Climbing the Immune Ladder: Steps for Success in Science

iiSIAR
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Climbing the Immune Ladder: Steps for Success in Science is created by iiSIAR (EFIS-affiliated Study Group on innate immunity in Sterile inflammation, Autoimmunity, and their Resolution) and spotlights career journeys of accomplished scientists in immunology around the world. Through candid discussions between young Study Group members and leaders in the field, Climbing the Immune Ladder offers inspiration, practical advice, and fresh perspectives for anyone pursuing or curious about a career in science. More about iiSIAR: https://events.ortra.com/iisiarStudyGroup/

  1. Sep 30

    From Tissue Repair to Research Leadership with Valerie Horsley

    How do tissues heal, and what does it take to build a successful scientific career? In this episode of Climbing the Immune Ladder, Yale University Professor Valerie Horsley shares her scientific journey from studying muscle regeneration to leading pioneering research on wound healing, inflammation, and tissue repair. She discusses her lab's discoveries on the role of fat cells, macrophages, and metabolism in regulating healing, and how emerging technologies such as single-cell sequencing and AI are transforming the field. Beyond the science, Valerie reflects on mentorship, leadership, navigating uncertainty in academia, and the importance of science communication and public engagement. An inspiring conversation about curiosity, resilience, and the people behind scientific discovery. More from Valerie Horsley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-horsley-43141844/ Yale School of Medicine: https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/valerie-horsley/ More from iiSIAR: Website: https://events.ortra.com/iisiarStudyGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iisiar/ Hosts: Blandine Baffert: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/blandine-baffert-047043172/) Shahar Levy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar-levy-6b304324b/) Editing: Nina Visocnik (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-visocnik-a22704198/) Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: GGH9KSS7MBGVGYFK

  2. Sep 28

    From macrophages to scientific leadership with Elizabeth Kovacs

    How can studying the immune response to severe injury reveal connections between organs and help discover unexpected paths to a successful scientific career? In this episode of Climbing the Immune Ladder: Steps for Success in Science, hosts Janine Lückgen and Priya Goswami sit down with Professor Elizabeth (Liz) Kovacs, Professor and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Liz shares her journey from studying cell biology and falling in love with macrophages to investigating innate immunity and inflammation following severe trauma. She explains how injury can trigger systemic immune responses affecting distant organs, and discusses the roles of aging, sex, the gut barrier, and the microbiome in shaping these responses. Beyond the science, she reflects on the unexpected moments and collaborations that shaped her career, the importance of following clinical questions, and how curiosity and openness to new opportunities can lead research in surprising directions. She also shares practical advice on leadership, public speaking, grant writing, mentorship, and balancing an academic career with life outside the lab. In this episode you'll learn: How curiosity about macrophages shaped Elizabeth Kovacs' scientific careerHow severe injury can trigger inflammation across multiple organ systemsWhy the gut, microbiome, and distant organs are important in understanding traumaHow clinician-scientist collaborations can generate new research directionsWhy unexpected opportunities and “thinking outside the box” can shape a careerHow to build and lead a collaborative research groupWhy clear scientific communication and public speaking are essential career skillsPractical strategies for writing successful grant applicationsThe importance of mentorship, resilience, and building a scientific communityHow to stay curious and think critically in an increasingly data- and AI-driven research landscape  More from Elizabeth Kovacs: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-j-kovacs-0858a08/  University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Surgery: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-colorado-department-of-surgery/   More from iiSIAR: Website: https://events.ortra.com/iisiarStudyGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iisiar/   Hosts: Janine Lückgen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-lueckgen/) Priya Goswami (https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-goswami-168489214/) Editing: Janine Lückgen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-lueckgen/)   Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: KTULBBWRPTV68CJQ

