On Wednesday night, Dr Mackay was named Australia's Life Scientist of the Year. She was among seven scientists, school teachers and research teams from across Australia recognised with a Prime Minister's Science Prize the nation's top science awards. This year five of the seven prizes were awarded to women. All winners will share in $750,000 in prize money.
"This new field really is going to change the way we make new vaccines," Dr Mackay told The Age.
Her work focuses on the role of the body's T cells, referred to as the "foot soldiers" of the immune system.
Previously, scientists imagined these cells patrolling around our body through our blood stream, always watching for new infections. But they aren't just in our blood they are also in our skin, lungs, gut and brain.
"What was overlooked for a long time purely from not looking in the right place was if you go into the skin or the lung, we found healthy T cells in there too, and we found they were different," says Dr Mackay, who is based at Melbourne's Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.
Rather than patrolling, the cells have dug trenches and set up a permanent fortress against attack. They are able to attack a virus as soon as it enters the skin or lungs an immediate, powerful form of immunity.
Loading
"They are ready to go. They are frontline troops," says Professor Turner. "What Laura has been able to do is really nut out how these cells are generated in the first place. How are they made, and how they stay in the tissue."
Dr Mackay's discovery has scientists working to determine if this new-found layer of defence can be used to create better vaccines.
The vaccines we use today are designed to train patrolling T cells to catch and kill invaders. A vaccine that trained both patrolling and fortified cells could be much more powerful. Two new vaccines incorporating the technology, for malaria and HIV, are now in the early stages of testing.
Immunotherapy, a cutting-edge new anti-cancer weapon, is able to train immune cells to attack cancer. Scientists are now working to see if we can train the frontline cells living in our skin to attack tumours.
The work also has implications for allergy treatments. Skin-based immune cells could be behind allergic reactions like the red rashes that break out on the skin of people with eczema.
Emeritus Professor Cheryl Praeger from the University of Western Australia took out the top prize for her work on mathematical theory.
Emeritus Professor Cheryl Praeger, winner of the Prime Minister's Prize for Science.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
Professor Praeger specialises in group theory, a type of mathematics important in cryptography the art of writing or solving codes. Her work has also contributed to search engine design, and she mentored Akshay Venkatesh, the Australian winner of the 2018 Fields Medal mathematics equivalent of a Nobel prize.
She was only the second woman ever appointed a mathematics professor at an Australian university, and now has more than 410 publications to her name.
"What I love about mathematics is the way that it explains the world. It makes sense of the world," she said.
The University of Sydneys Associate Professor Elizabeth New was named Physical Scientist of the Year for developing new tools to watch what happens inside cells in real time.
Liam is The Age and Sydney Morning Herald's science reporter
See more here:
Our top scientists and the discovery that could revolutionise cancer, eczema treatment - The Age
- Eczema: Read About Symptoms and Medications [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- Dermatitis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- Eczema and Your Skin | Eczema Types, Symptoms, Causes, and ... [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- Kangen Water Testimony - Eczema, Weight Loss, Headaches - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- Controlling eczema - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2014]
- Eczema update! - When To Seek Medical Attention - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2014]
- My Makeup Routine For Eczema & Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2014]
- Dyson launches humidifier to combat eczema and psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- Sanofi, Regeneron Begin Phase 3 Study For Eczema Drug Dupilumab [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- Ayurvedic treatment for Atopic Eczema - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- How To Treating Eczema at Home? EASY! Find it On This Video - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- Topical BioMedics Announces "Soothe the Skin They're in," a New Program for Children Who Suffer with Eczema [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Vitamin D Might Help Kids With Eczema [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Edguard tube cream for acne, eczema, scars and pregnancy blemishes - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Cara Veldman #1848200 Eczema Cream - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Tampa dermatologists clinical trial for sufferers of eczema ongoing [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- Eczema - A recurrent rash everyone complains about [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- My Essentials for Dry Skin & Eczema - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- Taking a 'Selfie' May Help With Dermatology Care, Study Shows [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- EP.2 Cures Thermales : Business ou Sant ? - EczemaHelp - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- EP.1 Cures Thermales : Business ou Sant ? - EczemaHelp - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- Home remedy for eczema - Beat eczema - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- Trailer - EczemaHelp - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- Family First: Calming the symptoms of severe eczema [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- what causes eczema - Eczema Free Providing ... [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- Atopic eczema - Treatment - NHS Choices - Your health ... [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- Atopic dermatitis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- Atopic eczema - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- Eczema Treatment Options : How To Cure Eczema & Home Remedies For Eczema - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2014]
