Marina Yakou completed her PhD in cancer immunology at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, where her research focused on immune regulation in colorectal cancer. Her work identified the transcription factor TCF-1 as a critical molecular checkpoint in gamma delta T cell immunity. Her research achievements have been recognised through multiple awards, including those from the Harold Mitchell Foundation, L’Oréal-UNESCO, Tour de Cure Australia, and the Royal Society of Victoria, as well as the 2024 VCCC Picchi Brothers Foundation Award for Excellence in Cancer Research.

Marina has since commenced her postdoctoral training in Professor Laura Mackay’s lab at the University of Melbourne. Her current research centres on understanding the extrinsic factors governing tissue-resident immunity. Through this work, Marina aims to advance our understanding of immune mechanisms in cancer and support the development of more precise and effective immunotherapies to improve patient outcomes.