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RMIT announces $30m health and care capability investment

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +1000

RMIT University has announced it is investing $30 million in health and care capability, the majority centring on health capabilities at its Bundoora campus, which will become a precinct for education programs, research and industry partnerships.

Existing infrastructure will be upgraded with the funding, which will also be used to deliver new equipment and build on the precinct’s technology, with improvement to students’ access to simulated real-world medical environments.

Part of the investment will create a node of the RMIT Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility, the university said, which serves as a hub for advanced research and collaboration across science, health and engineering.

“Our Bundoora campus is an important connector between the University and Melbourne’s culturally diverse and rapidly expanding Northern Corridor, an area of over 620,000 residents which experiences complex health challenges and difficulty in accessing health services,” RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron said.

“We intend to work more closely with our partners like Northern Health to ensure we are playing a meaningful role in assisting this underserved community.” Areas for applied research in MedTech, digital health, food innovation and public health will also be supported, with additional investment planned in 2027 and 2028.

Image: Supplied

AusBiotech partners with Tenmile

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Designed to support Australia’s homegrown life sciences innovation, AusBiotech has announced a strategic partnership with specialist health technology investor Tenmile. Acknowledging that while there is no shortage of ambitious founders, talented researchers and Australian breakthroughs, many stall before they find the capital, the partnerships, and the pathways to market they need, the partnership is geared towards moving world-class Australian science from lab to the patients who need it most, both locally and globally.

“Partnerships are in Tenmile’s DNA and it’s an important part of our mandate to support and build the broader commercialisation ecosystem that Australian health innovation needs,” Tenmile CEO Dr Steve Burnell said. “Our collaboration with AusBiotech is built around creating more of those connections, especially around key areas like anti-microbial resistance, cancer, AI, women’s health and health equity. Together we want to make sure Australia achieves the impact it deserves as a serious player on the global life sciences stage.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Jacob Wackerhausen

Australian CDC issues update in wake of Ebola outbreak

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +1000

On 17 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus — a type of Ebola virus — in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda to be a public health emergency of international concern under the International Health Regulations. This was followed by a 19 May update by the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) on risk to Australia.

The Australian CDC said risk to Australia is “low”, noting that:

the outbreak is geographically concentrated in eastern DRC, but occurring in a complex epidemiological and humanitarian context;
the likelihood of casual importation is reduced by the fact that transmission most often occurs through contact with infected body fluids or items contaminated with infected body fluids; and
a multi-agency effort — including surveillance, contact tracing and deployment of personnel — is being coordinated by the WHO to respond in affected areas.

“Nobody has ever been diagnosed with Ebola disease in Australia,” the Australian CDC said in its 19 May update. “Australia has strong border health measures to screen for people who may be symptomatic with very serious communicable diseases like Ebola disease.”

To monitor the situation, the Australian CDC said it is working closely with the WHO and other Australian Government agencies and will continue to provide updates as circumstances change.

You can find the Australian CDC’s latest situation update here.

Image credit: iStock.com/koto_feja

Australia announces $7.2m diphtheria outbreak response package

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +1000

A serious bacterial infection that most often spreads through respiratory droplets, or direct contact with the wound, diphtheria has had its biggest outbreak since national record-keeping began, with 230 cases reported by the National Disease Surveillance System this year.

To support the Northern Territory Government and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector’s response to the outbreak, the Australian Government has announced a $7.2 million response package.

To provide surge workforce to administer booster vaccinations and treatments, and to procure additional vaccines and antibiotics, $5.2 million has been allocated for the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre.

For the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to work with the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT, affiliates and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in the NT and other affected states for culturally safe communications, community liaison and other on-the-ground public health supports, $2 million has been allocated.

“Vaccination is the strongest protection against diphtheria,” the federal government advised. “Diphtheria vaccines are recommended for children at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months, and 4 years of age, and adolescents at 11–13 years of age. A diphtheria vaccine booster is recommended for adults at 50 years of age. Where there is a higher risk of acquiring diphtheria, booster vaccinations are recommended every 5 years.”

