Menzies Institute for Medical Research

12 June 2025

👋 We're excited about connecting with our community on Bluesky go.bsky.app/82r1ofL

👏 It's a wrap! A successful week in Toronto for members of our MS Research Flagship team who represented Tasmania at #MSToronto2026, sharing new findings, presenting to international audiences & building connections across the global MS community. Read more: msresearchflagship.org.au/researchers/...

How do immune responses to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) differ in people with MS? At #MSToronto2026, MS Research Flagship researcher Panteha Khaledi presented research comparing EBV-specific immune cell responses in people with MS and matched controls. Read more msresearchflagship.org.au/researchers/...

How many Australians are living with MS, and what does it mean for individuals, families and the health system? At #MSToronto2026, MS Research Flagship researcher Dr Julie Campbell presented updated estimates of MS in Australia and its impact. Read more: msresearchflagship.org.au/researchers/...

At #MSToronto2026, MS Research Flagship neurologist and researcher Dr Yi Chao Foong @ycfoong.bsky.social presented findings showing that older age predicts relapse-associated worsening in MS and joined an expert panel discussion. Read more: msresearchflagship.org.au/researchers/...

Congratulations to MS Research Flagship PhD candidate Eleanor Sabey, whose poster on metabolic markers linked to MS onset and severity was shortlisted for the best poster prize at #MSToronto2026. Read more about Eleanor's research: msresearchflagship.org.au/researchers/...

🎙️ How does ageing influence multiple sclerosis? Our MS Research Flagship researcher and neurologist Dr @ycfoong.bsky.social discusses ageing, treatment decisions and quality of life for people living with MS on the MS-Perspektive podcast. ms-perspektive.de/en/187-aging...

Our #MS Research Flagship has a strong contingent at the joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS meeting #MSTORONTO2026, kicking off in Toronto tomorrow. We're proud to see them representing us on the international stage. Learn more about the research they're sharing here: msresearchflagship.org.au/researchers/...

You can now read Henok's full original paper here doi.org/10.1007/s111...

doi.orgClient Challenge

Menzies Institute for Medical Research@menzies-research.bsky.social

Meet PhD student Henok Derso, exploring how carers can better support people living with MS or dementia in healthcare conversations. His research found that while carers often feel confident sharing information, many would welcome clearer guidance about their role. #Research #MS #PhDLife #Carers

utas.edu.auAustralia’s only multiple sclerosis stem cell resource expands research opportunities in progressive MS

15 Sept

Australia’s only dedicated stem cell resource for multiple sclerosis research has expanded, creating new opportunities to study MS progression and develop future treatments. Based at Menzies @utas.edu.au, MS Stem supports researchers across Australia and beyond. www.utas.edu.au/about/news-a...

utas.edu.auTasmania’s Young Tall Science Poppies helping to shape a better worldWe make sure that every student has a hands-on education that’s filled with adventure.

15 Sept

Dr Brooklyn Fraser's research has shown that childhood fitness is a key predictor of heart health in adulthood. This work is providing valuable insights that are helping to shape future research and public health priorities. Read more about the Tassie Young Tall Poppies ▶️ tinyurl.com/TAS-Young-Ta...

15 Sept

Congratulations to Dr Brooklyn Fraser from our Cardiovascular Research Flagship team on being named a finalist in the 2026 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards. Her research explores the connection between childhood physical activity and lifelong cardiovascular health.

theconversation.comIconic Australian mammals could be at real risk from bird flu. Could we protect them using vaccines in baits?Edible bait vaccines made Europe virtually free from rabies. The approach could work against bird flu – if we invest in new vaccines.

31 Aug

🦠 Bird flu (H5) poses a growing threat to Australia's wildlife, but developing new vaccines takes time we may not have. Our researchers Prithul Chaturvedi and Andy Flies explain how existing vaccine technology, could be adapted to help prevent extinctions from bird flu.

17 Aug

13 Aug

The rise of bird flu has brought renewed attention to wildlife vaccination. But what does it take to fund, develop and approve a vaccine for wildlife? Join the CSIRO's webinar with A/Prof Andy Flies on the Tasmanian Devil vaccine program. Tue 18th August 📆 🔗in the comments

research.csiro.au/vetvaccines/...

