Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes
Research Institutions: The University of Queensland, Frazer Institute, Translational Research Institute
OCRF priorities the researcher addresses: Treatment
Their OCRF-funded research projects: Engineering immunotherapies to combat ovarian cancer
The immune system doesn’t always behave the way we want, it can fail to respond or respond too much. Understanding that is key to developing better therapies.”
About Associate Professor Guimaraes’ research
Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes specialises in the development of cancer immunotherapies, with a particular focus on natural killer (NK) cells. His research aims to harness the immune system to better recognise and eliminate cancer cells, particularly in cancers where current treatments are less effective.
By studying how immune cells behave across different diseases including ovarian cancer, he aims to develop immunotherapy approaches with the potential to be applied more broadly across cancer types.
His work has a strong emphasis on translation; discoveries in the laboratory that can be developed into treatments that improve patient outcomes.
Background
Originally from Brazil, Associate Professor Guimaraes began his research career in immunology and infectious disease, completing his PhD at the Pasteur Institute in Paris.
During this time, a personal experience had a profound impact on his career direction.
My PhD supervisor was battling colorectal cancer, and she passed away as I finished. Seeing her health going downhill really triggered my focus on immunotherapy in cancer research. Australia was a country that was active in this area.”
He moved to Australia to continue this work, undertaking postdoctoral research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), where he expanded his focus on cancer and immune system interactions.
Now based at the University of Queensland’s Frazer Institute and the Translational Research Institute, he leads a research team focused on developing next-generation immunotherapies across cancer and other diseases.
Career highlights
- Internationally recognised researcher in NK cell biology and cancer immunotherapy.
- More than 100 peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals.
- Chief Investigator on major national and international grants, including NHMRC and MRFF funding.
- Recipient of multiple awards recognising research excellence and mentorship.
Collaborative impact
Collaboration is central to Associate Professor Guimaraes’ work. His research brings together expertise across immunology, cancer biology and clinical research, alongside partnerships with biotechnology companies working to translate discoveries into new treatments.
Working across different cancers across academic, clinical and industry settings, he hopes to accelerate the development of new therapies and bring them closer to patients.
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