Cover image via Wellcome Trust
A fellow Malaysian clinical scientist at Newcastle University has been awarded the Lister Institute Research Prize for her outstanding work
**Professor Dr. Muzlifah Aishah Haniffa is one of the esteemed recipients of the [prestigious award](http://www.lister-institute.org.uk/research-prizes/what-are-they/) for her efforts in the research and development of improving the human immune system.**
As the recipient of the award, Muzlifah will receive EUR200,000 (RM911,102) which she will use to support her research, other than the provision or augmentation of personal salary, over a period of up to five years.
With this incentive, her research to make significant medical advances in vaccination strategies and understanding skin diseases will definitely receive a substantial boost.
Image via Wellcome Trust
Her recent achievement comes after many years of studies and experience in the field
Muzlifah, a former student at Tunku Kurshiah College in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan from 1986 to 1990, moved to Britain about 20 years ago from Malaysia to pursue a career in medical research.
A dermatologist with a strong research interest in immunology, Muzlifah is focused on understanding the functional heterogeneity of human mononuclear phagocytes, a family of white blood cells comprising dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages, which initiate and regulate immune responses.
Prior to receiving this award, she has received many high-profile accolades for her work, including the **European Society for Dermatology Research LEO Pharma Research Foundation Silver Award (2013), the British Society for Investigative Dermatology Young Investigator Award (2012) and Sue McCarthy Prize (runner-up) for the UK Medical Research Society Young Investigator Award (2009).**
Muzlifah was extremely humbled that she was chosen as one of the five Prize Fellows
"It is a huge honour to receive a Lister Institute Research Prize and I am over the moon to be given such a prestigious award at this stage in my career," she said.
**"This funding will allow me to pioneer new research avenues to enhance existing vaccination strategies for infection and cancer."**
Every year, up to five researchers will be selected for The Lister Institute Research Prize Fellowships, as The Fellowships aims to support and nurture future leaders in biomedical research.
The selection process includes a written application and subsequent interview with members of the Lister Institute's Scientific Advisory Committee.
Image via Jooney Woodward/Newcastle University
Professor Chris Day, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Newcastle University's Faculty of Medical Sciences, has nothing but compliments for Muzlifah's excellent work
Image via Newcastle University
