Richard Grencis

Richard Grencis is Professor of Immunology at the University of Manchester, holding the Chair in Immunology since 1998. He currently serves as Academic Head of the BSU (since 2010) and previously held leadership roles including Head of Section for Tissues to Organisms/Disease Systems (2007-2009) and Cells to Tissues (2005-2007) within the Faculty of Life Sciences. His academic career at Manchester began in 1987 as Lecturer in Immunology, progressing through Senior Lecturer and Reader positions.

Education:

• BSc Hons Zoology, Upper Second, University of Nottingham, 1976
• PhD Immunoparasitology, University of Glasgow, Wellcome Laboratories for Experimental Parasitology, 1982

Research Focus: Professor Grencis specializes in host-parasite immunology with emphasis on immune responses to parasitic nematodes, cytokine-mediated regulation, and mucosal defense mechanisms. His work bridges fundamental immunology and parasitology, investigating how helminth infections modulate host immunity and the therapeutic implications for inflammatory diseases. This research has established critical frameworks for understanding immune polarization at mucosal interfaces.

Scientific Recognition:

• Wright Medal from British Society for Parasitology (2001) - the Society's highest honor for outstanding contributions to parasitology

Mentorship & Service: He has supervised 19 PhD graduates including current academics at University of Pennsylvania and University of Nottingham, while presently guiding 4 doctoral candidates. Professor Grencis served as examiner for over 40 PhD theses across 20+ international institutions and held editorial leadership as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Parasite Immunology since 2002. His committee service includes Medical Research Council (MRC) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) grant panels.

Research Environment: He leads immunology research within Manchester's Faculty of Life Sciences, directing the Immunology Research Group and BSU laboratory facilities focused on host-pathogen interactions.