Posted: 28th April 2025
CSL has unveiled the latest recipients of its prestigious Research Acceleration Initiative (RAI). This year, eight distinguished scientists from around the world have been awarded funding of up to AUD 500,000 over two years to advance their groundbreaking research in biotherapies.
The RAI program is designed to expedite the discovery of innovative treatments through strategic partnerships between CSL and leading research institutions. By providing financial support and access to CSL’s R&D expertise, the initiative aims to foster long-term collaborations that drive the commercialization of promising medical discoveries.
Dr. Marthe D’Ombrain, CSL’s Head of Global Research Innovation, emphasized the competitive nature of the selection process. “This latest group of RAI awardees includes new partnerships in Europe and Australia, demonstrating CSL’s commitment to collaborating with world-class researchers,” she said. “Their research addresses critical unmet medical needs in several therapeutic areas, often where no existing treatments are available.”
The 2025 RAI awardees and their research projects include:
- Associate Professor Severine Navarro (QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia): Developing oral therapeutics from hookworms to help the immune system recognize and ignore self-antigens, potentially reducing autoimmune disease symptoms.
- Professor Fabienne Mackay (QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia): Creating a novel B-cell targeting antibody treatment for Sjogren’s Syndrome to improve patient outcomes.
- Dr. Yves Delneste and Professor Patrick Blanco (INSERM, France): Developing a new therapy for thrombotic microangiopathies to protect endothelial cells and address the disease’s inflammatory and thrombotic properties.
- Professor Bernhard Nieswandt (University of Würzburg, Germany): Investigating novel platelet-related therapeutics for hemorrhagic and thrombo-inflammatory conditions.
- Professor Ian Wicks (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Australia): Developing a biologic therapeutic targeting tissue inflammation in cardiovascular diseases.
- Associate Professor Christina Bursill (University of Adelaide, Australia): Exploring a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Professor Dale Godfrey (University of Melbourne, Australia): Working on a combined COVID-19 and influenza vaccine for more effective seasonal disease management.
Dr. D’Ombrain concluded, “We share the same passion and unwavering dedication as the researchers we partner with to serve patients. We look forward to accelerating and translating their discoveries into real-world treatments.”
