NEWS & EVENTS

Sharing cutting-edge immunology research in Queensland

25 February 2021

In late 2020, working in partnership with the Translational Research Institute and the University of Queensland (UQ) Diamantina Institute, we hosted the Immunology into the Clinic Forum and the Immunology Networking Symposium. These events brought together more than 200 clinicians and researchers from various fields to hear insights from more than 40 clinicians and researchers working across the BDHP Partnership. We thank Professor Ranjeny Thomas – BDHP Immunity Theme Leader, Head of Immunology Programme at the UQ Diamantina Institute and Consultant Rheumatologist at the Princess Alexander Hospital. Professor Thomas led the events and inspired many others to get involved. More than 160 people registered for two days of knowledge-sharing and networking at the Immunology Networking Symposium on 9 and 10 December 2020 at the Translational Research Institute. The attendees included Queensland immunologists from various health disciplines. Many researchers from across the BDHP partnership presented their cutting-edge research. There were sessions and panel discussions about:

• The molecular mechanisms of immunity
• Infection and vaccines
• Therapeutics and immunotherapy
• Mucosal immunology and microbiome
• Autoimmunity and autoinflammation
• Tumour and neuroimmunology

The Symposium's thought-provoking sessions and networking opportunities fostered collaborative conversations and stimulated discussions about where to next in immunology research in Queensland. At the Immunology into the Clinic Forum on 26 November 2020, clinicians and scientists from respiratory medicine, occupational health, rheumatology, immunology, and transplantation and related fields gathered in person at the Translational Research Institute and online. Professor Dan Chambers, a recognised leader in lung fibrosis, lung cell therapy and lung transplantation, spoke about the incidence of silicosis and ground-breaking new treatment underway at the Prince Charles Hospital. Joining Professor Chambers as speakers were Dr Simon Apte and Dr Tim Wells. Dr Apte spoke about applying basic science to complex clinical problems, and Dr Wells about how academic and clinical relationships allow you to seize translational research opportunities