Carola Vinuesa

Carola Vinuesa is a leading immunologist currently serving as Principal Group Leader and Royal Society Wolfson Fellow at The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK). She previously held academic leadership roles at the Australian National University (ANU), including Professor of Immunology (2010) and Head of Department (2011).

• Education: MD (University Autónoma of Madrid, 1992), PhD (University of Birmingham, 2000)
• Leadership: Founder/co-Director of NHMRC Centre for Personalised Immunology (2014), Director of China-Australia Centre for Personalised Immunology (2022), Advisory Professor at Jiaotong University (2018)

Her research focuses on immunology, genetics, and autoimmune diseases, particularly identifying T cell subsets (Tfh, Tfr) that regulate antibody responses and autoimmunity. She connects genetic variation to lupus pathogenesis and explores mechanisms of immune tolerance.

Recent publications highlight her work in genetic immunology, with studies on TLR7 gain-of-function variants, ZEB2 in B cell aging, and neuritin in Tfr cell function. Her team integrates genomics, flow cytometry, and model organisms to study immune checkpoints.

• Scientific Awards: Royal Society Fellow (2022), Gottschalk Medal (AAS), Lupus Insight Prize (2023), Johann Anton Merck Award (2023), Life Scientist of the Year (2008)

She collaborates with institutions in Australia, China, and the UK, advancing personalized immunology and translational research. Her lab’s work informs diagnostic strategies and targeted therapies for autoimmune conditions.