Associate Professor Michelle Tate is a leader in the fields of viral pathogenesis and immunology. After completing her PhD studies at the University of Melbourne in 2010, Michelle was recruited to the Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases within the Hudson Institute of Medical Research. A/Prof Tate currently leads the Viral Immunity and Immunopathology research group and is Deputy Centre Head.

A/Prof Tate’s research interests lie primarily in understanding the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in the development of hyperinflammation and severe disease, particularly during influenza A virus infection. She has made a number of key contributions to understanding how the host immune system can be therapeutically modulated to limit the development of severe influenza disease. Michelle's research has been published in top virology, immunology, and multidisciplinary journals such as PLoS Pathogens, Immunity, eLife, Clinical & Translational Immunology, British Journal of Pharmacology, Journal of Immunology, and Journal of Virology.

In recognition of her achievements, A/Prof Tate has been awarded significant NHMRC grant funding, including Early Career and Career Development Fellowships. She actively and successfully engages with commercial partners to translate her discoveries, with the vision of developing new safe and effective host-directed treatment strategies for pulmonary diseases.

A/Prof Tate has received numerous national and international awards, including the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) Young Tall Poppy Science Award (2018), the Christina Fleischmann Memorial Award (International Cytokine and Interferon Society 2016), Victorian Infection and Immunity Network Career Development Award (2016) and a Commendation for the Victorian Premier’s Award for Health & Medical Research (2011). In addition, A/Prof Tate is a member of the Journal of Virology, Virology Journal, and Pathogens editorial boards.