International Society of Neuroimmunology

The International Society of Neuroimmunology (ISNI) is a global scientific society dedicated to advancing the field of neuroimmunology—the study of interactions between the immune system and the nervous system. Established in 1982, ISNI has played a central role in fostering research, education, and clinical translation in this rapidly expanding discipline. The society organizes international congresses, supports regional schools of neuroimmunology, and provides a platform for researchers, clinicians, and students to collaborate and share knowledge. ISNI's origins trace back to the first International Congress of Neuroimmunology held in Stresa, Italy, in 1982, organized by Peter O. Behan and Federico Spreafico. The second congress, held in Philadelphia in 1987, was organized by Cedric Raine and Dale McFarlin, and it was during this meeting that the decision was made to establish an international society. Cedric S. Raine was elected as the first President, with John Newson-Davis as Vice-President, Robert Lisak as Treasurer, and Kenneth Johnson as Secretary. The society was formally incorporated in 1988. Since its founding, ISNI has contributed significantly to the recognition of the immune system's role in neurological disorders and to the development of new treatment approaches. The society supports the next generation of neuroimmunology professionals through its regional schools: the European School of Neuroimmunology (ESNI), the American School of Neuroimmunology (ASNI), the Asia-Pacific School of Neuroimmunology (APSNI), and the Global Schools of Neuroimmunology (GSNI). These schools provide education, mentorship, and networking opportunities across the global neuroimmunology community. ISNI organizes the International Congress of Neuroimmunology, a major event that brings together scientists and clinicians from around the world. The 18th ISNI Congress is scheduled to be held in Venice, Italy, from October 25–28, 2027. The society also collaborates with publishers such as Nature Reviews Neurology on collections that highlight the best analysis and thought leadership in neuroimmunology. Membership in ISNI is open to researchers, clinicians, and students worldwide. The society offers travel bursaries to support student participation in its courses and meetings. As of 2026, membership dues are waived for the remainder of the year to encourage broader participation and to update membership records. ISNI continues to be a vital organization for anyone involved in the study or treatment of neuroimmune interactions.

The International Society of Neuroimmunology (ISNI) was established in 1982, originating from the first International Congress of Neuroimmunology held in Stresa, Italy, in 1982, organized by Peter O. Behan and Federico Spreafico. The proceedings were published in 1984 as "Neuroimmunology" by Behan and Spreafico (Raven Press). The second International Congress of Neuroimmunology took place in Philadelphia, PA, in 1987, organized by Cedric Raine and Dale McFarlin; the proceedings were published in 1988 as "Advances in Neuroimmunology" (Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. Vol. 540). It was at this Philadelphia meeting that the decision was made to form an international society, and an election was held for a panel of officers. Cedric S. Raine was elected President, John Newson-Davis as Vice-President, Robert Lisak as Treasurer, and Kenneth Johnson as Secretary, along with an International Advisory Board. The Society was incorporated in 1988. Subsequent meetings were held in Jerusalem in 1991 (organized by Oded Abramsky and Haim Ovadia), Amsterdam, and other locations. Over the decades, ISNI has grown into a global organization that supports neuroimmunology research and education. It has established regional schools: the European School of Neuroimmunology (ESNI) began in 1999; the American School of Neuroimmunology (ASNI) was initiated in 2015; the Asia-Pacific School of Neuroimmunology (APSNI) was initiated later; and the Global Schools of Neuroimmunology (GSNI) brings all schools together on the first day of the ISNI congress. The society organizes the International Congress of Neuroimmunology, with the 18th edition scheduled for Venice in 2027. ISNI also collaborates with Nature Reviews Neurology on a Neuroimmunology Collection featuring articles from ISNI members.

• 2015

  American School of Neuroimmunology (ASNI) initiated.

• 1999

  European School of Neuroimmunology (ESNI) established.

• 1991

  ISNI congress held in Jerusalem, organized by Oded Abramsky and Haim Ovadia.

• 1988

  ISNI formally incorporated.

• 1987

  Second International Congress of Neuroimmunology held in Philadelphia, PA; decision made to establish ISNI and officers elected.

• 1984

  Proceedings of the first congress published as "Neuroimmunology" (Behan and Spreafico, Raven Press).

• 1982

  First International Congress of Neuroimmunology held in Stresa, Italy, organized by Peter O. Behan and Federico Spreafico.

• 18th ISNI Congress scheduled for Venice, Italy, October 25-28.

Global scientific society for neuroimmunology research, education, and clinical translation.

1. 1International Society of Neuroimmunologyisniweb.org
2. 2ABOUT — International Society of Neuroimmunologyisniweb.org
3. 3Schools — International Society of Neuroimmunologyisniweb.org
4. 4Wikidata: International Society of Neuroimmunologywikidata.org
5. 5Arabic Wikipedia: الجمعية الدولية لعلم المناعة العصبيةar.wikipedia.org