Biography

Scott Byrne is a senior researcher and co-Director of the Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research at the Westmead Institute. He is also a Professor of Immunology in the School of Medical Sciences at The University of Sydney.

As leader of the Cellular Photoimmunology Group, Scott’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight modulates immunity. His efforts have led to the identification of a number of immune cells and molecules that can be targeted therapeutically by novel immune modulators. This is allowing his team to design innovative strategies to prevent and treat a range of diseases affected by sunlight exposure including skin cancer, multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Scott is also co-leader of the Autoinflammatory Diseases Group where his team are developing and testing novel immune-modulating drugs that could lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of diseases like psoriasis, dermatitis, wound healing and Inflammatory Bowel Disease / Crohn’s disease.

PUBLICATIONS: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1pOfxNiY1gU/bibliography/public/

MEDIA ANGAGEMENT, PROFILING AND MENTIONS:

  1. Sunlight for Weight Control? Podcast with Scott Byrne
    25 September 2019 – “HumanOS Radio interview with Dan Pardi”
    https://blog.humanos.me/sunlight-weight-control-podcast-scott-byrne/

  2. The Hippocratic Post
    7 Apr 2019 “Q&A with Professor Scott Byrne”
    https://www.hippocraticpost.com/ageing/qa-with-professor-scott-byrne/

  3. Daily Mail UK 6 Apr 2019 “We know sunshine's vital for giving you Vitamin D... but new research reveals why slapping on the sun cream could be bad for your heart”   https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6893899/Slapping-sun-cream-bad-heart-new-research-reveals.html

  4. Let the Sun Shine; New Scientist Magazine
    16 Mar 2019 “Too much sunscreen? Why avoiding the sun could damage your health”
    https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24132210-100-too-much-sunscreen-why-avoiding-the-sun-could-damage-your-health/

  5. Sydney Morning Herald; Good Weekend Magazine
    24 Nov 2018 “Here comes the sun: Defending our summer rays”
    https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/here-comes-the-sun-defending-our-summer-rays-20181120-p50h2j.html

Research Focus

Inflammation, Immunology, Autoimmunity, Tumour immunology, Immunotherapy, Pathology

PUBLICATIONS: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1pOfxNiY1gU/bibliography/public/

Other Affiliations

Associations

Awards and Recognition

2020     Sir Zelman Cowen Universities Fund Prize for Discovery in Medical Research
2020     Australia & New Zealand Society for Immunology; Cheers-Buchan Education Award
2019     Finsen Lecturer Award; International Union of Photobiology
2019     Recognized as a World Expert in “Sunlight”
2016     The University of Sydney’s Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Research and Teaching
2015     Asia & Oceania Society for Photobiology (AOSP) Award for Young Scientists
2011     European Society for Photobiology (ESP) Young Investigator Award
2009     NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Award

Education

2002     PhD, University of Sydney. Doctoral thesis ‘Dendritic cells in ultraviolet radiation-induced immunosuppression and skin tumour regression’
2002     Graduate Certificate in Higher Education; The University of Sydney
1998     Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons I; Cell Pathology); The University of Sydney