Of the outbreak, around 60% of cases are in the Northern Territory, with further outbreaks in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. The federal government said it will continue to monitor the outbreak and work with other states as required.

“Vaccination for diphtheria is safe and it is an incredibly effective tool against disease,” Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler said. “We have enough vaccine and we are making sure it is getting to the right communities.

“I know the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in these communities are working extremely hard to protect their most vulnerable,” Butler added. “This package will ensure those Australians that need the vaccine will get access quickly and appropriately.”

Information on diphtheria is available here, on the Australian Centre for Disease Control’s diphtheria webpage.

Image credit: iStock.com/Dr_Microbe

AI.gov.au launches to help safe and responsible AI use

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Providing guidance, tools and resources to help Australian businesses use AI safely, the Australian Government has launched the National AI Centre.

Delivered under the National AI Plan, AI.gov.au is designed to give businesses, not-for-profits and other organisations a clear and trusted place to start when using AI.

Intended as a ‘front door for AI’, the platform is designed to help organisations:

understand where AI can add value, and risks and good practice;
plan how to use AI;
support team members through AI change and adoption;
find tools, resources and case studies to build capability.

The National AI Centre is now live, with the initial release focusing on supporting SMEs and the not-for-profit sector. You can access it at AI.gov.au.

Image credit: iStock.com/PeopleImages

AusBiotech responds to Budget 2026–27

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Life sciences industry body AusBiotech has responded to measures set out in the Australian Government’s Budget 2026–27, welcoming some measures while expressing caution about others.

In particular, moves to commence implementation of Ambitious Australia, including the establishment of the National Resilience and Science Council, were welcomed, as was increased funding through the Medical Research Future Fund.

As to areas for caution, AusBiotech said while to assist with encouraging industry investment, changes to the R&DTI cap and tax measures for startups showed promise, to ensure it encourages and not unintentionally thwarts genuine research and development (R&D), considered analysis is required of the total tax package.

Similarly, AusBiotech said changes to CGT could disincentivise investment in true innovation, with a commitment by the Australian Government to consultation with the sector on this being welcomed.

“No Budget is perfect; while some elements of this Budget take steps towards good, more analysis is required to ensure the outcomes help rather than hinder the growth of Australia’s life sciences industry,” AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy said.

“Ambitious Australia has the potential to strengthen Australia’s RD&I system and unlock greater economic resilience and societal impact from national investment in innovation, including health and medical life sciences. Fully leveraging the Medical Research Future Fund is also critical to supporting the sector’s growth and impact.

“Changes to the R&DTI need to spur investment and boost productivity, not hinder true Australian innovation. It’s critical that we get those settings right; this will require extensive industry consultation.

“More detail is needed on the consultation mechanism for changes to CGT. These changes have potential adverse implications for investment, and attracting and retaining critical specialised talent in life sciences, particularly for startups.

“We were disappointed with the changes to the Australian Economic Accelerator (AEA) and Industry Growth Program (IGP), with the AEA being discontinued and the IGP receiving further funding cuts. Both programs play an important role in supporting startups and SMEs with commercialising research, including in the medical science and research sector.”

Cassidy said AusBiotech would be convening a meeting with its members today — after reviewing the detail of the Budget — and will have more to say on this point.

Image credit: iStock.com/Duncan_Andison

Queensland "clears rape kit DNA backlog"

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 +1000

In Queensland, all inherited sexual assault examination kits have been processed, a backlog of major crime DNA samples reduced by 70%, and two new Deputy Director roles appointed at Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ). This is according to a statement released this week by Deb Frecklington, the state’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity.

The result of a two-year outsourcing strategy and recovery plan to restore confidence in the forensic system, the statement read: “The achievement comes after Labor presided over one of the greatest failures of a justice system anywhere in the world, with 601 rape kits and more than 11,000 major crime samples left untested, denying victims justice.”

