While the ways we research, diagnose and treat the immune system have changed considerably in recent decades, there is much still to learn about this uniquely complex system.
The immune system is central to life and problems with it cause or exacerbate a vast range of health issues. This includes debilitating autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis that collectively affect up to 10% of the population. Treatments for immune diseases are limited, and in some cases don’t exist.
Sir Gus said that he was excited to see what discoveries this professorship could deliver in the essential area of immune health research.
“I was very fortunate to be involved with immunology at an early stage of the science, and we have come a long way. But there is a lot more work to do before we have a full understanding of the immune system and related diseases,” he said.
“With this family donation, our aim is to support an exceptional scientist to help WEHI continue its global leadership in the field.
“It is humbling that WEHI intends to establish this position in perpetuity which will allow my family to remain connected with this wonderful institution into the future, as they have indicated a desire to do.”
Sir Gus’ daughter, Kate Nossal, added: “Our family’s desire to support WEHI comes from our longstanding personal relationship with this internationally renowned organisation.
“We see that the culture of collaboration and innovation established by Gus and his contemporaries continues, and this gives us confidence we can trust further generations of WEHI scientists to continue to make groundbreaking discoveries.”
WEHI director Professor Ken Smith commended Sir Gus and the Nossal family for their vision, leadership and generosity in establishing the Sir Gustav Nossal Professor of Immunology.
“Sir Gus knows as well as any that science is a team effort. We’re so grateful to the Nossal family for this wonderful donation, for their innovative and inspiring concept for the professorship, and for their enduring connection to WEHI and Australian science.”
Sir Gus added: “We live in an age where good science is particularly important. In that regard, I note that WEHI intends to grow this fund further to eventually support the whole lab team of the Nossal Professor in perpetuity.
“We hope that others will follow our lead and donate generously to this fund, or to the support of other scientific research, given how important private support is to Australian medical research.”
Donations to support the work of the Sir Gustav Nossal Professor of Immunology Fund can be made online at or by contacting the Fundraising and Philanthropy Office via phone 03 9345 2403 or email fundraising@wehi.edu.au
The international recruitment search is being led by Marcus Engeman at Alumni Global.
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Header image: Sir Gustav Nossal with his children and WEHI director Professor Ken Smith. Back L–R: Michael Nossal, Kate Nossal, Professor Ken Smith, Dr Brigid Nossal, Stephen Nossal. Front: Sir Gustav Nossal
