Human Immunology Consensus Workshop

'The Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), Canada’s premier health research funding agency, is comprised of 13 virtual Institutes – one of which is the Institute of Infection and Immunity (III). In 2010, the Institute’s Advisory Board identified human immunology as a field in which strategic investment could have a significant impact in terms of knowledge and clinical outcomes. A consultation workshop was held to inform III and partner Institutes how best to strategically invest in human immunology research in Canada. Seventy-five participants represented research, research management and support or the pharmaceutical industry from across Canada, and included 2 International participants. The goals of the workshop were to stimulate discussion among the community; identify their needs; and hear from experts in human immunology on their work and perspectives regarding the state of research in terms of needs for moving forward. The workshop provided a forum to gather recommendations on how best to address current challenges, respond to the needs of the research community and have a positive impact on the health of Canadians”--Executive summary, p. 4.