Thierry Calandra

Thierry Calandra is Professor of Medicine and Head of the Infectious Diseases Service at the Department of Medicine, CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois), University of Lausanne, Switzerland, a position he has held since 2006. Previously, he served as Associate Professor (1996-2006) and held academic roles at The Rockefeller University and The Picower Institute for Medical Research in the United States. His career spans over 40 years in clinical infectious diseases and immunology research.

His research centers on innate immunity with emphasis on macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in sepsis pathogenesis, infections in critically ill and immunocompromised patients, and ICU fungal infections. His seminal work established MIF as a critical cytokine regulator in inflammatory responses and glucocorticoid signaling, revealing its therapeutic potential for septic shock. His investigations extend to TLR4 modulation, histone deacetylase effects on immunity, and MIF polymorphisms as predictors of infection outcomes.

Calandra's publication record demonstrates consistent leadership in translational immunology, evolving from foundational MIF discoveries to clinical applications in sepsis management. His recent work addresses antibiotic stewardship in sepsis while maintaining focus on MIF's role across infection contexts, reflecting an integrated approach from molecular mechanisms to patient care.

His scientific contributions have been honored with prestigious awards including:

• 2017 Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences Senate membership
• 2017 ESCMID Excellence Award
• 2013 University of Lausanne Jürg Tschopp Prize
• 2012 Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases Honorary Life Membership
• Fondation Leenaards Career Award (2002)

While specific laboratory details aren't documented in source materials, his extensive collaborative publication record indicates leadership in multidisciplinary teams spanning immunology, critical care, and infectious disease research. His current work continues to bridge basic science discoveries with clinical applications in severe infection management.