New BSI committee members 2026

BSI Board of Trustees: 

Professor Leonie Taams - Chair of the Board of Trustees and BSI President 

"I’m truly honoured to be elected President and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the BSI. I very much look forward to working with our members, committees, office, trustees and CEO to ensure the Society continues to flourish and that, together, we deliver work towards our shared vision: better health for all through immunology."

We are delighted to announce that Professor Leonie Taams has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees and BSI President. Leonie has a wealth of leadership experience, strategic insight and long-standing commitment to the British Society for Immunology. Having been an active member for more than 25 years, she has contributed across key areas of the Society, including serving on the Congress Committee, acting as Congress Secretary, and holding a Trustee position during a period of significant organisational development.

With a strong track record in governance, publishing and academic leadership, including her role as Editor-in-Chief of Clinical & Experimental Immunology, Leonie offers a deep understanding of the Society’s core activities and their importance to the wider immunology community. As a senior academic leader at King’s College London, she brings experience in building collaborative networks and engaging diverse stakeholders across research, healthcare and industry.

In her role as President, Leonie will provide strategic leadership, guiding the Society’s long-term direction while championing its mission to support members, advance immunology and drive positive impact in health. Her focus on strengthening community, supporting careers and ensuring the voice of immunology remains influential and trusted positions her well to lead the BSI through the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the field.

Professor Megan MacLeod - Chair of Member Forum 

"I am delighted to be taking on the role of Forum chair working with BSI members from the across the country to shape the BSI's future. I hope that together we will find ways to nurture people and ideas to ensure the BSI remains relevant and supportive to all its members."

Professor Megan MacLeod brings extensive leadership experience, a strong commitment to inclusion, and a deep understanding of the BSI community to her role as Chair of the Member Representative Forum and Trustee. Based at the University of Glasgow, where she leads a research group investigating immune memory, she also holds senior leadership responsibilities in postgraduate research and has been an active contributor to the Society at both regional and national levels.

With previous experience as a Forum member during the COVID-19 period, Megan has first-hand insight into how the committee supports members and shapes Society activities. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion through initiatives such as leading Athena Swan work and developing mentorship programmes, as well as championing opportunities for early career researchers through regional events and the Scotland-wide SIGNET conference.

In her new role, Megan will lead the Member Representative Forum in bringing forward ideas, representing the diverse needs of the membership, and ensuring these perspectives inform the Society’s wider strategy and activities. Her collaborative approach and focus on supporting members at all career stages make her well placed to help guide the BSI’s future direction.

Dr Lucy Garner - Early Career Trustee 

“I’ve gained so much from being part of the BSI community, so I’m thrilled to be joining the Board as an Early Career Trustee. I’m excited to support early career immunologists, champion diverse career pathways, and help shape new opportunities for our community."

Dr Lucy Garner's strong research expertise, leadership experience and a clear commitment to early career researchers position her well for the role of Early Career Trustee. A senior postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, her work in T cell immunology and infectious disease combines cutting-edge approaches across international and interdisciplinary settings.

An active BSI member since 2016, Lucy has engaged widely with the Society through Congress participation and career development opportunities. Her own experiences navigating the transition to independence, including challenges around funding, career progression and non-linear pathways, have shaped her commitment to ensuring early career voices are heard and supported.

Alongside her research, Lucy has an impressive track record in mentoring, teaching and public engagement, as well as contributing to international collaborations. In her new role, she will champion the needs of early career immunologists, advocating for inclusive, accessible and forward-looking initiatives that support diverse career paths while helping to shape the Society’s strategy and activities.

Steven Smith - General Trustee 

“I’m properly thrilled to be elected as a general trustee! My first BSI congress in Brighton 1997 was where I gained my passion for immunology and I’m looking forward to helping the society do the same for the next generation of immunologists."

Dr Steven Smith has a practical, thoughtful and community-focused perspective which he plans to apply to his role as General Trustee. A Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Brunel University London, his research background spans human immunology, including mycobacterial responses and immune assay development, alongside experience in committee roles and organisational governance.

Passionate about supporting the breadth of the immunology community, Steven is particularly committed to encouraging undergraduates into the field, advocating for researchers whose contributions may be less visible, and strengthening immunology education in a rapidly evolving landscape. His focus on inclusivity, fairness and real-world impact aligns strongly with the Society’s values.

In his new role, Steven will contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the BSI, helping ensure the Society continues to support and represent the full diversity of its membership while delivering meaningful impact across research, education and the wider immunology community.

Secretary:

Hannah Tompkins - Public Engagement Secretary

"I am delighted to be joining the BSI Executive Committee as Public Engagement Secretary. I look forward to working with BSI members, staff and partners to strengthen inclusive, evidence-based public engagement, support researchers at all career stages, and build greater public understanding and trust in immunology."

