QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Medical research centre

QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

Locality: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 1800 993 000

Address: 300 Herston Rd, Herston 4006 Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au

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25.01.2022 Professors Sarah Medland and David Evans chat with 9 News Queensland about the genetic and environmental influences that determine left and right handedness.

24.01.2022 #QIMRBerghofer-led research has discovered the pivotal role of the immune protein #NKG7, if harnessed through immunotherapy, is a new potential weapon against cancer and inflammatory diseases. Co-lead author, QIMR Berghofer Senior Scientist and Immunology Department Coordinator, Professor Mark Smyth, said the findings opened the way for new immunotherapies but the challenge now is to explore what drugs can be used to manipulate the protein in the immune system, so doctors can either turn it on or off, depending on the disease or condition. Read more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//new-potential-weapon-fo/ #cancer #immunotherapy #inflammatorydisease #immunesystem #immunology

24.01.2022 Our researchers are embarking on a new clinical trial for a possible treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder #OCD. This trial seeks to test if non-invasive brain stimulation can normalise altered neural connections supporting OCD symptoms. If you are interested in participating, please contact: [email protected] #qimrberghofer #OCD #obsessivecompulsivedisorder #brain

23.01.2022 Do Killer T cells help us fight COVID-19? Whats involved in drug innovation in the race for #COVID-19 therapies? Why is it so hard to make a malaria vaccine? And how do you eat fried worms? These are some of the fascinating topics covered by #QIMRBerghofers leading researchers in the online high school Infectious Disease lecture series we are sharing during #NationalScienceWeek. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/BA8k8i5fbOI #scienceweek #stemeducation #science #tcells #malaria #vaccine #infectiousdisease #diseases

23.01.2022 Help us meet our target of more than 3,500 Australian participants by volunteering for our study today at: www.edgi.org.au. Volunteers must: - Be Australians a...ged 13 years and over. Children aged 13 to 17 years wishing to volunteer for the study must be supervised by a guardian. - Have currently, or at any point in their lives experienced anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder. QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders Eating Disorders Queensland Butterfly Foundation

23.01.2022 Congratulations to Vaishnavi Nathan, who has been selected as one of three finalists in the 2020 WiT: Women in Technology #WiTawards in the Young Achiever #Science Award category. Vaishnavi (Vaish) is a UQ Medicine PhD candidate studying #melanoma genetics in the Oncogenomics Group at QIMR Berghofer. The annual WiT Awards recognise outstanding talent and achievement of the many incredible women working in all fields of science and technology. The winners will be announced at the virtual Awards celebration on 9 October. To read more about Vaish’s research, visit our website: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//qimr-berghofer-phd-stud/ #WomenInSTEM #ECR

23.01.2022 Dr Katja Fischer, Head of the Scabies Research group at #QIMRBerghofer, has been awarded The Bancroft-Mackerras Medal for Excellence by the Australian Society for Parasitology. This award recognises her outstanding contribution to the science of parasitology, particularly in work published during the last five years. Congratulations Katja and well done! Read more: https://www.parasite.org.au//congratulations-dr-katja-fisc #science #parasitology #womeninstem

22.01.2022 During #NationalScienceWeek, we are highlighting #stemsavinglives research projects at QIMR Berghofer. About 10 000 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancers such as #leukaemia and #lymphoma each year and bone marrow transplantation is often the only chance of a cure for patients with high-risk forms of blood cancer. #QIMRBerghofer researcher, Dr Siok Tey, conducted Australias first clinical trial using genetically engineered immune cells to allow transplantation using donors who were only partially matched. By inserting a safety gene into immune cells, the cells can be deleted if they cause complications, such as graft-versus-host disease #GVHD making bone marrow transplantation safer for blood cancer patients. Learn more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//translational-cancer-im/

21.01.2022 If you have first hand experience of an eating disorder, please contribute to the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative - EDGI study and complete the online survey at: www.edgi.org.au #qimrberghofer #anorexia #anorexianervosa #bulimia #bingeeatingdisorder #eatingdisorders

