Roland Ruscher

Dr Roland Ruscher is a mucosal immunologist and group leader at the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University. His research focuses on intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and unconventional T cells at mucosal barrier sites, with the goal of understanding how these cells develop, specialise, and function at epithelial interfaces, and how their dysregulation contributes to inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

Dr Ruscher’s early work defined key developmental and functional properties of IELs, contributing foundational insights into intestinal immune biology. His current research examines how microbial exposure and diversification across life shape IEL functional capacity, and how these processes influence susceptibility to intestinal inflammation and malignancy.

He spearheaded the establishment and now leads advanced natural microbiome and translational research capabilities at JCU, positioning the institute as a site for studying immune function under physiologically relevant microbial conditions. His group coordinates access to these platforms and integrates them with genetic tracing strategies, single-cell profiling, and human intestinal tissue analysis, enabling collaborative investigation of fundamental and disease-relevant questions in immunology and medical research. 

In parallel, Dr Ruscher co-leads industry-supported translational research aimed at modulating intestinal immunity. He is principal investigator on an R&D collaboration with industry partners, focused on preclinical evaluation of biologics targeting intestinal immune pathways.

Dr Ruscher leads an independently funded research program with national and international collaborators across academia, industry, and clinical research.