From Queen’s University in Canada, Professor Paul Kubes is at the forefront of real-time imaging of the immune system. He has pioneered the use of intravital microscopy to study leukocyte recruitment and trafficking, published over 400 original papers and has received numerous awards for his work on dissecting mechanisms of neutrophil and macrophage behaviour in the vasculature and tissue.
He is hosted by Irina Udalova and Mike Dustin for the duration of this academic year. Irina said: ‘It is a great pleasure to have Paul at the Kennedy and are looking forward to his unmatched insights into the research projects of the Kennedy, contribution to the development of new imaging approaches and participation in a wider life of the Medical Sciences Division. We have many events currently in planning, including the famous Newton Abraham lecture in late Spring.’
On 9 December Paul will be presenting a talk entitled “Live cell imaging unveils novel innate immune biology” as part of the Kennedy Institute’s external seminar series. Hosted by Mike Dustin, the talk will highlight how imaging a really simple model of injury has helped us to understand some very basic mechanisms of immune healing. ‘I hope to bust some dogma and my talk will hopefully entertain trainees and professors from various fields of medical science. Some personal anecdotes will be shared,’ said Paul.
Professor Dame Fiona Powrie, Director of the Institute said: ‘Paul’s work is stellar and we are so delighted to be able to learn from him about deciphering immune cell dynamics. He brings a strong commitment to and enthusiasm for graduate training and we look forward to hosting him at the Kennedy for the academic year.’
Commenting on his time at Oxford Paul said: ‘I have been having a lot of fun at Oxford from attending a dinner at the high table to speaking to new students. It’s given me time to think about science. I have even been in the imaging centre looking at cells using some of the most cutting-edge microscopes. Everyone has been so welcoming and interactive that it has kept me very busy in a very positive way. I look forward to the new year when we can start collaborations where some of my trainees will visit, and we will do some really cool imaging.’