21.01.2022 #QIMRBerghofer is offering a limited number of PhD scholarships for top international PhD applicants currently living in Australia and eligible for a subclass 500 visa once enrolled at a #QLD University. Visit our website for eligibility criteria and to apply by 31 October: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//for-un/phd-scholarships/ #medicalresearchscholarships #medicalstudent #biomedicalscience #phd #medicalresearchphd #PhDScholarshipsaustralia #PhDScholarshipsqld

20.01.2022 Blood cancers are derived from blood, bone marrow and immune cells and include leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome and myleoproliferative disorders. They are often aggressive and potentially fatal malignancies, which can affect people from childhood through to older age. During Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we are highlighting research being carried out across eight labs at QIMR Berghofer spanning genetic causes of cancer, the role of the immune system in... cancer control and treatment, use of cell therapy for cancer treatment and for infectious complications of cancer treatment, and molecular biology of treatment resistant cancer. There are also labs at the Institute dedicated to research into side effects of chemotherapy and immune therapy, including graft-versus-host disease, which can occur after bone marrow transplantation. A key focus of #QIMRBerghofers blood cancer research is translating these scientific findings into clinical medicine, particularly through clinician researchers, who have links to Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital Cancer Care services. Together, their efforts are #breakingbarriers and working towards better and safer treatments for #bloodcancer patients. Visit our website to find out more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/our-resear//blood-cancers #bloodcancerawarenessmonth #leukaemia #lymphoma #myeloma #cancer #GVHD #transplantation #immunotherapy

20.01.2022 Today we are sharing #EDGI participant Lexi's story. Ongoing hospitalisations and periods of bed rest meant I couldn’t socialise with friends, hold down a job, finish school, or go to university, Lexi says of her 18 year journey to recovery from #anorexia nervosa, a devastating illness that completely overtook her life. Today, Lexi is a strong advocate for reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and is excited to be contributing to the Eating Disorders Genetics In...itiative - EDGI the world’s largest genetic investigation of eating disorders ever performed. #EDGI researchers are seeking Australians aged 13+ who have experienced anorexia nervosa, #bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, to volunteer for the study. Visit the website for details: https://edgi.org.au #eatingdisorders #bingeating #qimrberghofer

20.01.2022 Brisbane Times reports on new #QIMRBerghofer research into the genetic links to self-harm ideas and actions.

20.01.2022 Congratulations to Professor Sarah Medland, Coordinator of the Mental Health Research Program and Group Leader Psychiatric Genetics at QIMR Berghofer, who has been named in The Australian's 2020 top 40 Lifetime Achievers Research Superstars, measured by their performance over their career. Professor Adele Green was also recognised as Australias field leader in #dermatology research and #QIMRBerghofer was named leading institution in the field of #genetics and #genomics. Well done all!

20.01.2022 Brain cancer treatment is very challenging for many reasons including the brain’s natural defences, accessibility of tumours and their tendency to spread rapidly. A Phase 1 clinical trial of a cellular immunotherapy, developed by the head of #QIMR Berghofer’s Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development, Professor Rajiv Khanna and his team, has produced promising results for patients with #glioblastoma multiforme #GBM. Read more in our #Lifelab magazine: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//LifeLab-1/Clinical-Trial #braincancer #brain #cancer #immunotherapy #futureofhealth

20.01.2022 Brisbane patients will soon have access to the latest in personalised cancer diagnoses with the launch of a validation study of GenomiQas whole genome analysis platform. In partnership with Icon Group, the Australian-first pilot study will be conducted in collaboration with Icon Cancer Centre Wesley part of the global Icon Group and will involve genomic testing of up to 15 patients. Based on GenomiQas analysis of the patients genomes, each patient may be matched to the... most suitable treatment option for their cancer, including approved drugs and those available through clinical trials. GenomiQa is a spin-off company from QIMR Berghofer, focused on bringing precision whole genome analytics into routine clinical practice. Read more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//genomiqa-partners-with-/ #CapeDx #precisionmedicine #genomiqa #cancer #genome #wholegenome #qimrberghofer

