Associate Professor Michelle Tate is a recognised leader in the fields of viral pathogenesis and immunology. After completing her PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2010, she joined the Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research. She now leads the Viral Immunity and Immunopathology research group and serves as Deputy Centre Head.

A/Prof Tate’s research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive hyperinflammation and severe disease, particularly in the context of influenza A virus infection. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of how the host immune response can be therapeutically modulated to reduce the severity of viral disease. Her research has been widely published in leading journals, including PLoS Pathogens, Immunity, eLife, Clinical & Translational Immunology, British Journal of Pharmacology, Journal of Immunology, and Journal of Virology.

In recognition of her contributions, A/Prof Tate has received substantial funding from the NHMRC and MRFF, including both fellowships and grants. She works closely with clinical and commercial partners to translate her discoveries into novel, host-directed therapies for pulmonary diseases, with the goal of developing safer and more effective treatment strategies.

Her achievements have been recognised through 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 from the International Cytokine and Interferon Society (2016), the Victorian Infection and Immunity Network Career Development Award (2016), and a Commendation in the Victorian Premier’s Award for Health & Medical Research (2011).

A/Prof Tate also contributes to the broader scientific community through her roles as an NHMRC peer reviewer, editorial board member for Journal of Virology, Virology Journal, and Pathogens, and active involvement in the Australiasian Virology Society.