The Vermont Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases was created in 2006 with a $11.4 million Center for Biological Research Excellence (COBRE) grant from the National Institutes of Health (NCRR). It combines the expertise of the UVM groups in Immunobiology, Microbiology, and Infectious Diseases to promote collaborative studies into the immune response to infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as well as studies of microbial pathogenesis. In addition to studies of basic cellular and molecular immune mechanisms, there is a robust translational component performing vaccine trials.

The Center currently includes approximately 15 UVM faculty in 6 departments and 3 colleges. There is also a robust collaboration with the Trudeau Institute in nearby Saranac Lake, NY, manifested by a joint P01 Program Project Grant and T32 Training Grant. Over the next few years there will be a significant expansion through the recruitment of new junior faculty to the center. An active seminar series brings to campus outstanding international investigators in immunology and microbiology.  The center also supports core facilities in microarray, bioinformatics, proteomics, and flow cytometry.

A research training program in Immunology and Infectious Diseases exists with opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This is supported by funds from both the COBRE and T32 Training Grant awards.

Clinical Trials for Infectious Diseases are conducted with the Division of Infectious Diseases, and for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases with the Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology.