Congratulations to Homerton Fellow, Professor Ravindra Gupta, on winning the 2023 Translational Microbiology Prize for making an exceptional contribution to microbiology through his research on SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccines.
The Microbiology Society’s prizes recognise excellence and are awarded to those making significant contributions in the field of microbiology, based on nominations from the membership.
Winners are selected for their work to advance understanding of microbiology and champion the contribution made by microbiology, members, and their work in addressing global challenges.
Professor Gupta, an infectious disease consultant at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) and a University of Cambridge professor, is winner of the Translational Microbiology Prize. In Spring 2020 Professor Gupta’s team introduced the SAMBA II point of care test into clinical practice at Addenbrooke’s for the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19.
His lab studied the evolution of the virus, the response to antibody-based therapies, and new variants. He became a co-opted member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG), which advises Government.
Professor Gupta has been Professor of Clinical Microbiology at the Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Diseases since 2019 and has worked extensively in HIV drug resistance, contributing globally. His lab works between the UK and the Africa Health Research Institute in Durban, South Africa.
He was named as one of the world’s most influential researchers in the Clarivate 2022 list of Highly Cited Researchers, two years after he was named by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People. He is also an elected Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Commenting on his award, Professor Gupta, said:
“It represents a recognition of the work of my team and our collaborators over the years in applying scientific knowledge to combat viruses such as HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. This award from an internationally reputed organisation in infectious diseases also provides impetus to continue our endeavours with ever greater passion and commitment.”