Graham Mackay

Associate Professor Graham Mackay is a Senior Lecturer and Pharmacology Researcher in the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne. His research centers on the pharmacology of allergic diseases, particularly mast cell activation in drug allergy and anaphylaxis. He leads projects in the Lung Health Research Centre, such as nanoparticle modulation of mast cell function, regulation of mast cell activation, novel mast cell-derived mediators, and pollen hydration effects on human bronchial epithelial cells. Mackay investigates MRGPRX2-mediated responses to drugs including neuromuscular blocking agents and protamine, contributing to insights on anaphylactoid reactions and precision medicine.

Mackay completed his undergraduate studies in Pharmacology at the University of Glasgow and earned his PhD at Monash University. He advances pharmacology education through teaching core subjects and leading teams awarded Learning & Teaching grants by the University of Melbourne and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Serving as an Academic Adviser in the School of Biomedical Sciences, he offers approachable support to students. Notable publications encompass "Antibody or Anybody? Considering the Role of MRGPRX2 in Acute Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis and as a Therapeutic Target" (2021), "MRGPRX2 activation in mast cells by neuromuscular blocking agents" (2021), "The effect of substance P and its common in vivo metabolic fragment on human skin mast cells" (2022), "Pollen hydration and its induced effects on human bronchial epithelial cells: a comparative analysis of three species" (2025), and works on protamine-induced mast cell activation. With over 40 research outputs cited more than 1000 times, Mackay influences allergy research and participates in Melbourne Pollen monitoring.

Professional Email: gmackay@unimelb.edu.au