Every coat tells a story.
White = breakthroughs Victoria’s independent medical research institutes have delivered
Grey = what’s at risk without State investment in 2026/27
Pause. Read. Then act.
✉️ Write to your MP: www.aamri.org.au/100labcoats
#100LabCoats #VicBudget2026
More than 60% of Australian medical researchers left active research roles between 2019 & 2024 because they could not make ends meet - while my costings from the PBO suggest the govt could more than double annual spending from the MRFF without any effect on its base level of funding.
Navy blue background with photos featuring speakers from the meeting. ME/CFS Alliance logos appear along the bottom (Bridges & Pathways, Emerge Australia, MEANA, ME/CFS Australia, and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Group Australia).
Today, we brought ME/CFS to APH. With the theme Fluctuating Energy, Fixed Systems, the PFG of ME/CFS meeting highlighted a stark truth: people with #MECFS & #longCOVID must use systems built for stability, consistency & recovery, while living with fluctuating and unpredictable capacity.
I reflect on a quote shared by Sandra Goodyer, a parent and carer of 2 young sons with #ME/CFS. One of her children said "I am going to be old by the time there is a cure". I hope we can find more scientific answers and better care and support for young people with #ME/CFS. #MECFSAllianceAustralia
James proposes a national clinical centre for ME/CFS to allow people to access better multidisciplinary care. He described having specialists across multiple states, which isn't uncommon for people living with #ME/CFS But also that 'rigid systems are asking the sickess people to do the most work'.
We heard from James Dunn,who was at the peak of their legal career& patenthood when they got #ME/CFS #POTS. James went through an intense medical journey, traumatic at times, to get these diagnoses. Sadly, ending his career when cognitive load was impacting his limited energy #MECFSAllianceAustralia
Henry emphasises the need for young people to be included in research. Better access to medication and supportive medical care. 'People shouldn't need to travel interstate or overseas to get treatment for a slight chance of improved health'. Thank you for sharing your story. #MECFSAllianceAustralia
Henry Barker, a young person living with #ME/CFS and #LongCOVID. Has bravely shared their experience, sadly becoming 'an observer and not a participator' in everyday teenage activities. Life is less spontaneous & they continue to live with the ongoing fear of relapsing. #MECFSAllianceAustralia
A round table discussion setup. Co chairs Anne Wilson and Mike Freelander MP are speaking.
It is an honour to be invited to attend the 'Parliamentary Friends of ME/CFS- fluctuating Energy, Fixed systems' event in Canberra. Hosted by @emergeaustralia.bsky.social and the #MECFS Alliance. As a scientist I am here to show my support to the community.
#MECFSAllianceAustralia #LongCOVID
The Antiviral Immunity lab at the Burnet is having morning tea. There are 6 women scientists of diverse backgrounds and age groups sitting around an outdoor table under an umbrella enjoying Melbourne coffees.
In 2025 we have welcomed two new members- Shearn Dior (PhD student) and Dr Reena Mukhiya. Looking forward to sharing more lab updates in 2026 on our vaccine responses studies in immunocompromised people, our post-acute infection syndromes work and much more! Wishing you all a happy and safe 2026.
I say this with teary eyes. Thank you Lily Schubert & Tracey Collins for bravely sharing your personal #MECFS stories 🙏 You inspire myself & the team to keep trying to find answers in the lab. We hope our work will lead to therapies & better tests for earlier diagnosis @emergeaustralia.bsky.social
Eight research students who have won awards at the symposium are standing proudly holding their certificates.
In lab news this month! Congratulations to Maddison Cali, our honours student who was awarded the Best 10min talk at @burnetinstitute.bsky.social student symposium this month! 👏👏👏 Maddison studies post-acute infection syndromes including POTS and Long COVID. (📸Back row, on right end).
📝 Working on a manuscript? Not sure on how to navigate the submission process?
