Professor Fabienne Mackay is the 2026 ASMR Medallist, recognised for her pioneering immunology research and exceptional leadership in Australian medical research. Professor Mackay co-discovered BAFF (B cell-activating factor), a protein critical to B cell survival and immune function. Her subsequent research demonstrated that excessive BAFF drives autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome, findings that demolished existing scientific dogma and rewrote immunology textbooks. This work provided the knowledge foundation for belimumab (Benlysta™), approved in 2011 as the first new lupus treatment in over 50 years. Professor Mackay’s highly cited publications established the rationale for targeting BAFF therapeutically and showed that the treatment would be most effective in patients with autoantibodies; a prediction that was confirmed in clinical trials. Her research portfolio spans B cell biology, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, and cancer. She has published over 180 papers with more than 26,000 citations, making her the world’s most cited researcher on BAFF. At QIMR Berghofer Professor Mackay strengthened research performance, restructured the organisation, secured major MRFF grants, and achieved over $168 million in commercial revenues. She led the country in launching research governance and integrity reforms, receiving the 2025 NHMRC Ethics and Integrity Award.