20.01.2022 Time’s running out to register for our next She’s on Q event featuring TV presenter Sofie Formica. ‘Making a difference; big and small’ will be the topic of dis...cussion in the online event for professionals and employers on Thursday, 3 December. The panel line-up includes QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute’s Professor Sudha Rao, MATE Bystander Program’s Shaan Ross-Smith and QSuper’s Marissa Heggie. Hear their thoughts about: How women are driving positive change Looking after your mental health Making a positive difference in your community. To register for the complimentary event, follow this link: https://fal.cn/3bPfq If you can’t make it, register your details to receive a link to the recording. She’s on Q events are moving online so that everyone in the network can take part safely.

18.01.2022 We think #stemdadsrock! Sending special #fathersday wishes to all our #qimrberghofer dads today and acknowledging their individual and collective contributions to building a better #futureofhealth through their #research. Thank you!

18.01.2022 QIMR Berghofer is offering a limited number of PhD scholarships for top international PhD applicants currently living in Australia, who are eligible for a subclass 500 visa once enrolled at a Queensland University. Applications close 31 October 2020. Visit: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//for-un/phd-scholarships/ #phd #phdscholarship #sciencescholarship #QIMRBerghofer #medicalresearch #medicalresearchscholarships #phdscience #InternationalStudentsAustralia #internationalstudentsqueensland #subclass500

18.01.2022 The Sydney Morning Herald features findings of a new #QIMRBerghofer study that has revealed some surprising findings on the effects of #optimism and #pessimism on long term health and mortality.

18.01.2022 Today we were delighted to welcome 10 year old Cate and her family to the Institute. Cate, who has supported our #COVID-19 research through the sale of hand sanitizer and her home-made brownies, met up with our PC3 Facility Manager for a special tour. We were thrilled to have Cate and her family visit. Her passion to find innovative ways to support our research is an inspiration. Thank you for your support. To find out more about our COVID-19 research, visit our website: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//infectious-dis/covid-19/

17.01.2022 Senior researcher and head of #QIMRBerghofers Cancer Immunoregulation and Immunotherapy Lab, Associate Professor Michele Teng, has been awarded a $USD200 000 Cancer Research Institute Clinic and Laboratory Integration Program (CLIP) grant to further her research in #cancer #immunotherapy. The CLIP grant will support Associate Professor Tengs translational research in tumour immunology with the ultimate aim of developing new and better immunotherapies to extend and save the ...lives of cancer patients. The grant will enable her research team to determine which cancers will respond best to MR1-blocking immunotherapy - a potential new treatment that switches off a regulatory cell to stop tumours growing and spreading. The CRI CLIP grant provides vital support to enable my laboratory to develop a new immunotherapy to treat cancers that do not respond to current immune checkpoint inhibitors, Associate Professor Teng said. Read more: https://www.cancerresearch.org//cri-funding-directory/mich See more

17.01.2022 #QIMRBerghofer researchers are calling for south-east Queenslanders who have been diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder #OCD to join a clinical trial of a new brain stimulation treatment. The head of QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute’s Clinical Brain Networks team, Dr Luca Cocchi, said the researchers were trialling Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to target parts of the brain that support OCD symptoms. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that delivers repe...titive magnetic pulses to the brain to stimulate nerve cells and adjust brain activity. It has been used successfully to treat depression, but the efficacy of targeted stimulation for OCD symptoms remains to be trialled, Dr Cocchi said. Trial participants will be required to attend clinics at QIMR Berghofer in Brisbane where they receive the TMS treatment for about 20 minutes via stimulation to the scalp. People interested in participating in the study can call 3845 3026 or email [email protected]. Visit our website for more details: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//queenslanders-needed-fo/

17.01.2022 Join Dr Katja Fischer and her team from #QIMRBerghofer for the Live from the Lab: War on Scabies Facebook event, followed by a Q&A on Thursday 20 August at 3pm. The event is being hosted by the Australian Society for Parasitology as part of #NationalScienceWeek.

