IMMU head Hermelijn Smits highlighted the strength and diversity of the department, which now comprises 162 members, including around 40 colleagues in diagnostics (HLA laboratory and ETRL) and 12 PIs leading more than 110 researchers, reflecting IMMU’s position at the interface of fundamental science, clinical application, and education.
Clinical and diagnostic impact
Diagnostics remained a cornerstone of IMMU’s contribution to patient care. In 2025, IMMU supported 620 solid organ transplantations in Leiden and Rotterdam, mainly kidney transplants (365 procedures), accounting for over 40% of all kidney transplants in the Netherlands. In addition, the department supported 138 adult and 54 pediatric stem cell transplantations, performed 18,000 antibody screening analyses, and typed 5,500 patients and donors.
Education, research, and recognition
Education remained a core mission of IMMU. The Immunology course in the second year of Biomedical Sciences transitioned smoothly to new coordination, while the international half minor programs in Indonesia and Tanzania strengthened IMMU’s global engagement. In 2025, the department celebrated 9 PhD defenses and currently hosts 52 PhD candidates. Scientific productivity remained high, with around 80 peer-reviewed publications, including several high-impact papers, and four prestigious prizes awarded to IMMU members.
Clinical research and organization
Important milestones were reached in clinical research, including sustained success in the RAG1-SCID gene therapy trial, the AGAVE study on mucosal immunity following nasal influenza vaccination, and the 300th inclusion in a long-running clinical trial aimed at improving live birth rates. IMMU also continued to invest in its organization, completing the reorganization of the HLA laboratory and establishing a regulatory office.
Looking ahead
Concluding her speech, Hermelijn outlined key goals for 2026: a continued focus on papers and grant proposals, investment in new technologies and personnel, the organization of an EMBO Workshop, and a strong emphasis on clinical application and translation.
The IMMU Toast 2026 closed with sincere thanks to all colleagues for their dedication and teamwork, setting a positive and ambitious tone for the year ahead.