University of Queensland
QIMR Berghofer

Queensland Immunology Networking Symposium 

7-8 October 2026

QLD Immunology Networking Symposium Sponsors

The 7th Annual Queensland Immunology Networking Symposium (QINS) will be held on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October 2026 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Brisbane.

QINS brings together researchers, clinicians, students and industry partners from across Queensland to share the latest advances in immunology research, exchange ideas, strengthen existing collaborations, and create new connections across the state's research community.

The two-day program features:

  • a curated line-up of speakers across a broad range of immunology disciplines

  • a panel discussion Invisible Science, Essential Impact: Telling the Immunology Story

  • dedicated networking opportunities, including a casual networking session and the symposium dinner at a nearby venue

Program Outline

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
10:00am | Prof Shalin Naik (WEHI)

SESSION 1
10:40am-12:10pm 

Immune Regulation Across Tissues

  • A/Prof Gareth Walker (UQ, QIMRB)
  • Prof Nigel McMillan (IBG, Griffith)
  • Dr Adaeze Ekwe (CIIC, QUT)
  • A/Prof Mariusz Skwarczynski (SCMB, UQ)

12:10pm Lunch

SESSION 2
1:00pm-2:55pm 

Infection, Vaccines & Emerging Pathogens

  • A/Prof Danielle Stanisic (IBG, Griffith)
  • Dr Ariel Isaacs (SCMB, UQ)
  • Prof Colleen Lau (FI, UQ)
  • Dr Wilson Nguyen (QIMRB)
  • Dr Natalee Newton (SCMB, UQ)

2:55pm Afternoon Tea

PANEL DISCUSSION
3:25pm-4:40pm 

Invisible Science, Essential Impact: Telling the Immunology Story

5:00pm Networking Session 
6:30pm Symposium Dinner

  *More speakers to be added once confirmed

SESSION 3
10:00am-12:10pm 

Immunometabolism, Neuroinflammation & Cell Fate

  • A/Prof Kate Irvine (MRI)
  • Dr Harindra Sathkumara (JCU) 
  • Prof Marc Ruitenberg (MRI)
  • Dr Julie Wixey (FI, UQ)
  • Dr James Curson (IMB, UQ)

11:55am Award Presentation 
12:10pm Lunch

 

SESSION 4
1:00pm-2:45pm 

Immunotherapy & Precision Medicine

  • Dr Dharmesh Bhuva (FI, UQ) 
  • Dr Paulo Martins (QIMRB)
  • Dr Melissa Reichelt (SBMS, UQ)
  • A/Prof Sonia Henriques (SBS, QUT)
  • Dr Kylie Alexander (MRI)

2:45pm Afternoon Tea

 

SESSION 5
3:15pm-5:00pm 

Barrier Immunity, Microbiome & Mucosal Systems

  • Prof Alex Loukas (JCU)
  • Dr Edwige Roy (FI, UQ) 
  • Dr Manasa Mellacheruvu (IMB, UQ)

4:50PM-5:00PM Close Meeting and Thank you

*More speakers to be added once confirmed

 

Registrations open until 28 September 2026.
For any enquiries, please contact qirc@uq.edu.au.

On Wednesday evening, delegates are invited to continue conversations beyond the scientific program at the QINS26 Networking Session and Symposium Dinner.

The Networking Session is kindly sponsored by the Queensland branch of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology and is free to attend, but registration is essential.

The Symposium Dinner is a longstanding highlight of the symposium, and provides a relaxed setting to reconnect with colleagues, meet new collaborators, and engage with the Queensland immunology community. Tickets can be added onto your registration. 

Places for the dinner are limited, so we encourage you to register early if you would like to attend.

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Travel Awards Available

Receive up to $500 towards your travel for QINS26. Travel awards are available for EMCRs from North Queensland. 

Complimentary registration is available for all North Queensland attendees.
Note: Symposium Dinner tickets are an optional additional cost.

Applications close Monday 31 August.

Apply Now

CONTACT US

Professor Gabrielle Belz
Email: g.belz@uq.edu.au
Phone: +61 7 3443 8026

Professor Rajiv Khanna
Email: rajiv.khanna@qimrb.edu.au
Phone: +61 7 3362 0385

SITE LINKS

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