17.01.2022 QIMR Berghofer researchers have received a million dollar boost to further their understanding of #COVID-19 immunology from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) as part of its Coronavirus Research Response. Associate Professor Corey Smith, head of QIMR Berghofer’s Translational and Human Immunology Group, is leading the COVID-19 Immunity study, examining how the immune systems of those who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 responded to the virus. A key area of their research ...is discovering how the human immune system fights the disease, so they can develop drug treatments to help very sick patients, with the end goal of developing a new T cell immunotherapy. Associate Professor Smith said control of viruses in humans is dependent on B cells that produce antibodies to recognise and neutralise virus particles, and T cells that recognise and remove virally infected cells. "Currently, we do not know how long immune cells live for in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. This must be determined in order to assess the risk of reinfection and identify which part of the population may benefit from vaccine boosters if a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, Associate Professor Smith said. We are grateful to the National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC for supporting our immunological COVID-19 research. Read more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//qimr-berghofer-receives/. #coronavirus #covid19vaccine #immunotherapy

17.01.2022 In 2018, Luke Russell’s mother passed away from cancer. To honour her memory, Luke is raising funds to support #cancer research at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and has secured some great collector’s items for an online raffle. Huge thanks to Josh Brillante and the #MelbourneCity Football Club, who have generously donated a signed team jersey for first prize and Josh's personally signed boot for second prize. The raffle will be drawn on Monday 14 December at 4pm and is open to QLD, NSW and Victorian residents only. Here’s the link: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=89wgc A-League Memes #qimrberghofer #melbournecityfc

16.01.2022 During #NationalScienceWeek, #QIMRBerghofer and MacGregor State High School have partnered together to demonstrate to high school students whats involved in a variety of #STEM careers. Dr Liam St Pierre, a Molecular Biologist and Education Coordinator at QIMR Berghofer, outlines some of the opportunities and experiences provided at the Institute for high schools students interested in pursuing a career in #medicalresearch.

16.01.2022 New #QIMRBerghofer research led by the head of the Gynaecological Cancers group, Professor Penelope Webb, has found each additional pregnancy a woman experiences, including those that result in miscarriage, can help reduce her risk of developing endometrial cancer. Professor Webb said the study findings provided new insight into endometrial cancer and showed for the first time that pregnancies ending in a miscarriage also reduce risk of endometrial cancer by about seven per cent. Read more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//every-pregnancy-helps-r/ #endometrialcancer #gynaecologicalcancer #pregnancy #miscarriage #womenshealth

16.01.2022 Thank you to everyone at Burnie Brae for your very warm welcome and interest in our research programs. We are always keen to share the amazing research being done at the Institute with our community. You can get in touch with us at 1800 993 000 or email: [email protected] to book Clare for a speaking engagement with your group.

15.01.2022 Congratulations to Dr Justin Chapman, who is the 2020 recipient of the Australian Rotary Health Mental Health Impact award. Justin is a post-doctoral Research Officer in the Child and Youth Mental Health Research Group at #QIMRBerghofer and was presented with the award at the Society for Mental Health Research virtual conference today. In receiving the award, Justin has demonstrated outstanding effort to disseminate knowledge about evidencebased interventions in mental healt...h and implement research findings into policy and practice. His work spans research, mental health service and community sectors. He leads a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of interventions to promote physical activity in adults with mental illness, a health service improvement initiative to improve the focus on health and wellbeing of consumers, and implementation of state-wide healthy lifestyle intervention programs for youth and adults recovering from mental illness across Queensland. In 2018, he received the Mental Health Week Achievement Individual Award for improving the quality of life of Queenslanders with mental illness. Find out more about Justin's research via our website:https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/people/justin-chapman See more

15.01.2022 Researchers from #QIMRBerghofer and The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute have led the largest genetic study of its kind to date identifying 48 genetic variants that influence if a person is #left-handed, #right-handed or #ambidextrous. The study also confirmed that environment plays a far larger part than genes in which hand a person prefers to use. Visit our website to read more about the study findings: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//researchers-get-a-bette/

15.01.2022 Our 2020 #Christmas Appeal is inspired by the true story of #QIMRBerghofer Professor Sudha Rao and her friend Melanie, a beloved young mother, who tragically passed away from metastatic #breast #cancer in 2016. Read more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/christmas-appeal/

