Parts of Australia are currently experiencing outbreaks of diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable bacterial illness. What causes diphtheria? What are the symptoms? How does it spread? Get answers to some of the most common questions about diphtheria. https://bit.ly/4ahSJFE

A current Ebola virus disease outbreak overseas has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO. Doherty Institute scientists unpack the key facts, from transmission and symptoms to laboratory testing and Australia’s risk. https://bit.ly/4dJ0buv

Congratulations Prof Laura Mackay and Prof Katherine Kedzierska, two newly elected Fellows to the Australian Academy of Science in recognition of their contributions to immunology and infectious diseases research. https://bit.ly/4a3mwll

Hantavirus has been in the news overseas, but what does it mean for Australia? Scientists at the Doherty Institute explain how the virus spreads, the symptoms it can cause, how testing works in Australia, and why the risk remains low. https://bit.ly/4uEIWl2

What to expect from the 2026 flu season - Experts share the latest case data and information on 2026 vaccine program. https://www.doherty.edu.au/articles/what-to-expect-from-the-2026-flu-season/

Today is Day of Immunology, recognising immunologists and their impact on modern medicine. By deepening our understanding of how the immune system responds to disease, immunology helps inform advances such as vaccine development.

On World Malaria Day, we recognise how far malaria research has come and why discovery science remains essential. Doherty Institute researchers are uncovering how immune signals help build lasting protection after vaccination, informing next‑generation malaria vaccines. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4anRANm

Last year, Doherty Institute researchers made global news with a world‑first approach utilising mRNA technology to target and wake up hidden HIV cells. Now, this approach will be advanced thanks to $1.2M boost NHMRC IDEAS Grants Scheme. Find out more 🔗 https://bit.ly/4mvc8YJ

Australia has been recognised by @who.int for meeting strict international standards for the safe containment of poliovirus samples. This certification reflects Australia’s ongoing role in global polio surveillance and eradication efforts. Find out more 🔗 https://bit.ly/3Qe7odW

New research shows getting your annual flu vaccine can protect you from seasonal influenza strains and prime your immune system to respond to future strains, even some that emerge decades later. Find out more 🔗 https://bit.ly/4saTNBw

A portable device built on CRISPR technology can now detect multiple STIs, including syphilis, from a single sample in under an hour. Dr Shivani Pasricha explains how CRISPR could revolutionise STI diagnostics and improve patient care. Find out more 🔗 https://bit.ly/4bTwwOq

Interested in helping research looking at immune responses to vaccines against mosquito-borne diseases? If you’re 18 - 60 years with no serious immune problems, you may be eligible for our study in Melbourne. 🔗 For more info visit https://bit.ly/47JVRIl

Your generation can fight Chlamydia. Ready to help? Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs worldwide. In more than 80% of cases, individuals have no symptoms and are unaware they are infected. If you are aged 18-29 years, you may be eligible to join this vaccine trial. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ajaZ1Z

Your generation can fight Chlamydia. Ready to help? Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs worldwide. In more than 80% of cases, individuals have no symptoms and are unaware they are infected. If you are aged 18-29 years, you may be eligible to join this vaccine trial. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ajaZ1Z

🔬 50 years of electron microscopy (EM) at VIDRL, from Australia’s first HIV ultrastructural images in the 1980s to the first local images of SARS‑CoV‑2. EM is a vital tool for detecting and characterising pathogens during outbreaks. Find out more 🔗 https://bit.ly/4sLZOoK

Interested in helping research looking at immune responses to vaccines against mosquito-borne diseases? If you’re 18 - 60 years with no serious immune problems, you may be eligible for our study in Melbourne. 🔗 For more info visit https://bit.ly/47JVRIl

Your generation can fight Chlamydia. Ready to help? Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs worldwide. In more than 80% of cases, individuals have no symptoms and are unaware they are infected. If you are aged 18-29 years, you may be eligible to join this vaccine trial. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ajaZ1Z

Interested in helping research looking at immune responses to vaccines against mosquito-borne diseases? If you’re 18 - 60 years with no serious immune problems, you may be eligible for our study in Melbourne. 🔗 For more info visit https://bit.ly/47JVRIl

A new collaborative study has developed HIV‑seq, a tool that profiles rare HIV‑infected cells in people living with HIV. The breakthrough offers new insight into how these cells behave and could help guide future treatment strategies. https://bit.ly/3OQVhmA

