EMBL Australia

Farewell to world-leading immunologist and molecular microscopist Scientia Professor Katharina Gaus - a visionary scientist, inspirational mentor, and much-loved friend, colleague and collaborator.

Despite the challenges and disruptions imposed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network continued to produce fantastic science, attract highly competitive research grants and grow in size. Many of our researchers contributed scientifically to the international battle against coronavirus and continued to build up Australia's research infrastructure capabilities across the various PLN host institutions.

An exciting discovery by Monash University scientists - including members of EMBL Australia's leadership team, Professor Peter Currie and Associate Professor Mikaël Martino - may lead to faster recovery from muscle injury and wasting diseases.

We are excited to welcome the newest member of the EMBL Australia Council, Professor Ian Smith, who replaced the outgoing Professor Brandon Wainwright AM as chairperson, in November 2020.

A new detection method co-developed by EMBL Australia group leader Dr Yann Gambin could enable the early and accurate detection of Parkinson’s disease, vastly improving patient outcomes.

An international study co-led by EMBL Australia group leader Dr Yann Gambin has revealed a potential mechanism the SARS-CoV-2 virus may use to try to temper the host’s innate immune defence.

A clinical human trial of malaria infection led by EMBL Australia group leader Dr Michelle Boyle has linked the activation of specific immune cells to the induction of protective antibodies against malaria - an important step towards the development of an effective vaccine.

Three EMBL Australia group leaders have been awarded NHMRC Ideas Grants to expand their research in malaria, cancer cell biology and antibiotic resistance.

EMBL Australia Scientific Head Professor James Whisstock is leading the development of an integrated microscopy and proteomics resource that will enable Australian researchers to understand the precise molecular makeup of the intracellular environment.

News this quarter:

• Chen Davidovich awarded coveted Viertel Fellowship
• Creating a new, integrated microscopy & proteomics asset
• Two group leaders receive ARC Discovery Project grants
• Cancer-killing T cells ‘swarm’ to tumours, attract others to fight
• Welcome to our newest group leader, Dr Vaishnavi Ananthanarayanan
• Virtual EAPS an actual success
• Visualising the Australian coronavirus genome

And more:

• Job opportunities
• Student opportunities
• Upcoming events
• Recent publications