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Brigitte (Ita) Askonas, a leading figure in modern immunology, has died at the age of 89.

Brigitte Askonas, known widely as Ita, has died at the age of 89. Askonas was a leading figure in modern immunology, her work leading to the development of many new vaccines.  Here, Professor Peter Openshaw shares his thoughts.

Ita Askonas was deeply committed to encouraging those developing a career in immunology. She came to Imperiaregularly during the 25 years of her retirement, meeting with students at St Mary's and South Kensington and attending many of our seminars and research meetings. Her insights were always stimulating and her support and mentorship to the immunology community at Imperiawere invaluable. Her extraordinarily generosity was recognised by the award of a Fellowship of º£½ÇÉçÇø, one of our highest honours. She will be sadly missed.

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