Annual Thomas Braciale Lecture

The Carter Immunology Center hosts the Annual Thomas Braciale Lecture to honor the legacy of Dr. Braciale.

Dr. Thomas J. Braciale was cherished as a loving father, grandfather, brother, friend, colleague, and mentor. His legacy will be fondly remembered by his children Kara, Michael, and Laura, his beloved grandchildren Pia, Asha, Rishi, Mira, Ezra, Zoey, and Jesse, and his devoted sisters Barbara, Mary, and Yael.

Dr. Braciale was a globally esteemed scientist whose journey spanned over four decades as a prominent immunologist at Washington University in St. Louis (Wash. U) and the University of Virginia (UVA). For him, science was not merely a job; it was a way of life, weaving together the threads of knowledge and curiosity.

After earning his MD and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1975, Dr. Braciale pursued his residency in pathology at Wash. U. His journey then took him to the Australian National University for a noteworthy post-doctoral fellowship. In 1978, he continued his academic pursuits at Wash. U, later joining UVA in 1991 to lead the newly established Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research.

His dedication to uncovering the intricacies of the immune system was unparalleled. His research has laid the foundation for understanding the respiratory immune system and its role in health and diseases. His work has provided insights into the world of antigen presentation, T cells, dendritic cells, and their pivotal roles in our immune defense against pathogens.

As an educator, Dr. Braciale was both an inspiration and a guide. His teaching touched upon a myriad of subjects from cellular immunology to the nuances of the influenza virus. To his graduate students and postdocs, he was a pillar of support, always providing invaluable insights and guidance. They will forever remember his unwavering dedication and mentorship.

Dr. Braciale received a number of prestigious honors including The Eijkman Medal for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, the title of UVA Eminent Scholar, and the NIH Merit Award. He was a key member of various advisory boards and committees at fellow institutions, national entities, and the Federal Government. This includes advisory roles for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and the Board of Scientific Counselors at the NIAID Vaccine Research Center. During his leadership, the UVA Immunology community saw remarkable expansion and progress towards national and international acclaim. Dr. Braciale’s legacy includes about 180 publications, with many still frequently cited in his fields, showcasing the enduring impact of his pioneering research. Dr. Braciale believed in the adage “actions speak louder than words.” His life, a blend of vigor, dedication, and purpose, stands as an eloquent testament to this belief. His contributions, both in the realm of science and in the hearts of those he touched, will be remembered for generations to come in the UVA Immunology Community.

Past Annual Thomas Braciale Lectures