I am a professor of infectious diseases at St George's, University of London and I am also an honorary NHS consultant. I look after people with HIV and other infections. I lead a research group whose activities focus on helping us understand how white blood cells (specifically lymphocytes) are regulated to keep the right number of the right type of cell in the right place at any given time.

My Fellowship allowed me to work in world-leading laboratories at the Peter Doherty Institute, part of the University of Melbourne. My focus was on understanding how HIV 'hides' during HIV treatment so that treatment cannot be stopped without relapse. I learnt a great deal, both in the lab and out of it, and used my experiences to reshape my research back in the UK.

My Fellowship allowed me to take a break from my work in the UK, which would otherwise have been very difficult to do. The opportunity opened doors for me and introduced me to an amazing group of other Fellows. I hope what I learnt in Australia has benefited both those I supervise in my research group and those I care for in the clinic.