15.01.2022 #QIMRBerghofer researchers have identified 11 genes associated with people thinking about harming themselves or actually engaging in self-harm. Led by Dr Miguel Rentera and PhD candidate, Adrian Campos from #QIMRBerghofers Genetic Epidemiology group, study researchers examined genetic data from more than 150 000 people to identify the differences in the DNA of participants who engaged in self-harm compared to those who had not. Seven of the genes were linked to thinking about self-harm and four to acting on those thoughts, with only one gene linked to both. Dr Rentera said he hopes that better understanding the factors that contribute to self-harm thoughts and behaviour could one day lead to better interventions or follow up therapies to help those at risk. Read more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//scientists-find-genes-l/

15.01.2022 During National Science Week, we are featuring some excellent high school #stem education resource videos that align closely with #science subjects studied in the Queensland school syllabus. First up, we feature the Psychology lecture series in which some of #QIMRBerghofers top researchers explore topics: Are psychological traits contagious?; and the effects of stress and the current #covid-19 pandemic on our #mentalhealth. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/YbGb_6MQN3A #solveitwithstem #scienceeducation #queenslandscience #stemeducationresources #psychologyeducation

15.01.2022 #QIMRBerghofers Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development,Professor Rajiv Khanna AO, explains new findings that will allow the development of more effective cellular immunotherapies for #oropharyngeal cancer.

14.01.2022 #QIMRBerghofers Mosquito Control Lab and collaborators have come together for National Science Week to showcase citizen science projects in Australia that are helping combat the nuisance and public health risks presented by exotic #Aedes #mosquitoes. Showcased projects include Zika Mozzie Seeker (Metro South Health), the Mozzie Augmented Reality Toolkit project led by QUT (Queensland University of Technology) Design Lab, the Mozzie Monitors Project (University of South Austr...alia), and the STEM Champion Mozzie Hunters led by QIMR Berghofer. Each of these projects is unique and shares the common aim of encouraging residents to participate in the control and surveillance of exotic mosquitoes invaders already here in urban Australian areas. Thank you to the Australian Government and National Science Week for making the Mozzie #Science website possible. Check it out: https://mozziescience.wordpress.com/ See more

14.01.2022 A cup-half-full or a cup-half-empty? A new QIMR Berghofer study has revealed some surprising findings on the effects of #optimism and #pessimism on our long term health. The study, led by Dr John Whitfield from #QIMRBerghofers Genetic Epidemiology group, has found people who are strongly pessimistic about the future are at greater risk of dying earlier than those who are not pessimists, however, being an optimist did not extend life expectancy. Read more about the study findings on our website: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//pessimistic-outlook-on-/

14.01.2022 Professor Christian Engwerda, Acting Head of #QIMRBerghofers Infectious Diseases program and Dr Tobias Bald, a Team Head in the Department of Immunology at the Institute, chat with 10 News First Queensland about a new potential weapon theyve found in the battle against #cancer and #inflammatory diseases.

13.01.2022 Today at #QIMRBerghofer, we are asking RUOK? Its a simple question that could change someones life today, tomorrow and any time we ask. We might not have all the answers but were letting our colleagues know that we care and learning what to say after RU OK? so we can keep the conversations going. To find out more, please take some time to visit: www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask #RUOKDay #theresmoretosay #RUOK

13.01.2022 #QIMRBerghofer Professor Sudha Rao, like many of our researchers, is inspired by a true story, that of her friend Melanie, who was breastfeeding her baby in 2011, when she discovered a lump in her breast. The two forged a close bond before Melanie tragically passed away from metastatic breast cancer in 2016. Professor Rao shares their story of friendship, courage and hope in a special podcast hosted by Clare Blake for our Christmas Appeal and we invite you to listen: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/christmas-appeal #qimrberghofer2020christmasappeal #christmas #breastcancer #metastaticcancer #cancer #futureofhealth #christmaspodcast

13.01.2022 The ABC reports on a new #QIMRBerghofer study that reveals how you can reduce the risk of developing a common skin tumour.