13 Aug

research.csiro.auVaccines for the Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease (#Novel thinking needed) - Accelerating Veterinary VaccinesIn this webinar I will interview Associate Professor Andy Flies from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, […]

27 July

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (#MS), but it often remains unseen. For #NationalPainWeek, our MS Research Flagship is highlighting findings from the Australian MS Longitudinal Study (AMSLS) that shed light on the impact of pain for people living with MS.

msresearchflagship.org.auJoin the Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study | MS ResearchThe Australian MS Longitudinal Study (AMSLS) collects real life data from people with MS to help create positive change and improve lives. Join today!

27 July

In the AMSLS pain survey of 1,678 participants, 53% reported regular pain, and 1 in 5 people experiencing pain reported living with between 5 and 10 different types of pain. Living with MS in Australia? Learn more about the AMSLS here: msresearchflagship.org.au/community/au...

6 July

Thank you to all the brrrrave and brrrrilliantly dressed participants in this year's Boat Harbour Beach Winter Solstice Swim! ❄️🏊 Over 140 people braved the icy water in incredible costumes, raising $1,400 for our MND research.

18 June

Meet PhD student Chaw Thwe, exploring how sunlight may have shaped genetic risk of multiple sclerosis. Using landscape genomics, she’s found evidence some immune genes adapted to UV exposure, opening new perspectives on the disease. #MSResearch #Genomics #PhDLife #MenziesResearch #WomenInSTEM

On Friday our MS Research Flagship hosted its 5th Research with Connections symposium in Hobart, a fantastic event bringing together researchers, people living with MS and the wider MS community 🙌

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Most importantly, the day was about connection - sharing experiences, strengthening relationships and looking ahead to the future of MS research together.

Find out more about the MS Research Flagship’s 10-year journey and impact here: 👉 www.utas.edu.au/about/news-a... #RwC2026 #MSResearch #LivedExperience

On Friday our MS Research Flagship hosted its 5th Research with Connections symposium in Hobart, a fantastic event bringing together researchers, people living with MS and the wider MS community 🙌

This year’s event was especially meaningful as part of the Flagship’s 10-year anniversary - a chance to reflect on progress and the impact of working in partnership with the MS community.

Hearing from both researchers and lived experience voices highlighted how important it is to work side by side to shape research that delivers real outcomes.

2 June

Prof Alty and Prof Callisa led their teams -from the Wicking Dementia Centre and here at Menzies- to develop the Parkinson’s MOOC, for which they received the WPC Distinguished Collaborative Research Award! Discover their work here mooc.utas.edu.au/course/20392 & here parkinsons.utas.edu.au

1 June

Congratulations to Professors Jane Alty and Michele Callisaya, whose work has been honoured at the 7th World Parkinson Coalition Awards. Combining their medical expertise, research excellence, allied health knowledge, and lived experience, they have collaborated to make a meaningful difference.

careers.utas.edu.auCurrent Vacancies

19 May

We're hiring up to five new senior research fellows 🔬 Join one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes and play a key role in delivering world-class research that improves the lives of Tasmanians and delivers global impact. Read more here 👉 careers.utas.edu.au/cw/en/job/50...

18 May

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, and our researchers are helping to organise the Hobart leg of the Australian Action on Preeclampsia’s (AAPEC) Walk for Preeclampsia day on Sunday, 24 May. Join the walk and support the 1 in 20 women are diagnosed with preeclampsia. Details below!

aapec.org.auWorld Preeclampsia Day – Annual Walk – Sunday 24 May 2026 – Australian Action on Preeclampsia

18 May

📆Register for an upcoming Walk for Preclampsia event here: www.aapec.org.au/world-preecl...

13 May

In part two of our Menzies student experience series, Alumnus Dr Xin Lin and first-year PhD Student Luca Brodribb share their perspectives on studying at Menzies as domestic research students.

29 Apr

Hear from past and current students about their time at Menzies and why they chose to join a community working to create better health and better lives for Tasmanians. Want to study with us? Find out more: www.utas.edu.au/menzies/study

13 Apr

🎓 What can rare genetic differences teach us about #multiplesclerosis? #PhD student Himanshu Saraswat studies families with multiple people affected by MS looking for shared biological pathways to reveal missing heritability 📷 Himanshu (R) with supervisor Dr Nick Blackburn @nickomatics.bsky.social

8 Apr

🎓 Meet Mohammed Obsa, PhD student at Menzies. His research explores how pain is managed in people with MS - what treatments are used, what works best, and how cost affects care. Proud to have him in our research community 👏 📷 Mohammed with supervisor Prof Ingrid van der Mei #PhD #multiplesclerosis

29 Mar

🎓✨ As she completes her PhD at Menzies Surbhi Agarwal (left, with supervisor Dr Fletcher) has explored how brain immune responses contribute to multiple sclerosis. She plans to continue in neuroscience research to better understand how the immune system affects diseases of the brain, including MS.

