Janko Nikolich, MD, PhD

2025 Regents Professor

Nikolich is an internationally recognized expert in immunobiology and aging. His research has transformed the understanding of how the immune system changes over time and contributed to the development of new strategies for strengthening immune resilience in older adults.

Supported by more than $105 million in grant funding, Nikolich's work focuses on areas such as T-cell function, immunity to infection in older adults, immune rejuvenation and immunity in metabolic disorders. He has published over 220 scientific papers and reviews describing his work.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nikolich developed a precise and effective blood test that helped track COVID-19 exposure and immunity. In 2021, he created the U of A Health Sciences Aegis Consortium to develop comprehensive pandemic-prevention solutions. In 2024, he was elected an International Member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Nikolich is a popular instructor at the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson, known for his ability to translate complex immunological concepts into accessible and meaningful lessons. As co-director of the university's Center on Aging, his work has enhanced the university's reputation as a leader in biomedical research and education.