Join our next workshop “Manuscript Mastery” for all the tips and tricks on how to prepare your work for publication!
🕰️ Wed 10th Sept 10am - 12pm
Register by 5pm Friday 5th September
bit.ly/45gWCst
Excited to share our 1st paper from our collaboration with @ianjohnwoolley.bsky.social & Spleen Australia is published! We describe predictors of VZV& shingles vaccine uptake in asplenia. Also a good reminder to all eligible adults to get their shingles vaccine! www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Proud supervisor moment this afternoon! Our honours student, Maddison, did a great job presenting their project on post-acute infection syndromes. There was heaps of interest and Maddison fielded many questions. 👏 Watch this space for updates on this exciting project! 🧪🥼🧫
Ping @theviin.bsky.social
Are you a spectral flow cytometry guru? Join my team @burnetinstitute.bsky.social in Melbourne, where you will contribute to vaccine immunological response studies in immunocompromised and vulnerable people.
www.seek.com.au/job/84837146...
I met Plum Stone @plumskyjam.bsky.social the founder of @saferairproject.bsky.social in Canberra last year. Plum is a passionate advocate for clean indoor air for all and lives with #LongCovid. Tune into @emergeaustralia.bsky.social podcast where she talks with CEO, Anne Wilson.
A picture of a grey and teal ribbon with the word long COVID typed in white on the grey part. The title of the image says "Long COVID Awareness Day" and is dated 15 March 2025 which is today.
It is #LongCOVID Awareness Day. At least 10% of people will experience symptoms for many months, even years after COVID. These can be debilitating & impact everyday things we all take for granted. We hear you! Our lab is studying the causes behind LC. We hope to find better diagnostics & treatments.
Congratulations!
Go team Burnet! 👏 It is amazing to think that a Hep C vaccine could be on the horizon. Great work by Dr Joey McGregor, Prof Heidi Drummer, Dr Andy Poumbourios the team. #lorneiandi @burnetinstitute.bsky.social
Check our piece on Long COVID in the @aunz.theconversation.com.
With @brendancrabb.bsky.social @mjlscoullar.bsky.social
#LongCOVID #SARSCoV2
📚 For those of you out there interested in the role of SARS-COV-2 reservoirs and persistence in Long COVID. Check out our earlier perspective in @mja.com.au it came out late 2024 but certainly relevant today! #LongCOVID
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.5694/...
1/ Cutting-edge Recommendations Provide Treatment Path for Millions of Long COVID Patients
In a new report, global experts outline key considerations to address persistent SARS-CoV-2; provide a
roadmap to test critical new long COVID therapies
polybio.org/cutting-edge...
Long-COVID incidence proportion in adults and children between 2020 and 2024
✅ Just Accepted
#IDSky
A photo of coastline called the great Ocean road in Victoria Australia. The water is blue and torquise. The waves crash on to rocky alcove and sandy beach. The conference is hosted at one of the local towns.
🐳 Join us in sunny Lorne, Australia next month, 19-21 Feb, for the @theviin.bsky.social Infection and Immunity Conference. 🪼 Absolutely great line-up this year! In person (sea-side🐚) and virtual registration options available too. Don't miss out- www.lorneinfectionimmunity.org/registration
We found most KTx had impaired serological responses. Predictors of poor responses included higher mycophenolate dose and low B cell counts and in dialysis elevated monocyte counts. This work is a collaboration with Bill Mulley and colleagues at Monash Health. 2/2
Our other focus is studying vaccine responses in vulnerable people. In July we published our first study on serological responses & clinical outcomes of 3‐dose #COVID19 vaccine schedule in kidney #transplant recipients & people on #dialysis. doi.org/10.1002/cti2... More on these groups in 2025! 1/2
Very beneficial discussions during #AVS12 panel on Indigenous virology including how the Nagoya Protocol relates to our work - lots to learn but here is some basic information specific to Australia: www.dcceew.gov.au/science-rese...
