UCL researchers honoured for their contributions to the field of immunology

The inaugural BSI Awards took place on 20 April 2023 as part of the 'Transforming the immunology landscape' event, to celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals and teams shaping the future of immunology.

Professor Lucy Walker (UCL Division of Infection & Immunity) received the BSI Immunology Research Excellence Award, in recognition of her sustained and original contributions to the understanding of adaptive immunity. Her work on immune regulation and control of autoimmunity has had a significant impact on the field, particularly on the understanding of Treg and CTLA-4 biology.

She is now using this understanding to develop new immunotherapies for type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions.

Professor Walker, Chair in Immune Regulation at the UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, based in the new Pears Building at the Royal Free Hospital, said: “It’s a huge honour to be recognised by the British Society for Immunology in this way. I dedicate the award to my amazing lab members past and present, whose creativity, talent and persistence underpins everything we achieve as a group.”

Dr George Robinson (UCL Division of Medicine) took home the BSI Early Career Research Excellence Award, which recognises an individual at an early stage of their career who has made an outstanding contribution to immunology research. The award is based on Dr Robinson’s work investigating the immunopathogenesis of juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which has received numerous awards and has contributed substantially to furthering knowledge in the field of adolescent rheumatology.

Dr Robinson, a Research Fellow at the UCL Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology in the Department of Inflammation, said: “It is such a privilege and honour to receive this inaugural award from the British Society for Immunology, something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“My research focuses on improving the lives of young patients with lupus and it is great to see this work recognised by the amazing immunology research community at the BSI. None of my research would have been possible without the incredible mentors and UCL peer support network that I have had throughout my early career.”

The full list of 11 winners and more information about the Awards can be found on the BSI website.

Doug Brown, Chief Executive of the British Society for Immunology, said: “We are thrilled to recognise the achievements of these extraordinary individuals. Each of them dedicates their time and expertise to shaping the future of immunology, in many cases away from the limelight. Their efforts will ensure a brighter future for our field.

“Our heartfelt congratulations go to everyone who was shortlisted or nominated, and a huge thank you is due to our judges, those who nominated someone, the BSI Nominations Committee and everyone who was involved in making these awards a success. The response shows just how vibrant, supportive and talented the field of immunology is. Long may that continue.”

Links 

• Professor Lucy Walker's academic profile
• Dr George Robinson's academic profile
• UCL Division of Medicine

• UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation

Media contact 

Matt Midgley

E: m.midgley [at] ucl.ac.uk