infrastructure underpins economic growth, immunology provides essential tools, concepts, and discoveries that form the infrastructure that supports scientific progress across disciplines. From antibodies and immunofluorescence to our understanding of inflammation, immunological innovation has enabled advances across biology and medicine. These advances are often so fundamental that we no longer pause to consider their origins.
World’s Translator-in-Chief
AAI plays a central role in this ecosystem. AAI, and its passionate members, act as the world’s Immunology “Translator鈥慽n鈥慍hief.” Through prestigious journals such as The Journal of Immunology, AAI’s educational programs, and the work of our members across academia, industry, and government, we translate discovery into knowledge, application, and impact. We translate across diseases and disciplines, and increasingly, we translate for broader audiences, ensuring that immunology informs decision-making in science and society.
Grassroots Communication
At this moment, we must deepen that responsibility by leaning further into grassroots science communication. Education and awareness of immunology and its impact on all aspects of health cannot occur only at global or national levels—it must extend into our local communities. This means engaging with teachers, students, school boards, and neighbors; contributing to public discourse; and making immunology visible and relevant in everyday life. AAI has an opportunity to support its members in this work, empowering immunologists to act as trusted voices within their own communities and strengthening the presence of science at the grassroots level.
Diversity of Our Field
Equally important is who we are as a community. The future of immunology depends on an AAI that fully embraces and supports the diversity of immunologists across identities, geographies, career stages, and career paths. Just as the immune system relies on a diverse repertoire of cells and receptors to function effectively, our field depends on diversity of people and perspectives to drive discovery. This means expanding pathways into immunology so that more individuals can see themselves as part of this field and contribute to its future.
Shared Responsibility
Finally, membership in AAI reflects a shared commitment. In many ways, it is a form of civic identity within the scientific enterprise. Like membership in other civic organizations, joining AAI connects individuals to a broader purpose—advancing knowledge, supporting one another, and contributing to the health of society through science and advocacy. As immunologists, participating in this collective effort is both an opportunity and, in many respects, a responsibility to maintain our critical infrastructure.
As we look ahead, I am optimistic, inspired by the reach, relevance, and resilience of our field. Together, through AAI, we will continue to shape the future of immunology—fueling discovery, advancing health, and expanding the impact of our field.