Overview
Background
Associate Professor Arutha Kulasinghe leads the Clinical-oMx Lab at the Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, is the inaugural Founding Scientific Director of the Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC) at the Wesley Research Institute, and holds the Inaugural Brazil Family Chair in Spatial Medicine. A/Prof Kulasinghe has pioneered spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and interactomics in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to world-first studies in lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and tissue atlasing studies of infectious diseases across pandemics. His research aims to understand the underlying pathobiology by using an integrative multi-omics approach. A/Prof Kulasinghe has authored over 120 peer-reviewed publications, including in The Lancet Microbe, Journal of Clinical Oncology and Nature Genetics. He is the recipient of the Cure Cancer "Researcher of the Year (2023)," named in the "Top Innovators Award (2024)" by the Australian, Research Australia UNSW Frontiers Award (2026), and InDaily Queensland "40 under 40" (2026) by Solstice Media. He has also been recognised on The Courier-Mail's Queensland Power Lists for Technology and Medicine, named among the scientists and CEOs shaping Queensland's technology future, and among the state's most influential figures in health. A/Prof Kulasinghe is supported by the MRFF, NHMRC, US DoD, Cancer Australia, Cure Cancer, pharma, and numerous hospital and philanthropic organisations.
Availability
- Associate Professor Arutha Kulasinghe is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Queensland University of Technology
Research interests
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Immuno-oncology
Applications in lung, skin, and head and neck cancers.
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Spatial transcriptomics
Applications across solid tumours and COVID-19
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Liquid Biopsies
Applications in lung cancer, and head and neck cancer
Works
Search Professor Arutha Kulasinghe’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Conference Publication
Tumor microenvironment profiling of multiplexed images in head and neck cancer reveals spatial features associated with immunotherapy response
Markovits, Ettai, Monkman, James, Kilgallon, Aaron, Aung, Thazin Nwe, Rimm, David and Kulasinghe, Arutha (2025). Tumor microenvironment profiling of multiplexed images in head and neck cancer reveals spatial features associated with immunotherapy response. AACR Annual Meeting 2025, Chicago, IL United States, 25-30 April 2025. Philadelphia, PA United States: American Association for Cancer Research. doi: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2025-156
2025
Conference Publication
A Bayesian framework for unraveling disease biology from spatially resolved single-cell omics datasets by combining unbiased approaches with biological priors for cell-based microdomain discovery
Falkenstein, Brian, Yan, Raymond, Quinn, Shannon, Tosun, Akif Burak, Chennubhotla, S. Chakra, Kulasinghe, Arutha and Pullara, Filippo (2025). A Bayesian framework for unraveling disease biology from spatially resolved single-cell omics datasets by combining unbiased approaches with biological priors for cell-based microdomain discovery. AACR Annual Meeting 2025, Chicago, IL United States, 25-30 April 2025. Philadelphia, PA United States: American Association for Cancer Research. doi: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2025-2485
2025
Conference Publication
Unravelling melanoma brain metastasis tumor microenvironment characteristics using spatial transcriptomics
Belle, Clemence J., Brosda, Sandra, Bonazzi, Vanessa F., Bulteau, Victor, Stuart, Thomas, Xiong, Zherui, Lambie, Duncan, Johansson, Peter A., Aoude, Lauren G., Patel, Kalpana, Stehbens, Samantha J., Stark, Mitchell S., Haass, Nikolas K., Xu, Wen, Pinkham, Mark B., Foote, Matthew C., Olson, Sarah, Atkinson, Victoria, Kulasinghe, Arutha, Nguyen, Quan H. and Barbour, Andrew (2025). Unravelling melanoma brain metastasis tumor microenvironment characteristics using spatial transcriptomics. AACR Annual Meeting 2025, Chicago, IL United States, 25-30 April 2025. Philadelphia, PA United States: American Association for Cancer Research. doi: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2025-5076
2025
Journal Article
Spatial interaction mapping of PD-1/PD-L1 in head and neck cancer reveals the role of macrophage-tumour barriers associated with immunotherapy response
Naei, Vahid Yaghoubi, Tubelleza, Rafael, Monkman, James, Sadeghirad, Habib, Donovan, Meg L., Blick, Tony, Wicher, Agata, Bodbin, Sara, Viratham, Amelie, Stad, Robert, Basu, Subham, Cooper, Caroline, Barnett, Catherine, O’Byrne, Ken, Ladwa, Rahul, Warkiani, Majid Ebrahimi, Hughes, Brett G. M. and Kulasinghe, Arutha (2025). Spatial interaction mapping of PD-1/PD-L1 in head and neck cancer reveals the role of macrophage-tumour barriers associated with immunotherapy response. Journal of Translational Medicine, 23 (1) 177, 1-15. doi: 10.1186/s12967-025-06186-y
2025
Other Outputs
Resolving tissue-level proteomic complexity in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) with ultra high-plex spatial profiling
Kulasinghe, Arutha, Monkman, James, Donovan, Meg, Berrell, Naomi Louise and Embaye, Kidane Siele (2025). Resolving tissue-level proteomic complexity in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) with ultra high-plex spatial profiling. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/7078364
2025
Other Outputs
Metabolic and Inflammatory Niches Driving Recurrence in Adjuvant-Treated NSCLC
