We recently recruited two new members to our Board of Trustees. Trustees are responsible for overseeing the business activities of the BSI and bring a wealth of skills and experience to help ensure the BSI is well-run, financially sound, and that we meet our charitable aims and objectives. Here we find out more about the Board’s two newest members.
Lee Booty
Industry Trustee
My journey to immunology was somewhat unconventional! During my undergraduate degree, I chose to focus on molecular enzymology over immunology. It wasn’t until my PhD, where I explored mitochondrial function, that I became increasingly intrigued by the intersection between cellular signalling and immune responses, particularly in the context of autoimmune diseases.
After my postdoctoral studies, I joined GSK in 2017 as part of their Immunology Network, an innovative academia–industry hybrid model. This opportunity allowed me to merge my academic interests in immunometabolism, immunological cell death and regulatory immunology with real-world applications in drug discovery. It was a privilege to lead talented academic scientists on secondment, working together to address key immunological challenges across GSK’s research pipeline, from target discovery through to clinical assets.
In November 2024, I moved to Melbourne, Australia, to join the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) as part of the WEHI Ventures group, where I now serve as a Venture Principal Scientist. My role involves leading and funding pre-seed and seed programmes emerging from academic research, helping to translate these discoveries into impactful solutions for patients.
My involvement with the BSI began with attending Congress and local events, where I was inspired by the supportive, community-driven atmosphere, especially for students and early career researchers. When the Industry Trustee role became available, I was thrilled to contribute to the BSI's mission. I’m excited to work with my fellow Board members to continue enhancing the engagement of industry with the BSI and to support its members in their professional journeys. Please feel free to reach out if you have anything to discuss regarding the BSI and industry!
Nick Hartigan
Co-opted Trustee
I joined the BSI’s Board of Trustees in January 2025 as a co-opted member. I am also a member of the Finance Sub-Committee, which supports the Board’s work on finance, risk, investments and audit matters. My background is principally as a senior lawyer working for large, listed organisations across a range of sectors, but I also have extensive commercial experience as a company secretary and senior executive working with boards and executive committees.
I applied for this role due to my strong personal interest in immunology – the chance to use my skills and experience to support the BSI towards its vision of better health for all through immunology was too good an opportunity to pass up! I am excited to support the BSI through the next four years of my term and look forward to connecting with members and stakeholders during this time.