Dr Daniel Pellicci’s ultimate goal is to prevent human diseases. Using his research into how immune T cells recognise certain molecules, Dr Pellicci will provide new insight into how to harness therapeutic properties and produce desired immune responses. He has just been recognised for this work through the 2018 Commonwealth Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research.
2018 | $431,000
Specialised T cells in the human immune system are critical for survival. They are like soldiers who search out and destroy invaders or abnormal cells.
Dr Pellicci’s award winning research focuses on unique T cells in the human immune system. These are specialised immune T cells, patrolling the body to target invading organisms or abnormal cells.
Dr Pellicci is looking to identify and understand the role these specialised T cells play in the protection from and prevention of human diseases.
In the long term, he hopes his research will fill a major gap in the current understanding of the human immune system and improve the health of all Australians.
Dr Pellicci was presented with a medal and $50,000, in addition to his Career Development Fellowship, to help to further support his research in cellular immunology.
He has a strong national and international profile, with numerous high quality publication.
This award recognises the brilliance, outstanding achievements and the potential of Australian medical researchers.
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Career Development Fellowships are highly competitive four-year grants, focussed on early and mid-career researchers.