Jelena Bezbradica Mirkovic, Professor of Immunology
Jelena joined the Kennedy Institute as a Career Development Fellow in 2016 and leads a group that studies how the body's immune system triggers and controls inflammation to fight infection without causing long-term harm. Her research group focuses on understanding a key immune sensor called NLRP3, aiming to help prevent or treat diseases like arthritis, gout, and age-related inflammation.
'The support I have received from the Kennedy Institute, NDORMS and the University has been tremendous since I started my group. They provided my team the independence and freedom to thrive, yet provided gentle guidance when we asked for help. I am immensely grateful for this recognition of all the work my past and current team members have put into understanding the fundamental principles of innate immune responses and inflammation.'
Audrey Gerard, Professor of Immunology
Audrey's research interests focus on the dynamic response of T cells – key players in our immune system – and how they work together to mount a coordinated defence against infections and cancer while avoiding harm to the body. She investigates how these cells communicate and respond as a group, despite each acting differently on their own.
'I'm delighted and honoured to have been awarded the title of Professor of Immunology. I owe this award to the hard work and commitment of the past and present members of my group. This is such an incredible recognition of our contributions to science and dedication to improving research culture.'
Karthik Ramasamy, Professor of Haematology
Karthik is a haematologist specialising in myeloma, a type of blood cancer. His research focuses on improving early diagnosis, personalising myeloma care understanding how the disease affects bones and kidneys, and tackling drug resistance to develop better treatments for patients. He is Clinical Director of the Oxford Translational Myeloma Centre, and research lead for Cancer and Haematology at Oxford University Hospitals NHS FT.
'I am delighted to earn this recognition and will continue to deliver OTMC's mission alongside supporting growth of young talent.'
Sarah Snelling, Professor of Musculoskeletal Science
Sarah studies how musculoskeletal tissues heal after injury or disease. Her research group uses cutting-edge genetic tools to uncover how cells behave in damaged tissues, aiming to improve treatments and diagnostics for conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, fracture and osteosarcoma. She leads the CZI Tendon Seed Network and Ancestrally Inclusive Musculoskeletal Single-Cell Network. Sarah is also the Musculoskeletal Biological Network coordinator for the Human Cell Atlas.
'I am delighted to be awarded the title of Full Professor of Musculoskeletal Science. This recognition reflects not only my work but the unwavering support of my colleagues, collaborators, and the NDORMS community. I'm especially grateful to my exceptional team – past and present – their commitment and curiosity has been absolutely instrumental making this milestone a truly shared achievement.'
NDORMS Head of Department Professor Jonathan Rees said: 'I was delighted to receive confirmation from the University that Audrey, Jelena, Sarah and Karthik have been made full Professors in the 2025 round of awards. This reflects their hard work and many contributions to NDORMS and the University in the domains of research, teaching and citizenship. I'm sure you all join me in congratulating them on this very notable achievement.'