Oregon Immunology Research Institutions

Oregon is home to a wide variety of immunological institutions. In addition to OSHU, AAI members have been researchers at many academic institutions, government laboratories, hospitals, and biotechnology companies in the state. Below, we highlight those institutions that have been home to multiple longtime members.

Earle A. Chiles Research Institute
AAI membership since: 1990

Of the many independent research institutions in the Portland area, the one that has had the largest AAI representation is the Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, today a research arm of the Providence Cancer Institute in Portland. Established in 1987 for general medical research, it became primarily focused on cancer research in 1993 when Walter J. Urba (AAI 1988) was recruited from the National Cancer Institute to become its director—a position he still holds today. The Chiles Research Institute conducts important basic research and develops promising cancer immunotherapies.

Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center
AAI membership since: 1973

AAI members have performed research and clinical duties at the Portland VA Medical Center since the 1970s. One of the outstanding areas of research there is in neuroimmunology, especially pertaining to multiple sclerosis. Together with the Seattle VA, the Portland VA is the coordinating center for the Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence-West network for research and care.

Reed College
AAI membership since: 1970

Reed College is primarily known as a highly ranked small liberal arts college, but it also excels in the sciences. AAI members have been teaching immunology there for more than 50 years

Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC)
AAI membership since: 1969

One of seven National Primate Research Centers operated by the NIH, the ONPRC conducts research on aging, metabolic diseases, neurological functions, and reproductive issues with multi-generational colonies of primates. Over 5,000 macaques, baboons, and squirrel monkeys live at the sprawling facility in family and colony groups.

Oregon State University
AAI membership since: 1988

In 1899, Oregon State University launched a course in bacteriology focusing on agricultural research and diseases of plants and animals. The first AAI member there, Nancy Kerkvliet (AAI 1988), arrived as a graduate student in marine biology, but moved into immunotoxicity and has been there ever since.