The International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) was established in May 1969. Its objectives are to: organize international cooperation in immunology and to promote communication between the various branches of immunology and allied subjects; encourage within each scientifically independent territory cooperation between the societies that represent the interests of immunology; and contribute to the advancement of immunology in all its aspects.
The Union pursues these objectives through the convening of triennial International Congresses and the work of Special Committees, by maintaining liaison with other international organizations (e.g. the International Society of Immuno-pharmacology, the International Society of Developmental and Comparative Immunology, the International Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the Society for Mucosal Immunology, the International Society for Immunology of Reproduction and the World Health Organization). It also encourages regional cooperation (as through the European Federation of Immunological Societies, the Latin American Association of Immunology, the Federation of African Immunological Societies and the Federation of Immunological Societies of Asia-Oceania).
The Union participates in several of ISC’s Committees; i.e., the establishment of a Hybridoma Data Bank under CODATA is a notable example. At present the Union has, as adhering members, Societies from 54 scientifically independent territories representing over 33,000 immunologists worldwide.