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The Daniel Rechtman Research Award (DRRA) was established in 2022 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of CASS Medicine/Science grants and support short-term, high-impact research that could revolutionise healthcare practices in Australia and beyond, with the Doherty Institute chosen as the designated eligible organisation from 2022 to 2024.

Through a competitive selection process, the CASS Foundation has supported three groundbreaking research projects through the DRRA, led by early-to-mid-career researchers at the Doherty Institute.

Titled, ‘Proof-of-concept for a rationally designed universal influenza B vaccine,’ Dr Koutaskos’ project aims to address the constant evolution of influenza viruses, particularly influenza B.

Influenza B viruses typically account for a quarter of influenza infections every year, and up to 50 per cent of influenza-related paediatric deaths in some years.

Dr Koutsakos, whose research on influenza has garnered significant media attention in recent years, expressed his gratitude to the CASS Foundation for supporting his work, which could change the future of influenza prevention.

“Influenza viruses constantly evolve, which means that current vaccines targeting specific variants need to have regular updates,” said Dr Koutsakos.

“A universal vaccine could protect against all strains without yearly reformulation, but its development is challenging due to the difficulty of identifying a target that provides strong, broad immunity.

“This project will focus on a previously overlooked part of the virus that doesn't change over time and has the potential to generate a protective immune response. We will produce vaccine prototypes and conduct critical tests, hoping to accelerate the development of a broad-spectrum vaccine.

“Our research has broader implications for vaccine design, potentially informing vaccine approaches to viruses like influenza A and coronaviruses,” he said.

The first two recipients of this award are undertaking immunity research at the Doherty. Dr Susan Christo, a postdoctoral researcher, received the inaugural DRRA in 2022, to investigate how some immune cells found in melanoma can evade radiation therapy during cancer treatment, with potential for improving radiation therapy. Research Officer Dr Sapna Devi received the 2023 award to research the impact of stress signals on anti-tumour immunity and advance fundamental understanding of neuron functions and neuroimmune pathways. 

The University of Melbourne’s Professor Sharon Lewin, Director of the Doherty Institute, congratulated Dr Koutsakos and expressed her gratitude to the CASS Foundation.

“The CASS Foundation's support for talented early and mid-career researchers at the Doherty Institute is a wonderful investment in the future of scientific discovery and the global medical research leaders of tomorrow," Professor Lewin said.

“We are grateful for this partnership and excited to continue building on our shared successes in the coming years.”

Mr David Abraham AM, the Executive Director and Chair of the CASS Foundation, congratulated Dr Koutsakos, noting that his work has demonstrated that the transfer of antibodies targeting previously unappreciated parts of the influenza virus can provide protection from influenza B in animal models.

“The CASS Foundation was encouraged that Dr Koutsakos was hoping to produce vaccine prototypes and that the scientific community may leverage these findings to design novel vaccines against other viruses that keep evolving,” he said.

The CASS Foundation was established in 2001 to support education, science and medicine and continues to promote cutting-edge research through its funding programs.