The ISI are pleased to announce that this year’s recipient of their Public Lecture Award is Professor Denis Reen.

Prof. Reen is based in the Children's Research Centre, which has labs in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin and in the UCD Conway Institute.

He leads research into the capabilities of our immune system in early life and how it responds to vaccination. He will receive his award for his contributions to the research field of neonatal immunology and subsequently, improved neonatal health.

Prof. Reen was also one of the founder members of the ISI and is a former president of the society. His contribution to the society in its formative years, were critical to the success of the ISI.

ISI PUBLIC LECTURE AWARD, 2005: "Born into a Hostile World - How Well Are We Protected Against Infections and Allergies in Early Life?"

In an Irish Times/ RDS Science Today/ISI lecture entitled: "Born into a Hostile World - How Well Are We Protected Against Infections and Allergies in Early Life?" Prof. Reen will discuss the obvious benefits society has received from childhood vaccination programmes but he will also ask whether we have got it wrong when it comes to infants.

Prof Denis Reen