12.01.2022 Sadly, 17 000 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer each year and it is the most commonly diagnosed childhood cancer. During Blood Cancer Awareness month, #QIMRBerghofer supports the fight to conquer #bloodcancer and #breakingbarriers to treatments for patients. Our scientists and clinician researchers are working across eight labs to develop more effective and safer treatments to improve outcomes and the quality of life for all patients with blood cancer. Visit Leukaemia Foundation's website to learn more: leukaemia.org.au/bloodcancermonth and QIMR Berghofer's blood cancers website page: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/our-resea//blood-cancers/

12.01.2022 New #QIMRBerghofer research has found limiting sun exposure, quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol could help reduce the risk of developing a common skin tumour in Queenslanders known as keratoacanthoma (KA). Senior study author and researcher in QIMR Berghofer's Cancer Control Group Associate Professor Catherine Olsen said while they don’t usually pose a serious health risk to patients, testing and removal of the tumours pose a considerable cost to Queensland’s health service. KA tumours develop on sun damaged skin often making them more difficult to distinguish from sinister skin cancers and they are almost always removed or treated. Read more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//study-finds-ways-to-redu #skincancer #skincancerprevention #sunexposure #keratoacanthoma #squamascellcarcinoma #alcohol #smoking #queenslandhealth

11.01.2022 Imagine a future where diseases like #COVID-19, #cancer and #dementia could be treated effectively or simply didnt exist. Leaving a gift in your Will enables QIMR Berghofer researchers to continue their life-saving research today and into the future. Once youve taken care of your loved ones, we invite you to consider including a gift in your Will to QIMR Berghofer. To find out more about how to leave your mark during #IncludeACharityWeek (7-13 September), contact our Gifts in Wills team at [email protected]; phone 1800 993 000 or visit our website: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/gifts-in-will

11.01.2022 The relationship between #hearingloss and #Alzheimer’s disease has been in the spotlight for decades, however new #QIMRBerghofer and #QUT research has found there is no strong genetic evidence that hearing loss causes Alzheimer’s disease, despite both conditions sharing a significant number of genetic variants. The study, lead by senior author and researcher, Associate Professor Michelle Lupton and first author and PhD candidate, Brittany Mitchell from #QIMRBerghofer’s Genetic Epidemiology Research Group, is one of the largest genetic studies of its kind into the relationship between hearing loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Visit our website to read more about the study findings: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//no-genetic-signs-that-h/

09.01.2022 #NationalScienceWeek is Australias annual celebration of #science and technology. Stay tuned for updates this week and head to the website to find out more: https://www.scienceweek.net.au

08.01.2022 The Brisbane Times reports on a #QIMRBerghofer research study providing new insights into the link between #pregnancy, #miscarriage and #endometrial cancer risk. The study was led by Professor Penny Webb and Associate Professor Susan Jordan.

07.01.2022 Professor Nick Martin, Head of the Genetic Epidemiology Research Group at QIMR Berghofer, is seeking more than 3500 Australians with first-hand experience of eating disorders to enrol in the local arm of the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative - EDGI. Following the groundbreaking advances made in the Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative #ANGI in which reserachers identified both psychiatric and metabolic causes for anorexia nervosa the research team is now expanding the...ir work to attend to the three major eating disorders to identify hundreds of genes that influence a persons risk to ultimately advance treatment and save lives. Volunteers need to be aged 13 years or over and have currently, or at any point in their lives experienced, #anorexia nervosa, #bulimia nervosa or #binge-eating disorder. To learn more or register visit the study website: www.edgi.org.au See more

06.01.2022 In today's Courier Mail, Simon Perry shares his experience living with Obsessive-Compulsive disorder #OCD. He is a volunteer in #QIMRBerghofer's OCD treatment clinical trial, and researchers need others like Simon, who live in SEQ, to join the study. Contact us on 07 3845 3026 or email: [email protected].