Major crime DNA samples, related to crimes against people, have been reduced from 11,703 in November 2024 to 3488 in May 2026, the statement said, which is the 70% reduction. “These figures are not just statistics — they represent real people who have fallen victim to serious crime,” Frecklington said.

“This milestone shows what can be achieved when there is a clear plan, strong leadership and a commitment to putting victims first,” FSQ Director Mick Fuller said. “Clearing the rape kit backlog and substantially reducing major crime delays is a significant step toward restoring trust in Queensland’s forensic system.

“Timely and reliable forensic results are critical to helping police solve crimes and ensuring victims have greater access to justice,” Fuller added. Also announced by the government this week is that, to strengthen leadership capacity across both forensic operations and corporate services, Saranjeet Khera and Kirsten Eades have been appointed to Deputy Director roles at FSQ.

Khera comes to the role after more than 25 years’ experience across forensic biology and a career with the UK Metropolitan Police, while Eades brings corporate services expertise following almost three decades of public service with the Department of Justice, the statement said.

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.

If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). According to Queensland Police Service: You can also report online via: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, over the phone or face to face at a police station.

There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.

For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Image credit: iStock.com/piola666. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

MV Hondius passengers return to Australia under strict infection control measures

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 +1000

The Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has provided an update on the infection protection and control measures in place for the flight, arrival, transfer and quarantine of MV Hondius passengers, and advised that the risk of hantavirus to the Australian population “remains low”.

Infection protection and control measures will be “strict” for the returning passengers, the Australian CDC said, with the passengers on their way back to Australia consisting of four Australian citizens, one permanent Australian resident and one New Zealand citizen.

“Multiple agencies across the Australian Government and state and territory governments have been working together to coordinate arrival, health, transport and quarantine arrangements,” the Australian CDC said.

“After they land at RAAF Base Pearce, the passengers will be transferred to the nearby Bullsbrook Centre for National Resilience for at least the first 3 weeks of their quarantine.

“The full quarantine period will be 42 days (6 weeks) from the day they disembarked — arrangements for the remainder of quarantine period are being finalised,” the Australian CDC said.

The situation will be regularly reviewed and health authorities will monitor passengers, including daily symptom checks, during the quarantine period, the Australian CDC added.

Regarding the Australian CDC advice this week that current risk of hantavirus infection to people in Australia remains low, the Australian CDC noted that the public health, biosecurity and surveillance systems in place to protect the Australian community are strong.

The Australian CDC also advised: “The Andes virus — the virus that is affecting the people who were on the cruise ship — is the only hantavirus that is known to transmit between people. Transmission of the Andes virus requires close, prolonged contact with someone who is unwell, such as living together.

“Andes virus infection has been added as a listed human disease under the Biosecurity Act 2015,” the Australian CDC added. “This means the Australian Government can implement national measures to stop its spread, if required, including requiring quarantine of the passengers.

“We will continue to provide updates as circumstances change.”

More information is available on the Australian CDC website, including its latest situation report on the Atlantic Ocean cruise ship hantavirus infection, published 14 May.

Image credit: iStock.com/quantic69

$6.2m for nine science projects involving Japan and neighbours

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Investments under the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund will support nine international projects, with six to involve Japan as a key partner, the Australian Government has announced.

Under Round 2 of the fund’s Strategic Element, individual grants will range from $100,000 to $1 million, with the funding supporting projects that harness AI, including its use in technology for ocean water quality forecasting, advanced manufacturing techniques to deliver precision cancer radiotherapy, and space exploration.

“These projects focus on the technologies that matter most to our future. By partnering with leading countries, Australian researchers gain access to skills, infrastructure and expertise that strengthens our innovation system at home,” said Dr Andrew Charlton, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy.

