Dr Kerry Hilligan awarded Sir Charles Hercus Health Research Fellowship

Every day we breathe more than 10,000 litres of air filled with thousands of microbes, including fungal spores. These constant encounters leave lasting marks on our lungs, shaping how the immune system responds to infections and allergens. For many people these exposures are harmless. For others, especially those with asthma or underlying health conditions, they can drive inflammation, increase disease severity or worsen long-term respiratory health.

Dr Hilligan’s project seeks to decode host fungal interactions to improve respiratory health outcomes. The research will investigate two crucial questions. First, how and why certain fungal exposures contribute to the development and severity of asthma, one of the most common chronic illnesses in New Zealand. Second, how other types of fungal encounters may strengthen the body’s natural defences and improve resilience to respiratory infections.

By uncovering both the harmful and protective effects of fungal exposure, Dr Hilligan aims to identify early intervention points and new therapeutic pathways. These insights could directly benefit vulnerable New Zealanders and pave the way for the commercial development of urgently needed treatments for respiratory disease.

“It’s a huge honour to be awarded the Sir Charles Hercus Fellowship. This recognition reflects years of work and the support of many wonderful collaborators and mentors,” says Dr Hilligan.

“The fellowship will enable me and my team to dedicate ourselves fully to our research, pursuing ambitious, high-impact science and translating our findings into tangible benefits for Aotearoa. I’m incredibly excited about the work ahead – watch this space!”