What an honour to have participated in the 19th International Congress of Immunology (IUIS2025) in Vienna, where science met collaboration, and our team’s work resonated across continents.

We are incredibly proud of Lesedi Dikhoba, Brandon Paarwater and Nicole Prins for their outstanding poster presentations. Their hard work has paid off, and it was wonderful to see them sharing their findings with the global immunology community.

Bonamy (Bon) Holtak gave a presentation on the award-winning website Immunopaedia.org.za sharing its impact on global immunology education during a satellite symposium. The presentation spotlighted how digital innovation is transforming access to science across borders.

Prof Clive Gray delivered a compelling plenary talk entitled “Inflationary cytomegalovirus-specific T cell immunity during pregnancy: can they be found in the placenta?” – a topic that sparked deep interest and discussion.

Clive also chaired and spoke at multiple sessions, including the IUIS EDU Symposium and the Federation of African Immunological Societies Symposium, reflecting his leadership as Chair of IUIS EDU and President of FAIS.

From poster halls to plenary stages, the RIRCA team brought African immunology to the forefront. It was a congress filled with connection, recognition, and momentum for the future.

Health and science graduates looking to deepen their expertise and drive change in healthcare joined us for the Postgraduate Open Days at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The Open Day was held at the BMRI where researchers showcased their work and labs at stands.

Students and parents could learn more about Honour’s, Master’s and Doctoral programmes for medicine and health sciences professionals-in-training across a wide range of disciplines, including clinical sciences, public health, biomedical research, and health systems.

RIRCA had an interactive stand with team members ranging from current postgraduate students, senior lab members and post-doctoral members.

On 19 June 2025, Immunopaedia celebrated two decades of advancing immunology education through a vibrant hybrid Mini Symposium at Stellenbosch University, Cape Town.

Founded in 2005 by Professor Clive Gray, Immunopaedia has grown into a global platform. It was a joy to reflect on this journey with esteemed speakers from across Africa, the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS), and many familiar faces.

A celebration was held afterwards with delicious food and fantastic entertainment. The Amathunzi Youth Group sang, followed by poetry by Abueng (Junior) Ntsimane and jazz with Babalwa Mentjies on Vocals; George Werner on Piano; Muneeb Hermans on Trumpet.

What a wonderful creative and joyous way to end a scientifically rigorous mini-symposium.