Adrian Liston

Adrian Liston is Professor of Pathology at the University of Cambridge's Department of Pathology, Honorary Group Leader at the Babraham Institute, and Professorial Fellow at St Catharine's College where he serves as Postgraduate Tutor for Welfare, Equalities Fellow, and Director of Studies. He holds additional roles as Editor-in-Chief of Immunology & Cell Biology.

His education includes:

• BSc (Biomedical Science) and Honours from Adelaide University
• PhD from Australian National University
• Post-doctoral training at University of Washington
• Graduate Certificate in Higher Education
• Master of Public Health
• MA from University of Cambridge

Liston's research focuses on decoding immune system regulation, particularly the role of regulatory T cells in tissue homeostasis. His laboratory investigates cellular control mechanisms governing immune tolerance switches and how defects lead to pathologies including autoimmunity, diabetes, and neuropathology. The Liston-Dooley Lab employs mouse models, human samples, and cutting-edge techniques like high-dimensional flow cytometry to identify common pathways to pathology across disease states.

His publications demonstrate consistent focus on neuroimmunology, tissue-resident immunity, and translational applications. Recent work emphasizes brain-specific regulatory T cell modulation, microglial biology, and gut-immune interactions. The lab maintains strong methodological innovation in flow cytometry and computational immunology.

Major scientific honors include:

• Fellowship of Academy of Medical Sciences (2021)
• Fellowship of Royal Society of Biology (2022)
• ERC Consolidator Award (2016)
• Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators (2016)
• Francqui Foundation Chair (2016)
• Wellcome Trust Investigator Award

Liston directs the Liston-Dooley Laboratory with Dr. James Dooley, focusing on regulatory T cell-tissue interfaces. The lab relocated to Cambridge in 2023 after establishing core facilities at VIB/University of Leuven (2009-2018) and conducting neuroinflammation biotechnology research at Babraham Institute (2019-2023). They founded spin-off company Aila Biotech Ltd to develop neuroimmunology therapies. Notable alumni include Professors Susan Schlenner, Stephanie Humblet-Baron, Lidia Yshii, Kailash Singh, and Emanuela Pasciuto.