19 Mar

💬Join us in person or online on 9th April for an engaging seminar to celebrate World Parkinson's Day. The seminar is a collaboration @wickingdementia.bsky.social and Parkinson's Tas. Details in the comments 👇

18 Mar

Menzies supporter Clare Reilly is taking on the 1,000km Munda Biddi Trail in WA in an off‑road wheelchair. Living with MS, Clare’s “Wheelchair meets wilderness” challenge is raising funds for MS research. Good luck on your extraordinary adventure Clare! Learn more: www.utas.edu.au/about/news-a...

17 Mar

A 2025 study by our Cardiovasuclar Research Flagship found people in lower socio-economic groups face a 33% higher risk of stroke. The encouraging news is that around 80% of strokes are preventable & modifiable lifestyle factors play a major role. #CardiovascularHealth #UTAS #Brainawarenessweek

17 Mar

It is Brain Awareness Week, an important opportunity to highlight the impact of stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blocked or burst artery. Tassie faces significant challenges with the highest per capita incidence of stroke in Australia #cardiovascularhealth #UTAS

2 Mar

Great things happen when Tasmanians putt their hearts into it! ⛳ A sincere thank you to Ratho Farm and the Bothwell community who are donating the proceeds of their annual golf fundraiser to our Multiple Sclerosis and Cardiovascular flagships. ❤️‍🩹

youtube.comBeyond Cure: what does good care and quality of life look like?YouTube video by Island of Ideas

27 Feb

What does good care look like when cure is not possible? Our researchers share their insights on maintaining connection, independence and identity after a life-changing diagnosis in the latest Island of Ideas recording. Watch it here 🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gm5...

🎉We’re underway with a major national project to improve Parkinson’s care — addressing the world’s fastest‑growing neurological condition. Prof Michele Callisaya is leading a team to adapt the proven ParkinsonNet model for regional communities #Parkinsons #HealthResearch

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Our goal: connecting people to the right care, from the right professionals, at the right time — wherever they live. Backed by $2.88M from the MRFF and codesigned with people living with Parkinson’s, carers, allied health and service providers across regional TAS and western VIC.

🎤 Professor Callisaya is speaking this Thursday at the @utas.edu.au 'Island of Ideas' public talk series, alongside Dr Larissa Bartlett and colleagues from @wickingdementia.bsky.social. Free to attend — online or in person. 👉 Register here: www.utas.edu.au/events/2026/...

utas.edu.auBeyond Cure

parkinsonnet.auparkinsonnet.au

The first phase is now live, with surveys open until 15 Mar 2026. If you live with Parkinson’s, care for someone who does, or work in allied health, you can take part 🔗 www.parkinsonnet.au

22 Feb

Our devil facial tumour team has been fortunate to work with the University of Cambridge to advance understanding of the genetics. We hosted Prof Elizabeth Murchison Cambridge — on the left w Menzies researchers Dr Ruth Pye and A/Prof Andy Flies— who shared valuable insights with our researchers.

open.spotify.comMS Prevalence and Health Economic Impact in Australia 2025

19 Feb

🎙️ Hear our MS Research Flagship's Dr Julie Campbell & Prof Bruce Taylor on MS Australia’s Raw Nerve podcast as they unpack findings from their new report Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence and Health Economic Impact in Australia 2025. 🎧 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/4wmi... #employment #qualityoflife

11 Feb

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Jon Kudelka. A longstanding and valued supporter of Menzies, Jon will be fondly and gratefully remembered by us, and his legacy continues through the research he has helped fund. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and friends.

10 Feb

💡👏 On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate our PhD candidate Kimiya Padidar. She is a heart health researcher dedicated to inspiring the next generation of women and girls in science. Read about her journey from Iran to Tasmania here: tinyurl.com/4a7ajndh

5 Feb

🐾 Congratulations to our Devil Immunology Group, featured in the cover story of Australian Geographic 🎉🌿 Our researchers are developing solutions to increase survival rates of our much-loved faunal emblem. Read the full story here 🔗 www.australiangeographic.com.au/.../saving-o...