Prof. Richard Bucala is an immunologist–rheumatologist whose research has defined how protective immune responses shift toward autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Beginning with the cloning of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as a neuroendocrine regulator of glucocorticoid immune suppression, his laboratory has advanced the understanding of MIF biology. His translational portfolio also includes discovery of the circulating fibrocyte and development of anti-fibrocyte therapies now in late-stage trials, as well as studies of parasite-encoded MIF orthologs and a MIF-based malaria vaccine in non-human primate testing. Prof. Bucala has mentored more than 60 fellows, helped establish rheumatology training in Zambia, and continues to provide clinical care on the rheumatology consult service within the Yale-New Haven Health system.