My name is Gabrielle Belz, and I am currently a Professor, Laureate Fellow and Group Leader at the Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia. My research focuses on how different types of immune cells develop and generated long-term immune protection or memory, and now we have a major emphasis on understanding how innate and adaptive lymphocytes integrate cytokine and other signals with metabolic and environmental cues to regulate immunity in infection, inflammation, and cancer. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and traveling when possible. I am also a keen cyclist and gardener.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
My name is Gabrielle Belz. I hold a few degrees including a Veterinary degree (BVSc) and a PhD. I am currently a Professor, Laureate Fellow and Group Leader at the Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia, where I lead a research program in immunology and immune regulation.
Where did you do your training?
I completed my doctoral training in veterinary anatomy of secondary lymphoid tissues and lymphatics before venturing into immunology, before undertaking my postdoctoral training in viral immunology focused T cell biology and cytokine regulation with Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty in Memphis, TN. My training spanned both Australian and international (Canada and USA) research environments, which has strongly shaped my interest in fundamental immune mechanisms and translational impact.
Briefly, what is your research about?
My research focuses on how different types of immune cells develop and generated long-term immune protection or memory. I started in killer T cells in viral infections but then have gradually become a bit sidetracked into analysis of innate immune cells. These cells are really fascinating as they interface between the cues of the external environment and the adaptive immune system. They are also involved in tissue repair and tissue homeostasis, and we don’t yet understand how all these functions are orchestrated. So now we have a major emphasis on understanding how innate and adaptive lymphocytes integrate cytokine and other signals with metabolic and environmental cues to regulate immunity in infection, inflammation, and cancer
Tell us your thoughts about the Cytokines Society: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
The Cytokines Society has presented as an incredibly important scientific community. It brings together researchers who are deeply engaged with both the fundamentals and translational aspects of cytokine biology and fosters significant opportunities for early career researchers. Being involved has expanded my world, helped foster collaborations, provided invaluable scientific feedback, and created a supportive international network that has shaped both my research direction and career development. I am looking forward to the next meeting to be held in Glasgow, Scotland. Despite all my travel over the years, I have not yet visited Scotland. I am also looking forward to everyone visiting us in Sydney, Australia in 2027 for the 15th Annual Cytokine Meeting.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Yes, many long-standing friendships and collaborations began at Cytokines meetings. The Society has a unique culture that encourages open discussion, generosity with ideas, and mentorship across career stages, which has made these connections especially enduring and productive.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
Several meetings stand out, particularly those where emerging technologies or conceptual shifts in cytokine biology were first discussed. I’ve especially the combined Cytokine-Innate Lymphoid Cell Joint Meeting in 2022 at Big Island, Hawaii. It was filled with lively discussions that continued well beyond the formal sessions–often leading to new ideas, collaborations, or simply memorable scientific debates. There was a lot of cross-over between the crowds which was fantastic, it turns out that the different groups were not as different as they may have first thought.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and traveling when possible. I am also a keen cyclist and gardener–who knows where combining those will take me.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
Choose problems that genuinely excite you, surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, and don’t be afraid to take intellectual risks. Science is a long game of discovery and puzzle solving, and curiosity and resilience matter as much as productivity to solve important problems.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
I enjoy books and shows that explore human behavior and complex systems—whether through fiction or well-crafted documentaries. Anything that offers a fresh perspective is usually worth the time.
What is your favorite cytokine?
That’s a difficult question—but I’d have to say IL-22, given its central role in immune in mucosal tissue homeostasis and tissue repair by innate lymphoid cells.