- How SELFIES can help cure skin conditions [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Eczema linked to bone fractures, injuries in new Northwestern study [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Adult eczema may be unrecognized risk factor for fracture, other injuries [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Mom Tips: Relief for Baby Eczema - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- BEST BABY ECZEMA PRODUCTS - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Eczema Tied to Bone Fracture Risk in Study [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Accident prone eczema patients [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Eczema girl's agony is over thanks to allergen-busting extra washing machine rinse cycles [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2014]
- Helping Healing Eva's Eczema with Applied Kinesiology - Video [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2014]
- Eczema May Increase Risk of Injury - Video [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2014]
- treatmyeczema [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2014]
- My Eczema Care Routine March 2014 | ... ... [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2014]
- The Psoriasis Eczema Skin Puzzle #42 - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2014]
- Can some patients' bodies become 'addicted' to topical steroids? [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- How To Treat Eczema Naturally Review DO NATURAL REMEDIES REALLY WORK - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- I Will Beat Anyone I Find Eczema On His/Her Body - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- Proper amount of bathing and moisturizing your baby may help prevent skin disease [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2014]
- How to get rid of super dry skin psoriasis, eczema and more! - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2014]
- Easy Homemade Remedy For Eczema - Pulse Daily - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2014]
- Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2014]
- aveeno eczema moisturizing cream | Sample Promo - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Psoriasis & Eczema : Rain soul by Johnny - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- aveeno baby eczema therapy moisturising cream | Sample Promo - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2014]
- aveeno baby eczema therapy reviews | Sample Promo - Video [Last Updated On: November 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 18th, 2014]
- Peanut in household dust linked to peanut allergies, especially for children with eczema [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- Peanut in household dust linked to peanut allergy in children with eczema during infancy [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- 10 Tips to Manage Psoriasis and Eczema this Winter [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- Tampa dermatologist excited over eczema clinical trial results [Last Updated On: November 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2014]
- aveeno baby eczema moisturizing cream | Sample Promo - Video [Last Updated On: November 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2014]
- Why I am sharing my eczema journey and what I deal with everyday living with eczema - Video [Last Updated On: November 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2014]
- Cetaphil Restoraderm Restoring Formulated Eczema - Video [Last Updated On: November 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2014]
- Cetaphil Restoraderm Restoring Moisturizer 10 Fluid - Video [Last Updated On: November 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2014]
- Childhood Eczema Cure With Kangen Water - Testimonial - Video [Last Updated On: November 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 22nd, 2014]
- Natural Remedies for Eczema - The Best Eczema Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2014]
- Eczema in Kids - Read More About It - Video [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2014]
- Hypoallergenic labels may not be accurate [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2014]
- Danielle Sheehan's life transformed after Botox eradicates her eczema [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2014]
- Eczema's effects can be bone-deep [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2014]
- New recommendations for treating kids with eczema [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2014]
- Eczema cases rising among U.S. children [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2014]
- Eczema Cases Rising Among U.S. Children: Report [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2014]
- New guidelines released for treating kids with eczema - Video [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2014]
- TCM Recipe Natural Herbal Eczema Cream Review - Video [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2014]
- New product to heal eczema to use topically and progress pictures - Video [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2014]
- 15 Proven Natural Cures for Eczema - Baby dermatitis: how ... [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2014]
- Aveeno Moisturizing Bar - Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream - Video [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2014]
- How to psychologically & physically confront eczema in you. - Video [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2014]
- Woman, 21, left looking sunburnt by severe eczema finally has the perfect complexion - thanks to a 'magical' cream [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2014]
- Aveeno Baby Sunscreen - Aveeno Baby Coupons - Aveeno Baby Eczema - Video [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2014]
- How I cured my eczema in just over 10 days and you can to. My personal review - Video [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2014]