A Canberra-based immunologist has been awarded the first Young Florey Medal for her research into how the immune system produces antibodies to fight disease.
Spanish-born Carola Vinuesa, who heads the Pathogens and Immunity Department at the Australian National University, was presented with the inaugural award at Parliament House on Monday night.
Prof Vinuesa's work has paved the way for the development of new drugs to fight autoimmune diseases such as lupus, juvenile diabetes and certain cancers.
The award aims to highlight early career researchers who have made a significant discovery in human health.
Named after Australian Nobel laureate Lord Howard Florey, the award is run by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) and carries a $25,000 cash prize sponsored by pharmaceutical giant CSL Ltd.
AIPS said Prof Vinuesa's work aims to unravel the complex interaction of cells and molecules that regulate the production of potent, long-lasting immunity, and to identify genetic abnormalities that interfere with this process.
The research may contribute to the development of autoimmunity in humans, it said.
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