Kulasinghe, Arutha, Monkman, James, Berrell, Naomi Louise and Kilgallon, Aaron (2025). Metabolic and Inflammatory Niches Driving Recurrence in Adjuvant-Treated NSCLC. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/3244c1b
2025
Book Chapter
Spatial-omics methods and applications
Kulasinghe, Arutha, Berrell, Naomi, Donovan, Meg L. and Nilges, Benedikt S. (2025). Spatial-omics methods and applications. Gene expression analysis: methods and protocols. (pp. 101-146) edited by Nalini Raghavachari and Natalia Garcia-Reyero. New York, NY, U.S.A.: Humana Press. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4276-4_5
2024
Journal Article
Copper chelation redirects neutrophil function to enhance anti-GD2 antibody therapy in neuroblastoma
Rouaen, Jourdin R. C., Salerno, Antonietta, Shai-Hee, Tyler, Murray, Jayne E., Castrogiovanni, Giulia, McHenry, Charlotte, Jue, Toni Rose, Pham, Vu, Bell, Jessica Lilian, Poursani, Ensieh, Valli, Emanuele, Cazzoli, Riccardo, Damstra, Naomi, Nelson, Delia J., Stevens, Kofi L. P., Chee, Jonathan, Slapetova, Iveta, Kasherman, Maria, Whan, Renee, Lin, Francis, Cochran, Blake J., Tedla, Nicodemus, Veli, Feyza Colakoglu, Yuksel, Aysen, Mayoh, Chelsea, Saletta, Federica, Mercatelli, Daniele, Chtanova, Tatyana, Kulasinghe, Arutha ... Vittorio, Orazio (2024). Copper chelation redirects neutrophil function to enhance anti-GD2 antibody therapy in neuroblastoma. Nature Communications, 15 (1) 10462, 1-20. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-54689-x
2024
Conference Publication
An integrated approach to high dimensional spatial proteomics and interaction mapping in head and neck cancer tissues prior to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Naei, Vahid Yaghoubi, Monkman, James, Hughes, Brett and Kulasinghe, Arutha (2024). An integrated approach to high dimensional spatial proteomics and interaction mapping in head and neck cancer tissues prior to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. SITC 39th Annual Meeting (SITC 2024), Houston, TX United States, 6-10 November 2024. London, United Kingdom: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2024-sitc2024.0558
2024
Conference Publication
Development of a novel immuno-metabolic spatial signature to predict response and resistance to immunotherapy in NSCLC patients
Markovits, Ettai, Monkman, James, Aung, Thazin, Reeves, Jason, O’Byrne, Ken, Czertock, Rotem, Puig, Oscar, Rimm, David and Kulasinghe, Arutha (2024). Development of a novel immuno-metabolic spatial signature to predict response and resistance to immunotherapy in NSCLC patients. SITC 39th Annual Meeting (SITC 2024), Houston, TX United States, 6-10 November 2024. London, United Kingdom: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2024-sitc2024.0109
2024
Conference Publication
Spatial dynamics and cellular architecture mapping in head and neck cancer: insights into immunotherapy response
Kulasinghe, Arutha (2024). Spatial dynamics and cellular architecture mapping in head and neck cancer: insights into immunotherapy response. SITC 39th Annual Meeting (SITC 2024), Houston, TX United States, 6-10 November 2024. London, United Kingdom: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2024-sitc2024.0110
2024
Conference Publication
Multi-omic spatial data integration resolves immunometabolic heterogeneity associated with Nivolumab response in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients
Yan, Raymond, Quinn, Shannon, Falkenstein, Brian, Monkman, James, O’Bryne, Kenneth, Chakra Chennubhotla, S, Pullara, Filippo and Kulasinghe, Arutha (2024). Multi-omic spatial data integration resolves immunometabolic heterogeneity associated with Nivolumab response in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. SITC 39th Annual Meeting (SITC 2024), Houston, TX United States, 6-10 November 2024. London, United Kingdom: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2024-sitc2024.0212
2024
Journal Article
Spatial resolution of the head and neck cancer tumor microenvironment to identify tumor and stromal features associated with therapy response
Berrell, Naomi, Monkman, James, Donovan, Meg, Blick, Tony, O'Byrne, Ken, Ladwa, Rahul, Tan, Chin Wee and Kulasinghe, Arutha (2024). Spatial resolution of the head and neck cancer tumor microenvironment to identify tumor and stromal features associated with therapy response. Immunology and Cell Biology, 102 (9), 830-846. doi: 10.1111/imcb.12811
2024
Conference Publication
Deciphering Single-Cell Resolved Tumour Microenvironment Profiles Using Spatial Metabolic Mapping
Kulasinghe, A., Monkman, J., Markovits, E. and O'Byrne, K. (2024). Deciphering Single-Cell Resolved Tumour Microenvironment Profiles Using Spatial Metabolic Mapping. 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer, San Diego, CA United States, 7-10 September 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jtho.2024.09.032
2024
Conference Publication
Characterization of Circulating Tumor-Associated and Immune Cells in Advanced-Stage NSCLC
Yaghoubi Naei, V., Mullally, W., Warkiani, M., O'Byrne, K. and Kulasinghe, A. (2024). Characterization of Circulating Tumor-Associated and Immune Cells in Advanced-Stage NSCLC. 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer, San Diego, CA United States, 7-10 September 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jtho.2024.09.473
2024
Journal Article
Protocol for high-plex, whole-slide imaging of human formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue using PhenoCycler-Fusion
Donovan, Meg L., Jhaveri, Niyati, Ma, Ning, Cheikh, Bassem Ben, DeRosa, James, Mihani, Ritu, Berrell, Naomi, Suen, Jacky Y., Monkman, James, Fraser, John F. and Kulasinghe, Arutha (2024). Protocol for high-plex, whole-slide imaging of human formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue using PhenoCycler-Fusion. STAR Protocols, 5 (3) 103226, 1-18. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103226
