Dr Sarah Sasson, a Clinical Immunologist/Immunopathologist and Scientia Senior Lecturer has been appointed program head for the Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program (IVPP).
Dr Sasson has had a long association with The Kirby Institute, initially completing her Honours year in 2002 under the supervision of Professor Anthony Kelleher. Dr Sasson then undertook a PhD in the regulation of the antiviral immune response at UNSW, and postdoctoral studies at the University of Oxford investigating autoimmune toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Her research at the Kirby Institute has concentrated on human translational immunology, in particular the role of T cells in the control of cancers and the immunological drivers and sequalae of sepsis, as well as the control of COVID-19 in immunocompromised people.
“The Kirby Institute IVPP team are making important contributions to laboratory research in HIV, SARS-CoV-2 and HPV, and I’m delighted to take up the role of program head,” says Dr Sasson, who has been a Scientia Senior Lecturer in the IVPP team since her return from Oxford in 2020.
“I’m particularly excited about the ground breaking work being done to manufacture and deliver small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in partnership with the UNSW RNA institute. There are possibilities here for new classes of drugs which have the potential to be used in a wide variety of infectious diseases.”
The position of program head was previously held by Kirby Institute Director, Prof Kelleher, who has stepped down from the role to allow more time to focus on Institute-level activities and strategies.
“Having worked closely with Sarah for many years, I am confident that with her research acumen, thoughtful communication style and her exceptional leadership strengths, she will carry the Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program’s research agenda forward ensuring it remains contemporary.
“Sarah’s clinical insights and strong understanding of immunology has allowed her to develop strong partnerships across the Kirby Institute and to build new and important external collaborations.”