  3. Jul 30

    From efferocytosis to scientific authenticity with Ira Tabas

    How can understanding how the body clears dead cells lead to entirely new treatments for heart and metabolic disease? In this episode of Climbing the Immune Ladder: Steps for Success in Science, hosts Laura Arosa and Blandine Baffert sit down with Professor Ira Tabas, Richard J. Stock Professor and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Medicine at Columbia University. Ira shares his remarkable scientific journey - from washing laboratory glassware as an undergraduate to becoming a world leader in the study of macrophages, efferocytosis, and inflammation resolution. He explains how curiosity about cardiovascular disease led him into immunology, why defective clearance of dead cells drives chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and how these discoveries are opening the door to innovative therapeutic strategies. Beyond the science, he reflects on the importance of passion, resilience, mentorship, and building collaborative research environments. He also discusses the future of biomedical research, including the growing role of AI in accelerating scientific discovery, and shares practical advice for early-career researchers navigating academia. Whether you're a student, postdoc, clinician, or established scientist, this episode offers valuable insights into translational immunology, scientific leadership, and building a meaningful career in research. In this episode you'll learn: How curiosity and a passion for solving problems shaped Ira Tabas' scientific careerWhy macrophages and efferocytosis are central to tissue repair and inflammation resolutionHow defective clearance of dead cells contributes to atherosclerosis and MASHThe journey from fundamental discovery to developing new therapeutic strategiesWhy understanding disease mechanisms is essential for successful drug developmentHow AI and emerging technologies are transforming biomedical researchThe importance of choosing the right mentors, collaborators, and research questionsPractical strategies for leading successful research teams and mentoring young scientistsWhy resilience, authenticity, and intellectual independence are essential for scientific successCareer advice for the next generation of researchers pursuing translational science More from Ira Tabas: https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/departments-centers/department-medicine/research/research-labs/tabas-lab More from iiSIAR: Website: https://events.ortra.com/iisiarStudyGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iisiar/   Hosts: Laura Arosa (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-arosa-garcía-173b65201/) Blandine Baffert (https://www.linkedin.com/in/blandine-baffert-047043172/) Editing: Janine Lückgen Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 9TXFAZSGNU9H9P1S This EFIS-HEEL podcast episode is sponsored by HEEL pharmaceutical.

  4. Jul 9

    From Curiosity to Cure with Georg Schett

    What does it take to build a career that changes medicine? In this episode of Climbing the Immune Ladder: Steps for Success in Science, hosts Janine Lückgen and Salma Rizo-Téllez sit down with Professor Georg Schett, Vice President for Research and Chair of Internal Medicine at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany. Professor Schett shares how one inspiring mentor sparked his lifelong passion for immunology, how clinical observations led his team to pioneer CAR T-cell therapy for severe autoimmune diseases, and why the most transformative discoveries often begin with bold ideas that challenge conventional thinking. Beyond the science, he offers candid advice for early-career researchers on publishing meaningful work, finding great mentors, building collaborative teams, navigating academia andindustry, and maintaining resilience throughout a scientific career. Whether you're a student, postdoc, clinician, or established researcher, this conversation is filled with practical insights and inspiration for anyone passionate about advancing immunology. In this episode you'll learn: How an inspiring mentor launched Georg Schett's scientific careerWhy physician-scientists play a unique role in medical discoveryThe story behind the first successful CAR T-cell treatment for severe lupusHow academic-industry collaborations accelerate innovationWhy originality matters more than publication numbersPractical advice for writing impactful scientific papersBuilding successful research teams through collaboration and mentorshipManaging setbacks, criticism, and scientific uncertaintyThe evolving role of AI and data science in biomedical researchCareer advice for young scientists considering academia, industry, or both  More from iiSIAR: Website: https://events.ortra.com/iisiarStudyGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iisiar/   Hosts: Janine Lückgen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-lueckgen/) Salma Rizo-Téllez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/salma-a-rizo-tellez-802a9085/)   Editing: Janine Lückgen Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 8XL3FZPPUHDUFT9L This EFIS-HEEL podcast episode is sponsored by HEEL pharmaceutical.

    From Curiosity to Cure with Georg Schett

  5. May 22

    From Resolvins to Research Leadership with Charles Serhan

    In this episode of Climbing the Immune Ladder, we sit down with pioneering immunologist Prof. Charles Serhan to explore the discoveries that transformed our understanding of inflammation and healing. Known for uncovering the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) known as resolvins, Charles shares the scientific journey behind the field of resolution biology – from early mentorships and Nobel Prize-winning environments to the breakthrough moments that changed inflammation research forever. But this conversation goes far beyond the lab bench. Charles reflects on the role of passion, persistence, mentorship, and scientific curiosity in building a meaningful career in science. He discusses why young scientists need scientific heroes, how communication skills shape successful researchers, and why some of his biggest discoveries came only after stepping away from the problem and letting the mind reset. We also dive into: The discovery of resolvins, lipoxins, and pro-resolving mediatorsHow the body actively resolves inflammationThe future of inflammation and neurodegenerative disease researchLeadership, collaboration, and mentoring in academiaThe challenges facing the next generation of scientistsWhy entrepreneurship and communication matter more than ever in researchWhether you're early in your research career or interested in how major scientific fields develop, this episode offers perspective on both the science and the career journey behind it. More from Charles Serhan: Website: https://serhanlab.bwh.harvard.edu/   More from iiSIAR: Website: https://events.ortra.com/iisiarStudyGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iisiar/   Hosts: Blandine Baffert (https://www.linkedin.com/in/blandine-baffert-047043172/) Paul M. Jordan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmjordan/) Editing: Janine Lückgen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-lueckgen/) This EFIS-HEEL podcast episode is sponsored by HEEL pharmaceutical.