Our incoming Public Engagement Secretary Dr Hannah Tompkins has strong expertise in public engagement, alongside a clear commitment to inclusive and evidence-based communication. Currently a Research Engagement Officer at Blood Cancer UK, she has extensive experience designing and delivering programmes that connect researchers with patients and the wider public.

With a longstanding connection to the BSI, including an internship supporting public engagement and policy work, Hannah has contributed to a wide range of initiatives, from vaccine communication campaigns to patient and public involvement activities. Her work focuses on making complex immunology accessible, building trust with diverse audiences, and ensuring engagement is meaningful and representative.

In her new role, Hannah will provide strategic leadership for the Society’s public engagement activities, supporting members to develop their skills and confidence while helping to build a coordinated, impactful portfolio of work. Her collaborative approach and focus on inclusivity position her well to strengthen how the BSI connects immunology with the public and wider health community.

Member Engagement Forum: 

Stephane Guillaume - Early Career Rep

Stephane Guillaume's strong academic background and commitment to community-building are what motivated him to run for the Early Career Representative role. Originally from Australia and now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Manchester, his research focuses on the immune landscape of lung diseases. Since beginning his PhD, he has been an active and enthusiastic member of the BSI, valuing the collaborative and supportive network it provides.

Alongside his research, Stephane has extensive experience representing early career researchers, having served in multiple student representative roles and contributed to organising conferences and networking events. He is also passionate about fostering inclusion in science, demonstrated by co-founding the Pride@Babraham Network to support LGBTQ+ researchers.

With a focus on strengthening connections between early career researchers and building a more inclusive and collaborative scientific community, Stephane will be a thoughtful and effective advocate, helping ensure diverse voices are heard and supported across the BSI.

Matthew Burgess - Regional Rep Scotland

Our new Regional Representative for Scotland, Dr Matthew Burgess has been part of the Scottish immunology community for over a decade. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Aberdeen, he has been an active BSI member throughout his time in both Aberdeen and Edinburgh, including serving in regional leadership roles.

With strong connections across academic and industry networks, and prior experience contributing to national and European immunology committees, Matthew is well placed to support and represent the vibrant Scottish immunology community.

In his new role, Matthew will represent the immunology community in Scotland, championing the needs and priorities of local members while contributing to the Society’s wider activities and strategic initiatives.

Holly Sedgwick - PHD Rep 

Holly Sedgwick brings enthusiasm, lived experience, and a strong commitment to inclusion to her role as PhD Representative. A PhD student at the University of Manchester, her research focuses on B cell interactions in chronic lung disease, and she has been an active and engaged member of the BSI throughout her studies.

From first attending Congress to presenting and speaking at key sessions, Holly has developed a clear connection to the Society and its community. Alongside her research, she has gained experience representing student voices as a cohort representative and PGR ambassador, advocating for inclusivity and support.

In her new role, Holly will represent PhD researchers within the BSI, championing accessibility, engagement, and a sense of belonging for students at all stages, while ensuring their voices are heard across the Society’s activities and initiatives.

Congress Committee:

Wenhao Li - Clinical Representative

Dr Wenhao Li will contribute strong clinical and research expertise to the BSI Congress Committee. An NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer and hepatology registrar at Queen Mary University of London, his work focuses on the immunological mechanisms underlying metabolic liver disease, combining clinical insight with advanced translational immunology approaches.

With several years of active involvement in the BSI and regular attendance at Congress, Wenhao has a clear understanding of the meeting’s value in fostering collaboration between clinicians and scientists. His experience across national clinical and research organisations has also equipped him with skills in programme development, stakeholder engagement and committee work.

In his new role, Wenhao will contribute to shaping an inclusive and forward-looking scientific programme, with a particular focus on strengthening the link between immunology and clinical practice. He will champion clinically relevant topics and support greater cross-disciplinary collaboration, helping ensure Congress continues to deliver meaningful impact for both researchers and healthcare professionals.

BSI- CIPN Steering Group:

Adrian Shields - Education & Training Lead

Dr Adrian Shields' extensive experience in clinical immunology education and training are what motivated him to run for the role of Education and Training Lead on the BSI-CIPN Steering Group. An Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant Immunologist at the University of Birmingham, he integrates education across undergraduate, postgraduate and clinical training, alongside active contributions to BSI-led programmes and interdisciplinary teaching.

With a strong background in curriculum development and professional training, Adrian is committed to strengthening and modernising the educational offer within clinical immunology. His experience spans developing teaching programmes, supporting trainees and contributing to national education initiatives, positioning him well to help advance high-quality, clinically relevant training across the field.

In his new role, Adrian will lead on shaping and enhancing education and training within BSI-CIPN, with a focus on building accessible resources, supporting trainees, and promoting clinical immunology across disciplines. His strategic approach and commitment to excellence will help ensure the Network continues to support a skilled and well-connected clinical immunology workforce.