Young Scientist Vaccine Innovation Award

I am Marios Koutsakos, a group leader in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne, at the Doherty Institute.

I completed my BSc in Biomedical Sciences at Imperial College in London, working with Professor Wendy Barclay on the molecular virology of influenza B viruses. I then obtained a Masters degree in Systems and Synthetic biology, also at Imperial College. I subsequently undertook a PhD with Professor Katherine Kedzierska in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, focusing on understanding protective immunity to influenza viruses, especially the understudied but clinically relevant influenza B viruses.

My research focuses on understanding how the immune system recognises antigenic variants of influenza viruses and how viruses evolve under immune pressure. My group is heavily focused on influenza B viruses, as they have been traditionally overlooked.

I am greatly honoured to receive the Young Scientist Vaccine Innovation Award, which will support me in continuing my research program on influenza B viruses with the aim of developing broadly acting vaccines.

Navigating the limited landscape of research fundings is one of the biggest challenges for early career scientists, along with the increasing responsibilities beyond benchwork.

These international meetings are paramount for early career scientists, allowing us to establish and maintain an active networks of collaborators and colleagues, as well as to stay up to date with research happening globally. They are of particular importance when you live on the other side of the world!