James Pearson is an Associate Professor of Cellular Immunology and 125th Anniversary Fellow at the University of Birmingham leading his independent research group studying the immunology of type 1 diabetes. His groups research interests include understanding how insulin-producing cell proteins (antigen), immune proteins (e.g. co-receptors) and germs (microbiota) alter how T cells (and other immune cells) work to identify potential opportunities for development of therapies to both prevent Type 1 diabetes and preserve the insulin-producing cells in those living with Type 1 diabetes.
His group also studies how time-of-day alters immune cells, and how this can be taken advantage of to improve screening for type 1 diabetes risk, as well as when best to administer therapy to maximise clinical success.
His lab is currently supported by the Steve Morgan Foundation Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge, as well as funding from Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).
James is an active member/participant in diabetes volunteer support groups and public engagement activities aimed at raising awareness of type 1 diabetes. He is also a co-founder of the Cardiff Diabetes Innovation Committee, a group of young people living with type 1 diabetes, that co-created an interactive research event around research that matters to them.
He is the Treasurer of the Autoimmunity affinity group within the British Society for Immunology and is Chair of the Breakthrough T1D UK Scientific Advisory Council.