Professor Dr Sarina Ravens received the Ita-Askonas Prize 2024 of the European Federation of Immunologicial Societies (EFIS), endowed with 20,000 euros, on 4 September at this year’s European Congress of Immunology in Dublin.
EFIS is the association of all immunology societies in Europe. The award recognises outstanding female immunologists who have led their own research group for four to eight years. The award is named after the British immunologist Brigitte A. Askonas (known as Ita), who died in 2013.
Sarina Ravens has been leading several externally funded research projects at the Institute of Immunology at Hannover Medical School (MHH) since 2018. Since 2020, she has held the W2 professorship for Human Systems Biology within the RESIST Cluster of Excellence. The scientist and her research group are investigating the biology of gamma delta T cells using systems biology approaches. These cells are among the first highly functional T cells that develop before birth and thus ensure a good start in life.
With the Ita Askonas Prize, the EFIS is honouring Prof. Ravens’ research, as it enables a better understanding of the development, maturation and functionality of the gamma delta T cells of the immune system. This is important for newborns and infants, but also for adults – especially for patients after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Professor Ravens has published her research findings in leading international journals and has received highly prestigious international scientific awards.