Stephen Beers

Professor Stephen Beers is a leading academic in Immunology & Immunotherapy at the University of Southampton, specifically within the Faculty of Medicine's Cancer Sciences Division. His research focuses on antibody-based therapies, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and macrophage function in cancer treatment. He currently supervises nine PhD students and leads a team of postdocs and clinical fellows.

• Education: BSc (Hons) Biochemistry (University of Southampton, 1999); PhD in Immunochemistry (University of Southampton, 2003).

Research Interests: Beers' work centers on enhancing antibody efficacy through manipulating tumor microenvironments, particularly macrophage behavior. Key areas include CD20 antibody mechanisms (e.g., rituximab), Fc receptor interactions, and developing 3D in vitro cancer models. His lab collaborates with institutions like Cancer Research UK and NIH.

Publications: Recent work includes advancements in 3D breast cancer modeling, osteosarcoma bone models, and immune-metabolic links in obesity-driven cancers. These studies emphasize translational applications in immunotherapy and precision medicine.

• Awards: Notable recognitions include a Career Track Fellowship (2009), Research Prize for Postdoctoral Work (2010), and election to organize major immunology conferences (2016).

Grants & Collaborations: Active projects funded by Cancer Research UK, NIH, and Breast Cancer Now focus on antibody-drug conjugates, GD2 chemo-immunotherapy, and myeloid cell targeting. Beers also chairs the Centre for Cancer Immunology, fostering interdisciplinary research.

Labs & Teams: His lab integrates immunology, oncology, and engineering, with ongoing projects involving 3D tumor models and clinical collaborations. Students engage in projects like antibody efficacy optimization and macrophage reprogramming.