Kenji KABASHIMA

Life Science

Selection Committee

Chair at the Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University

Research Area: Immunology, Dermatology, Imaging

Location: Japan

Kenji Kabashima, MD, PhD is a Professor and Chair at the Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine. He completed his medical degree at Kyoto University in 1996 and obtained his PhD in 2003 under Professor Shuh Narumiya, focusing on bioactive lipid mediators in immune regulation. His clinical and research training included positions at the United States Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Kyoto University Hospital, the University of Washington Medical Center, UCSF (under Professor Jason Cyster), and the University of Occupational and Environmental Health (under Professor Yoshiki Tokura).

Dr. Kabashima is internationally recognized for his work in skin immunology, particularly in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. His pioneering research on inducible skin-associated lymphoid tissue (iSALT) has reshaped our understanding of cutaneous immune responses. He has also contributed to the development of novel therapeutics, including nemolizumab and delgocitinib. His research employs advanced imaging techniques and single-cell analysis to study skin barrier functions and immune interactions.

He holds leadership roles in major dermatological societies, including the ILDS, IEC, ISID, JSID, and JDA, and serves as an editorial board member for JACI, JID, BJD, and JEADV. Additionally, he is a Principal Investigator at SRIS/A*STAR and a visiting consultant at the National Skin Centre in Singapore.

Beyond medicine, he is an avid marathon runner (PB: 2:54:38), trail runner (UTMB finisher), golfer, climber, and traveler.

Webpage: http://www.kenjikabashima.com/blog/

Last updated on: February 2025