Delivered in partnership with the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE) and the Australian Academy of Science (AAS), collaboration with partners in Singapore, Vietnam, New Zealand, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea is also represented by projects in this round.

The announcement this week coincided with the visit to Australia of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

A full list of successful projects is available at www.glodip.org.au/outcomes.

Image credit: iStock.com/kasezo

$96m RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility opens in NSW

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Intended to place New South Wales in a strong position in the fight against current and emerging diseases, the new 4500 sqm RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility within the Macquarie University Innovation Precinct has officially opened. The facility will aim to bolster domestic RNA manufacturing capability, attract investment, create local jobs and foster collaboration between universities, research institutes and industry.

The facility includes advanced laboratories and support spaces that will, the NSW Government said, make it the only site in Australia capable of producing a wide range of new and existing RNA therapeutics under one roof. The government also said that this facility “ensures NSW is better prepared for future pandemics by enabling the fast production of RNA vaccines and treatments when they are needed most”.

Delivered by Health Infrastructure in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer and builder Hindmarsh Constructions, Aurora Biosynthetics — industry partner and operator — will now engage with researchers and clients who aim to advance their therapeutic innovations from the laboratory towards clinical trials.

Image: Health Infrastructure

Cartherics and Catalent announce enhanced partnership

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Cartherics Pty Ltd, an Australian biotechnology company developing off‑the‑shelf immune cell therapies for high‑impact women’s diseases, including ovarian cancer and endometriosis, has announced an agreement with Catalent, Inc. — a global contract development and manufacturing organisation — intended to support Cartherics’ mission to develop immune cell therapy products for the treatment of cancer and endometriosis.

Signing an amended commercial licence agreement, the partnership seeks to enable the use of a Catalent cGMP‑compliant induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) line for the manufacture and commercialisation of Cartherics’ iPSC-derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor Natural Killer (CAR-NK) cell therapies.

“We are delighted to have established a collaborative relationship with Catalent, a leading cell and gene therapy CDMO, to expedite the development of our CAR-NK cell products,” Cartherics CEO Dr Ian Nisbet said. “We are confident that our collaboration with Catalent will underpin cost-effective manufacturing of our products.”

Cartherics is granted rights, under the terms of the agreement, to develop and commercialise multiple product candidates derived from a Catalent off-the-shelf cGMP iPSC line, including its lead CAR‑NK cell product, CTH‑401. “The licensed iPSC line is part of a broader portfolio of fully characterised, donor‑consented, clinical‑grade iPSC lines generated under GMP conditions, supported by validated workflows for reprogramming, expansion, gene editing, differentiation and quality control,” Cartherics said.

“We are thrilled to broaden our partnership with Cartherics and support the important work the company is doing to develop Natural Killer cells for the treatment of cancer,” said David McErlane, Biologics Group President for Catalent. “Our teams are highly engaged in achieving positive outcomes across all stages of development, and we look forward to advancing Cartherics’ program toward commercialisation.”

Image credit: iStock.com/OGphoto

Alliance seeks to boost regional capacity in clinical trials

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1000

The Barwon Health–Deakin University Clinical Trials Alliance is intended to grow a regionally embedded but globally responsive partnership. Drawing on the complementary strengths of Barwon Health and Deakin University, by strengthening a longstanding research collaboration, the alliance also aims to place Geelong at the centre of a nationally significant medical research and innovation ecosystem.

“This partnership formally brings together clinical excellence and academic leadership to expand access to high-quality clinical trials close to home,” Barwon Health CEO Frances Diver said. “It means our community can benefit from the latest advances in health care, while ensuring regional voices and experiences help shape the future of medicine.”

Alliance partners have committed $9.6 million in direct investment and in-kind support over five years and will support increased higher degree research and increased access to trials-related training for Barwon Health and Deakin staff — this includes the establishment of the Clinician Scientist PhD Pathway.