06.01.2022 Today was a day for the Institute’s PhD and Masters’ students to shine at the 2020 Student Symposium #QIMRBSS2020. Thank you to all the speakers including our Director Prof Fabienne Mackay and the hard working organisers, especially Wilson, Sheridan and Lachlan for making the day a great success. We love your new shirts!

06.01.2022 University of Queensland PhD student Gangi Samarawickrama is working on a drug discovery project in the Scabies Lab at #QIMRBerghofer, one of very few research groups worldwide conducting molecular scabies research to investigate reducing scabies incidence and improving disease outcomes. As a trained Veterinarian from Sri Lanka, Gangi has come across scabies cases, which is known as Sarcoptic mange in veterinary practice. She is grateful to now have the opportunity to exten...d the knowledge she gained as a veterinarian in a research environment. As a scientist, I get to test and observe the facts behind the treatment options we applied in the clinic, and I get to think innovatively and realise my ideas through practical work in the lab, Gangi said. She is embracing opportunities to share and communicate the importance of her research in #scabies. Last month, she competed in the UQ School of Veterinary Science three minute virtual thesis competition and won the Peoples Choice Award. I hope my work will ultimately contribute towards the introduction of a better treatment for scabies. I encourage other students who are considering including a Masters/PhD research degree in their career. For me, its the way to pursue my passion. See more

05.01.2022 Julie Pavone knows all too well how quickly #glioblastoma multiforme GBM, an aggressive form of #brain #cancer can claim a loved one, after her husband Laurie was diagnosed at the end of 2018, and died just 10 months later. Julie shares her story in the Brisbane Times and her hope that a new combination immunotherapy treatment developed by researchers at #QIMRBerghofer may help others in their fight against #GBM.

05.01.2022 The head of #QIMRBerghofer’s Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Professor Grant Ramm, has been awarded the Gastroenterological Society of Australia’s (GESA) Distinguished Research Prize for 2020. Professor Ramm is a Senior Principal Research Fellow at the Institute and leads its Hepatic Fibrosis Group. The Gastroenterological Society of Australia said Professor Ramm will be presented with GESA’s Distinguished Research Prize at its Australian Gastroenterology Week 2020 Virtual conference this month. This award acknowledges Professor Ramm’s immense research contribution to the field of hepatic stellate cell biology and the mechanisms of hepatic fibrogenesis in chronic liver disease combined with his mentorship of fellow researchers, the society said. Read more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//qimr-berghofer-scientist

05.01.2022 Today is #InternationalLegacyDay when we acknowledge all those who have or intend to leave a charitable gift in their Will. At QIMR Berghofer, we are so grateful to members of The Bancroft Society, who have chosen to leave a legacy to the Institute through a gift in their Will. Their generosity contributes significantly to our ground-breaking and life-saving research. For more information on how you can include a gift in your Will to #QIMRBerghofer, contact our Gifts in Wills team at [email protected]; phone 1800 993 000 or visit: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/gifts-in-will

04.01.2022 Sophie is participating in the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative - EDGI study and encouraging others who have experienced #anorexia, #bulimia or #binge-eating to volunteer, too. If researchers can identify the genes that influence a person’s risk of developing an eating disorder, then hopefully these people will be able to access the right treatment and support early on, Sophie said. You can read her story on the #EDGI website: https://edgi.org.au/sophies-story

03.01.2022 It sounds like science fiction, but its not! During #NationalScienceWeek, we are highlighting #stemsavinglives research projects at #QIMRBerghofer. Our scientists are creating functioning human cardiac organoids miniature beating heart tissue to accelerate research into the impact of major heart injuries, and how we can potentially reverse the damage. Associate Professor James Hudson and his team make hundreds of human heart tissues using pluripotent stem cells mast...er cells with the ability to produce any cell or tissue the body needs to repair itself. By using these, they hope to restore lost heart cells by reversing the damage sustained from major heart injury, such as a heart attack or sick children with genetic heart disease. In June, James was one of three scientists awarded the Snow Medical Research Foundations inaugural Snow Fellowship. In one of the most ambitious #cardiacresearch projects ever attempted, he and his team will begin developing a comprehensive encyclopedia of the #heart in a world-first project that, if successful, will revolutionise cardiac research and treatment. Read more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//heart-research-to-be-rev #stemcells #bioengineering #scienceweek

