Professor James McCluskey is a leader in the immunogenetics and biology of the Human Leucocyte Antigens (HLA) of the major histocompatibility complex. His discoveries have illuminated the biochemical basis for HLA selection of antigens, genetic control of cellular immunity and the structural basis of T cell recognition, providing a paradigm for the basis of HLA associations with human disease. He identified the mechanisms of determinant spreading in systemic autoimmunity, developed novel autoimmune diagnostics and strongly influenced transplantation matching. He has exerted a broad range of professional and research leadership including the development of Melbourne’s Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.