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The Israel Immunological Society (IIS)

was established in 1968 by a group of immunologists from various universities, research institutes and hospitals. The aim of the society is to encourage the discipline of Immunology in Israel and to provide a network for exchange of information. The current 280 members of IIS hold a PhD or a MD and are actively engaged in immunological research. PhD students join the society as associate members. The IIS is affiliated with the Israel Society of Clinical Immunology and with the newly formed Israel Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. IIS is also a member of ILANIT, an organization comprised of all life science societies in Israel.

The IIS is run by 9 councellors who are elected by its members from universities, hospitals and biotechnological companies for a 2 year term. The executive of the council is made up of the president and secretary-general. The permanent secreteriat is at the Weizmann Institute.

The scientists who served as IIS presidents since its inauguration are: Michael Sela (1968-72), Michael Feldman (1972-76), Michael Schlesinger (1976-1982), Irun Cohen (1982-1985), Isaac Witz (1985-1989), Schraga Segal (1989-92), Chaya Moroz (1992-1996), Ron Apte (1996-1998), Lea Eisenbach (1998-2001) Eitan Yefenof (2001)

The first obligation of the IIS is to organize a yearly congress which is held in rotation at Tel-Aviv University, The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion University in Beer-Sheeba, Bar-Ilan University and The Weizmann Institute. The 2 day program features plenary sessions in which guest scientists and IIS members present their data, poster sessions and short poster presentations by students and post-doctoral fellows.

In 1969, the IIS was among the 10 societies that founded the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) in Brugge, Belgium. In 1975 The IIS joined the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS) and from 1995 IIS has an observer status with The Federation of Immunological Societies of Asia-Oceania (FIMSA). IIS members who had the priviledge to serve as officials of the IUIS and of EFIS include: Michael Sela -IUIS councillor (1971-74), IUIS vice-president (1974-77), IUIS president (1977-80). Michael Feldman-IUIS councillor (1974-77). Ruth Arnon-IUIS councillor (1977-83, 1992-98), IUIS Secretay-General (1989-92), EFIS vice president (1980-83), EFIS preident (1983-86), EFIS past-president (1986-1989). Isacc Witz-IUIS councillor (1986-89). Zvee Bentwich-clinical immunology committee chairmen (1989-92). Israel Pecht-EFIS vice president (1992-95), EFIS president (1995-98), EFIS past-president (1998-2000).