“Clinical trials are essential to improve access to innovative treatments and are a key driver of Australia’s health and medical research capacity, supporting national objectives for sovereign capability, skilled jobs and regional development,” said Professor Rachel Huxley, Deakin Distinguished Professor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health.

“The initiative complements Australian Government investments in medical research, innovation and advanced manufacturing, showcasing how regional partnerships can contribute to national outcomes.”

Having commenced in January, the alliance was officially launched by Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles at Deakin Waterfront in April.

Image credit: (L–R) Distinguished Professor Matthew Clarke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Deakin University; Richard Marles, Member for Corio; Frances Diver, CEO, Barwon Health; and Distinguished Professor Rachel Huxley, Executive Dean Faculty of Health, Deakin University. Credit: Deakin University

Lipid science receives new Australia-led online hub

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1000

The Lipid Network launched this month to build links between researchers, clinicians and industry across the diverse and rapidly evolving field of lipid science. Investigating the structure, function and metabolism of fats, covering their roles in industrial processes, the environment and health, emerging lipid research areas include cardiovascular health, nutrient regulation, lipidomics and biomarker discovery to understand, prevent or treat malfunction in diverse settings.

An initiative led by Flinders University, The Lipid Network is an international, community-driven platform that brings together researchers and stakeholders across disciplines including biochemistry, clinical lipidology, microbiology, agriculture and environmental science. The online hub is designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and highlight emerging research and innovation in lipid science.

“The Lipid Network is connecting and empowering the global lipid research community,” said Associate Professor Bart Eijkelkamp, Flinders University researcher and Lipid Network President, who addressed the official launch of the project this month. “It provides a dedicated, inclusive platform designed to connect the global lipid community, foster collaboration and support the next generation of scientists.”

Eijkelkamp added: “The new centralised, accessible platform is uniting the lipid research community and also aims to bridge gaps between disciplines, career stages and geographic regions.” Intended to strengthen the global lipid research community by enabling collaboration across academia, industry and clinical sectors, the hub provides access to awards — including publication awards — while maintaining a free and accessible membership model designed to help accelerate innovation in lipid science worldwide.

Researchers, students and professionals can join The Lipid Network by registering any prior experiences with lipids at www.lipidnetwork.com.

Image: Associate Professor Bart Eijkelkamp at the Flinders University launch event. Credit: Flinders University.

Noxopharm appoints Dr Olivier Laczka CEO

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Australian clinical-stage biotech company Noxopharm Limited has appointed Dr Olivier Laczka as its Chief Executive Officer. A longstanding member of the company’s leadership team, Laczka was formerly Chief Scientific Officer – Inflammation.

Laczka had been a driving force behind the strategic development of the company’s Sofra technology platform, which “is focused on developing a novel class of immunomodulators capable of improving RNA vaccines and therapeutics, as well as treating autoimmune diseases”.

“Dr Laczka has made a very significant contribution to the development of the Sofra program and is the ideal person to steer the next phase of our growth,” Noxopharm Chairman Fred Bart said.

“He has led our scientific team with genuine vision and energy while forming deep collaborative relationships with our external partners, and we have real confidence in his ability to deliver value for our shareholders.”

On his appointment, Laczka said: “I am honoured to have been entrusted by the Board in this new role, and will take responsibility for building the company in our shareholders’ best interests.

“We have a real opportunity to grow by seizing the opportunities that are opening up for us, and not hesitating to make the right decisions that will take us forward.”

Image: Supplied.

Proposed Australian trial eyes up blood testing for Alzheimer's

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1000

The leading cause of death in Australia and estimated to cost Australia about $18.7 billion in 2025, dementia is one of Australia’s greatest public health and economic challenges. Further, with more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia, about three-quarters of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.

Now, under a proposed plan by the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT), a large-scale study — utilising networks of GPs across three states — intends on combining digital cognitive tests and blood tests (pTau217 AD) for people at risk of Alzheimer’s.