2024
Journal Article
Glycan profiling in small extracellular vesicles with a SERS microfluidic biosensor identifies early malignant development in lung cancer
Zhou, Quan, Niu, Xueming, Zhang, Zhen, O'Byrne, Kenneth, Kulasinghe, Arutha, Fielding, David, Möller, Andreas, Wuethrich, Alain, Lobb, Richard J. and Trau, Matt (2024). Glycan profiling in small extracellular vesicles with a SERS microfluidic biosensor identifies early malignant development in lung cancer. Advanced Science, 11 (33) 2401818, 1-12. doi: 10.1002/advs.202401818
2024
Conference Publication
Unraveling functionally distinct metabolic programs to predict immunotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Kulasinghe, A., Yan, R., Quinn, S., Falkenstein, B., Monkman, J., O'Byrne, K.J., Chennubhotla, S.C. and Pullara, F. (2024). Unraveling functionally distinct metabolic programs to predict immunotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ESMO Congress 2024, Barcelona, Spain, 13-17 September 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2024.08.142
2024
Conference Publication
Multiomic spatial profiling of whole-slide NSCLC tissues from patients receiving anti PD-1 therapy identifies metabolic phenotypes associated with therapy resistance
Kulasinghe, A., Monkman, J. and O'Byrne, K.J. (2024). Multiomic spatial profiling of whole-slide NSCLC tissues from patients receiving anti PD-1 therapy identifies metabolic phenotypes associated with therapy resistance. ESMO Congress 2024, Barcelona, Spain, 13-17 September 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2024.08.2037
2024
Journal Article
Mapping the spatial dynamics of the CD4+ T cell spectrum in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Menéndez, Victoria, Solórzano, José L., García-Cosío, Mónica, Cereceda, Laura, Díaz, Eva, Estévez, Mónica, Roncador, Giovanna, Vega, Zaira, Montalbán, Carlos, Kulasinghe, Arutha and García, Juan F. (2024). Mapping the spatial dynamics of the CD4+ T cell spectrum in classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Modern Pathology, 37 (9) 100551, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.modpat.2024.100551
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Arutha Kulasinghe is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
The use of advanced spatial profiling technologies to model the effect of tumour cells on driving changes in immune cell state in lung cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharmesh Bhuva
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Master Philosophy
Defining the head and neck cancer tumour microenvironment across clinical contexts
Principal Advisor
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Master Philosophy
Spatial profiling of the tumour microenvironment in head and neck cancers
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy using deep spatial profiling
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Brett Hughes
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Doctor Philosophy
Studying the tumour immune microenvironment in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gabrielle Belz
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Doctor Philosophy
Improved diagnostics for respiratory viral infections
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Meagan Carney, Professor Kirsty Short
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Doctor Philosophy
Immuno-genetic biomarkers of response in a prospective study of immune checkpoint therapy in primary CNS lymphoma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Zachary Hawula, Associate Professor Colm Keane
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Master Philosophy
Precision medicine for Prostate Cancer Surgery
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Pattison, Dr Matthew Roberts
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Doctor Philosophy
Mapping immune dysregulation in complex tissues using single-cell spatial multi-omics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharmesh Bhuva, Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes
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Doctor Philosophy
Deciphering mechanisms of fibroblast-mediated immune regulation in dysplastic cutaneous and oral mucosal epithelium
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Debottam Sinha, Dr Janin Chandra
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing a Translational Pipeline for Personalised Immunotherapy in Follicular Lymphoma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Maher Gandhi
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
The investigation of the tumour microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to identify predictive biomarkers of response to immunotherapy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Quan Nguyen, Associate Professor Brett Hughes
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the role of myeloid lineages in early melanoma establishment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor James Wells
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Lessons from a Century of Influenza Pandemics and Implications for Future Preparedness
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Keng Chew, Professor Kirsty Short
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Comprehensive characterisation of tumour microenvironment and therapeutic insights into paediatric cancers through multi-omics profiling
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Arutha Kulasinghe directly for media enquiries about:
- head and neck cancer
- immuno-oncology
- liquid biopsy
- lung cancer
- skin cancer
- spatial biology
- spatial medicine
- translational cancer research
- tumour microenvironment
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