An honorary degree to a 'father of autoimmunity'
Professor Ian Mackay AM
An international icon in the field of immunology, often described as one of the ‘fathers of autoimmunity’, has been presented with an honorary degree from Monash University.
Monash Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel AM conferred the honorary Doctor of Laws upon Professor Ian Mackay AM at a graduation ceremony last week.
Dr Finkel said the University has been honoured to have Professor Mackay as a colleague.
“His outstanding leadership in his field for over 60 years is reflected in his international reputation and the respect and affection in which he is held,” Dr Finkel said.
Professor Mackay has been associated with the University for the past 25 years since his retirement from the Walter and Eliza Institute and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
In his time at the University, he has published over 340 research papers. He continues to be active in research and is a highly regarded mentor, reviewer and commentator.
Professor Mackay’s contributions to immunology, and autoimmunity in particular, have been prodigious. He developed the underlying notions of autoimmune disease in the late 1950s, co-authored an authoritative monograph with Sir Frank Burnet in 1963, and in 1985 co-edited the definitive reference book on autoimmunity, which is now in its fourth edition.
Professor Mackay’s work over the decades has been characterised by the application of the latest technologies, and collaboration across his influential international networks.