“There are currently a small number of locations in Australia using blood tests to rule out Alzheimer’s with more accurate tests expected to be available later in the year,” ADNeT Director Professor Christopher Rowe MD FRACP said. “This pilot brings forward the opportunity to one day have the combination of cognitive and blood testing available to Australians across the country.

“This would have transformative benefits for our society with earlier diagnosis and intervention leading to people at risk of or with early onset Alzheimer’s leading happier, more productive and fulfilling lives,” Rowe added. “It also has the potential to save the Australian Government billions of dollars in healthcare costs.”

Included in ADNeT’s pre-Budget submission, the proposed cost of the trial for the Australian Government is $6 million over five years.

“With current wait times outside of Melbourne and Sydney for dementia diagnosis and treatment exceeding 12 months, there is a desperate need for greater support for patients,” Rowe said. “The impact of Alzheimer’s is higher in rural, regional, Indigenous and culturally diverse communities due to longer delays in diagnosis and difficulty accessing treatment.”

Current testing shows signs of Alzheimer’s Disease can be detected in the brain up to 20 years before symptoms emerge. In the pilot, those showing signs of, or being at risk of, Alzheimer’s will be directed to Brain Health Clinics or conventional specialist memory clinics for expert diagnosis and early treatment.

Image credit: iStock.com/stefanamer

Australia signs AI collaboration agreement with Anthropic

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1000

To build on the National AI Plan launched late last year, the Australian Government has signed a new collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Anthropic.

Marking the first arrangement signed under the National AI Plan, it outlines how Anthropic will support the Australian AI ecosystem and sets out areas of collaboration aligned with Australia’s national plan.

The MOU states Anthropic’s intent to support local researchers and to work with Australia’s AI Safety Institute on understanding cutting-edge AI capabilities, the government said.

Options for future collaboration to support Australian workers, startups and small businesses, build skills, and help the government harness AI are also outlined.

“This MOU sends a clear signal to Australians that we are open for business, where investment aligns with Australia’s priorities and Australian values,” said Tim Ayres, Australia’s Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science.

“The Australian Government and Anthropic are working together to harness AI responsibly — securing investment into Australia’s energy grid, driving economic resilience and safety for all Australians.”

This MOU will track AI progress and promote safety, support supply chain security and power Australia’s research, development and innovation sector, the government said.

You can read the MOU in full at www.industry.gov.au/publications/memorandum-understanding-between-australian-government-and-anthropic-collaboration-ai-opportunities.

Image credit: iStock.com/KTStock

Applications open for $300K pandemic therapeutics fellowships

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Applications are now open for the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics’ (Cumming Global Centre) inaugural Cumming Global Fellows program.

Early and mid-career researchers globally who hold a PhD or equivalent qualification, with up to 10 years’ postdoctoral work experience, are eligible to apply for the program.

To fund research programs aligned to the Cumming Global Centre’s mission, successful applicants will receive $300,000 in funding over three years ($100,000 per year).

Applicants can be based anywhere in the world.

“The Cumming Global Centre has an ambitious and urgent mission to develop novel technologies to deliver therapeutics at speed for pathogens of pandemic potential,” said the Cumming Global Centre Director, Melbourne Laureate Professor Sharon Lewin.

“No matter where in the world you are based, if you have a vision for cutting-edge research aligned to our mission, then we want to help fund your work and advance your career.”

More information on how to apply is available at www.doherty.edu.au/microsite/cumming-global-centre-for-pandemic-therapeutics/work-with-us/cumming-global-fellows-program.

Image credit: iStock.com/Mindful Media

CTA granted for CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1100

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted Clinical Trial Approval (CTA) for a CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma, which is the second most common blood cancer worldwide. A blood cancer arising from plasma cells in the bone marrow, despite significant advances in treatment, most multiple myeloma patients eventually relapse and become refractory to available therapies.