    From Resolvins to Research Leadership with Charles Serhan

  6. May 1

    Why Great Science Is Built on Mistakes and Adaptation with Mauro Teixeira

    In this episode of Climbing the Immune Ladder, we sit down with immunologist Prof. Mauro Teixeira to explore how inflammation research, infectious disease, and global health challenges intersect with the realities of building a scientific career. Known for his work on chemokines, infection, and the resolution of inflammation, Mauro Teixeira shares the scientific journey behind his transition from early studies on leukocyte migration to a broader focus on how inflammation resolves and why this process is central to understanding disease and recovery. He reflects on key turning points in his career, including unexpected findings in germ-free mouse models that helped shape new directions in his research, as well as the realities of working in resource-limited environments and how these constraints can influence scientific thinking and discovery. Beyond the lab, Mauro discusses how meaningful scientific careers are built in practice – through adaptation, collaboration, and persistence rather than linear paths or isolated breakthroughs. He also shares his perspective on how pandemic preparedness, particularly during COVID-19, depends on long-term scientific capability rather than rapid reinvention in times of crisis. We also explore: The role of inflammation resolution in health and diseaseHow unexpected experimental results can redirect scientific thinkingBuilding and sustaining research programs in constrained environmentsLessons from dengue and COVID-19 researchWhy most scientific progress happens step by step, not through single breakthroughsThe importance of collaboration and communication in scienceWhether you're interested in immunology or the broader realities of scientific careers, this episode offers insight into how research directions evolve alongside the people who pursue them. More from Mauro Teixeira: Instagram: @imunofar_ufmg  More from iiSIAR: Website: https://events.ortra.com/iisiarStudyGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iisiar/   Hosts: Shahar Levy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar-levy-6b304324b/) Priya Goswami (https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-goswami-168489214/)   Editing: Janine Lückgen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-lueckgen/) This EFIS-HEEL podcast episode is sponsored by HEEL pharmaceutical.

    Why Great Science Is Built on Mistakes and Adaptation with Mauro Teixeira

  7. 12/09/2025

    Interview with Leila Akkari

    In this episode of the Immune Ladder podcast, hosts Salma Rizo-Téllez and Ewa Oleszycka engage with Leila Akkari from the Netherlands Cancer Institute. They explore her research on macrophages in cancer, her personal journey in science, and the motivations that drive her work. Leila shares key discoveries, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of balancing a scientific career with personal life. The conversation emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches and effective communication in advancing research.   More from Leila Akkari: Website: https://www.nki.nl/research/research-groups/leila-akkari LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/leila-akkari-79806551 Bluesky: @leilaakkari.bsky.social   More from iiSIAR: https://events.ortra.com/iisiarStudyGroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/iisiar/     Hosts: Salma Rizo-Téllez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/salma-a-rizo-tellez-802a9085/) Ewa Oleszycka (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewa-oleszycka-429b89308/)   Editing: Janine Lückgen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-lueckgen/)

    Interview with Leila Akkari

  8. 12/02/2025

    Interview with Steffen Jung

    In this episode of Climbing the Immune Ladder, hosts Chiara Testini and Janine Lückgen engage in a deep conversation with Professor Steffen Jung from the Weizmann Institute of Science about his research on mononuclear phagocytes and the tools developed in his lab. They explore his career trajectory, pivotal moments, and the importance of sharing research tools with the scientific community. The discussion also covers strategies for identifying impactful research questions, overcoming challenges in science, and maintaining a work-life balance. Steffen emphasizes the significance of curiosity, collaboration, and the need for a more efficient publishing process in advancing scientific knowledge.   More from iiSIAR: https://events.ortra.com/iisiarStudyGroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/iisiar/     Hosts: Chiara Testini (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiara-testini-7718519b/) Janine Lückgen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-lueckgen/)     Editing: Janine Lückgen

    Interview with Steffen Jung
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Climbing the Immune Ladder: Steps for Success in Science is created by iiSIAR (EFIS-affiliated Study Group on innate immunity in Sterile inflammation, Autoimmunity, and their Resolution) and spotlights career journeys of accomplished scientists in immunology around the world. Through candid discussions between young Study Group members and leaders in the field, Climbing the Immune Ladder offers inspiration, practical advice, and fresh perspectives for anyone pursuing or curious about a career in science. More about iiSIAR: https://events.ortra.com/iisiarStudyGroup/

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