03.01.2022 The microbiome is essential for human health. It’s also a fascinating and emerging field of research being led by Associate Professor Severine Navarro (pictured left) and her team in the Mucosal Immunology group at QIMR Berghofer. Of particular interest is the growing body of research linking the gut microbiome to immunotherapy effectiveness in cancer patients. Dr Agnieszka Malczewski (pictured right), an oncologist and PhD candidate, is working with Associate Professor Navar...ro on a research project aimed at understanding the role of diet in stage 4 melanoma patients undergoing immunotherapy. In her recently published review in the Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer (http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2020-001383), Dr Malczewski highlighted the lack of research and understanding of the role of nutrition and the microbiome in cancer therapy. Dr Malczewski identified that the role of the microbiome is not currently a component of therapeutic strategy for melanoma, so she initiated this research, Associate Professor Navarro said. A Children's Hospital Foundation Fellow and Lead Researcher for the #Woolworths Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Associate Professor Navarro is excited about the potential of this project. The easiest way to change the microbiome is through diet. We’re comparing responses to checkpoint inhibitor therapy in stage 4 melanoma patients identifying differences in the microbiome and how it functions so we can develop an intervention based on nutrition. The research will be enormously helpful in furthering researchers’ understanding of whether therapeutic manipulation of the microbiota through a diet based intervention can improve these immunotherapy treatment outcomes. Agnieszka has been phenomenal initiating this whole project. She’s an out of the box thinker and I’m thrilled to be collaborating with her. QUT Real Health Matters #qimrberghofer #microbiome #guthealth #melanoma #cancer #immunotherapy #immunology #womeninstem #womeninscience

02.01.2022 Participating in genetic research is an invaluable way to contribute to medical research and we're very grateful to study volunteers like Jane, who is taking part in the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative - EDGI. The study aims to identify the hundreds of genes that influence a person’s risk of developing #anorexia nervosa, #bulimia nervosa and #binge-eating disorder to improve treatment, and ultimately, save lives. She is hoping her contribution will help others living with, or predisposed to developing eating disorders. #QIMRBerghofer researchers are currently seeking eligible volunteers to take part at www.edgi.org.au #edgi #EDGI_Aus #geneticresearch #eatingdisorders

02.01.2022 "After we lost our son, we wondered who we would give the money to when we die. We agreed it would be better to leave a donation to a cause that is close to our heart. We hope medical researchers find a cure one day and that they can help save someone elses life." Richard and Carole Szekely. Richard and Carole lost their precious son to aggressive #brain #cancer in 2015. He was only 31 years old. They have decided to support #QIMRBerghofer and leave a gift in their Will to e...nsure more funding is available for research and clinical trials. They hope they can spare other parents the sadness they will always feel. During #IncludeACharityWeek, we invite you to find out how you can #leaveyourmark and help us find answers to these deadly diseases. For more information, contact our Gifts in Wills team at: [email protected]; phone 1800 993 000 or visit our website: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/gifts-in-will

01.01.2022 Queensland researchers have found that patients who received a cellular immunotherapy for the deadly #brain #cancer #glioblastoma multiforme #GBM in a clinical trial on average survived longer than would have been expected without the treatment. The team also found the treatment was safe and identified clues that will help them improve it in future giving hope to patients with GBM, the most common malignant brain tumour in adults. The cellular #immunotherapy was developed by the head of #QIMRBerghofers Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development, Professor Rajiv Khanna AO, and his team and was tested in a phase I clinical trial in collaboration with neurosurgeon Professor David Walker. Read more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au//brain-cancer-clinical-t/

01.01.2022 Its Teacher PD Day and great to have #QIMRBerghofer Education Coordinator Dr Rowena Long (pictured in the background) in the Lab today leading a #genetics and gel electrophoresis professional development workshop. The workshop aims to empower senior school #science #teachers to conduct hands-on #genetics and #cell #biology activities in their classrooms. Visit our website to find out more: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/s/school-students/teachers Wavell State High School