Michaela Lucas

Clinical Professor Michaela Lucas is a distinguished Clinical Immunologist/Allergist and Immunopathologist at The University of Western Australia Medical School with conjoint appointments at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, and the Perth Children's Hospital. She leads the Immunology and Transplantation Lab, directing a multi-disciplinary team of clinical and basic science researchers, microsurgeons, and technicians focused on immunological research with direct clinical applications.

• Doctor of Medicine (Dr Med MD), University of Duisburg-Essen (1998)
• Medical Degree, University of Duisburg-Essen (1995)

Professor Lucas's research spans T cell immunology with specific expertise in T cell mediated drug allergies, anti-viral T cell responses, vaccine development, and the role of inflammation in adaptive immunity during organ transplantation. Her innovative work now includes leading the PERTH Trial (Plastic Exposure Reduction Transforms Health), a world-first study investigating plastics exposure impacts on human health. Her research integrates clinical practice with laboratory investigation to address critical gaps in understanding immune responses.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on antibiotic allergy management, with multiple randomized controlled trials examining educational interventions for non-specialists and the impact of allergy labels on antimicrobial stewardship. Her work on the BRACE Trial demonstrates significant contributions to understanding SARS-CoV-2 immunity and vaccine responses, while her regional leadership is evident in Asia-Pacific collaborative studies on chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis management.

• WA Women's Hall of Fame (2025)
• Brightest Minds Alumni Award (2024)
• Early Career Researcher Award (2024)
• Developed ASCIA Food Allergy Dietitian Recognition Program
• Devil facial tumour disease vaccine development contributions
• Past President of ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy)

Professor Lucas serves as Principal or Co-Investigator on 12 major research grants totaling millions in funding, with active projects extending through 2028. Her leadership extends to directing two investigator-driven randomized controlled trials in antibiotic allergy and serving as co-Director of the National Allergy Council. She mentors numerous students and researchers while maintaining active clinical practice in immunology and allergy at multiple major hospitals across Western Australia.

At the Immunology and Transplantation Lab, Professor Lucas oversees research programs investigating tissue-resident immunity after organ transplantation, drug allergy mechanisms, and the systemic impacts of environmental exposures. Her team collaborates extensively with national and international partners, with recent work focusing on the intersection of environmental health and immunology through the groundbreaking PERTH Trial.