The CTA is for the Phase 1 clinical trial of KMCAR T-cell immunotherapy (KMCAR) in multiple myeloma (KOALA study), which will represent the first clinical evaluation of KMCAR T-cell therapy in humans. The ethics approval process is currently underway with Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac), with the first patient expected during Q2 CY26.

Clinical stage Australian biotech company HaemaLogiX’s KMCAR is a novel autologous CAR-T cell therapy that targets Kappa Myeloma Antigen (KMA), a receptor found only on the surface of myeloma cells and not on healthy immune cells. Unlike currently approved BCMA-directed CAR-T therapies, HaemaLogiX stated that this tumour-specific targeting means that KMCAR T-cell is not expected to damage healthy immune cells — potentially offering patients an effective treatment without affecting their natural ability to ward off infection.

“CAR-T cell therapy has already transformed outcomes for some blood cancers, and KMCAR T- cell represents an exciting opportunity to expand these benefits to myeloma patients with a potentially safer approach,” said Professor Simon Harrison, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy at Peter Mac. “The KMA target has been extensively validated through the KappaMab antibody clinical trials conducted to date by HaemaLogiX, Alfred Health and Peter Mac.

“The exceptional safety profile observed in those studies is highly reassuring as we move into this first-in-human CAR-T trial for multiple myeloma. We look forward to advancing the KOALA clinical trial in the hope of bringing this innovative therapy to myeloma patients worldwide.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Md Ariful Islam

Nominations now open for the 2026 NMI Measurement Awards

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1100

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 NMI National Measurement Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements in measurement, spanning all experience levels and industries.

The 2026 awards are the:

Barry Inglis Medal — for sustained contributions to Australian measurement science and infrastructure;
NMI Measurement Impact Award — for measurement-related achievements with real-world impact; and
Measurement Achievements Encouragement Award — recognising measurement-related achievements of early to mid-career professionals.

There will also be a People’s Choice Award, open to Measurement Awards finalists and chosen by audience vote in a virtual award ceremony during National Science Week this August.

Recognising excellence, contribution and impact to measurement science, you can nominate yourself or a colleague who inspires you.

More information about the awards, eligibility requirements and how to apply is available at www.industry.gov.au/national-measurement-institute/measurement-awards.

Submissions close on World Metrology Day, 20 May 2026.

Image credit: iStock.com/izusek

2026 Snow Fellowship recipients to receive $24m in biomedical funding

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100

Australian biomedical researchers Dr Deborah Burnett from UNSW, Associate Professor Sudarshini Ramanathan from the University of Sydney and Dr Ira Deveson from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have been named the 2026 Snow Fellowship recipients, Snow Medical Research Foundation has announced. Designed to enable exceptional scientists to pursue ambitious long-term research programs, build world-class teams and tackle complex scientific challenges, each Snow Medical Fellowship provides $8 million over eight years.

Set to tackle major global health challenges spanning autoimmune disease, neurological disorders and genetic disease, the fellows’ work addresses conditions that disproportionately affect vulnerable and underserved populations, including First Nations communities, while advancing precision medicine and translational care. Collectively, their research aims to deliver safer vaccines, better diagnostics, and more equitable genomic and neurological health care.

“Our family believes some of the most important breakthroughs in science happen when talented researchers are given the confidence to pursue ambitious ideas over the long term,” said Tom Snow, Chair of Snow Medical Research Foundation. “These fellowships are designed to remove some of the constraints researchers often face, giving them the freedom, time and resources to take risks and explore ambitious questions that could fundamentally change how we understand and treat disease.

“We are tremendously proud to support this high-calibre next generation of Australian scientific leaders and their teams and help build an environment where world-class research can thrive,” Snow added. “Great science requires courage, curiosity and persistence. By providing long-term support and also investing in the development of our Fellows and their teams, we’re helping create the conditions where truly innovative research can flourish.”

Image: (L–R) Dr Deborah Burnett, Associate Professor Sudarshini Ramanathan and Dr Ira Deveson. Source: UNSW Sydney