The 11th Australasian Autoimmunity Workshop was held in Melbourne, Australia from July 6-8, 2007 organized by the Monash University Autoimmunity Network. The workshops, founded by the late Kevin Lafferty, are a chance for Australasians interested in research into autoimmune disease to present and discuss their work. This workshop also was a chance to acknowledge Ian Mackay, a pioneer clinician-scientist who has made major contributions to our understanding of autoimmune diseases. Friends, colleagues and former students attended the Workshop and acknowledged Ian's expertise and mentorship. This edition of the Journal of Autoimmunity pays tribute to Ian Mackay. It features articles from attendees at the workshop, and contributions from some of Ian's past students and past and current collaborators.