A world-first portable point-of-care test detects syphilis, herpes, chlamydia & gonorrhoea simultaneously in under an hour — helping reduce misdiagnosis and cut transmission. https://bit.ly/4bjVlnl @unimelb.edu.au

Your generation can fight Chlamydia. Ready to help? Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs worldwide. In more than 80% of cases, individuals have no symptoms and are unaware they are infected. If you are aged 18-29 years, you may be eligible to join this vaccine trial. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ajaZ1Z

Interested in helping research looking at immune responses to vaccines against mosquito-borne diseases? If you’re 18 - 60 years with no serious immune problems, you may be eligible for our study in Melbourne. 🔗 For more info visit https://bit.ly/47JVRIl

Could one vaccine protect against multiple deadly bacterial infections? Researchers at the Doherty Institute and Monash University have developed a promising preclinical vaccine targeting both golden staph and pneumococcal disease, as reported in Nature Microbiology. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4aBEiM8

Your generation can fight Chlamydia. Ready to help? Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs worldwide. In more than 80% of cases, individuals have no symptoms and are unaware they are infected. If you are aged 18-29 years, you may be eligible to join this vaccine trial. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ajaZ1Z

New research uncovers gamma‑delta T cells send a crucial signal through production of cytokine interleukin‑4, that helps the body fight parasitic infection, malaria. These findings offer new insights for boosting future vaccines and treatments. Find out more 🔗 https://bit.ly/4anRANm

Interested in helping research looking at immune responses to vaccines against mosquito-borne diseases? If you’re 18 years or older with no serious immune problems, you may be eligible for our study in Melbourne. 🔗 For more info visit https://bit.ly/47JVRIl

A new way to tackle antibiotic‑resistant infections. Researchers have engineered antibodies that target pseudaminic acid — a sugar found only on bacterial cells — helping the immune system precisely identify and destroy drug‑resistant bacteria. https://bit.ly/45PSbVx

With Nipah making headlines again, it’s important to ask: what are the facts? Nipah virus is not new, cases remain limited, and outbreaks over the past two decades have been closely managed. In public health, following the facts matters. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4qXDU1l

Exhausted T cells and tissue‑resident memory T cells may look alike, but a new study finds key differences across cancers that could impact immunotherapy. One recognises tumour “tags,” the other reflects past infections, like flu or COVID-19, and must be deliberately engaged. https://bit.ly/3M365Ni

What’s the latest on COVID-19 antivirals? Community Advisory Board member Mohamed Mohideen chats with infectious diseases physician A/Prof Katherine Gibney, in our new video series, Questions from the Community. 📹 Watch here: https://bit.ly/4syjmh0

2025 was a surprising year for flu, with cases extending beyond winter, a new subclade-K variant emerging and a boost in cases at the start of Summer. What does this activity tell us about the year ahead? 🔗 https://www.doherty.edu.au/news-events/news/2025-the-year-that-influenza-surprised-us

Understanding COVID-19 vaccines: eligibility, timing and protecting at risk groups. Community Advisory Board member Mohamed Mohideen chats with infectious diseases physician A/Prof Katherine Gibney in our new video series. 📹 Watch here: https://bit.ly/3LlDnqA

Where are we at with COVID-19 now? Community Advisory Board member Mohamed Mohideen chats with infectious diseases physician A/Prof Katherine Gibney, in our new video series, Questions from the Community. 📹 Watch here: https://youtu.be/zXJrCyEOoqk?si=519ezWI8pNyt7j5O

Doherty Institute secures $12.9M NHMRC Ideas Grants for 9 projects tackling antimicrobial resistance, TB, HIV, cancer immunology & immune biology—advancing new ways to fight infections & immune-related diseases. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4aJ6gas

Doherty Institute researchers have secured a $5M NHMRC Synergy Grant to uncover immune changes during pregnancy—insights that could improve maternal & newborn health worldwide. 🔗 Read more: https://www.doherty.edu.au/news-events/news/5-million-nhmrc-synergy-grant-to-unlock-immune-mysteries

2025 has been a surprising year for influenza, with case activity extending beyond winter and a new variant H3N2 emerging. Experts from @whofluccmelb.bsky.social unpack 2025 insights and explain what an unusual flu season means for us looking ahead to 2026. https://bit.ly/496uwRu

A new approach using possum poo surveillance and cutting-edge genomics can provide an early-warning system to flag emerging Buruli ulcer hot spots before human cases occur. https://www.doherty.edu.au/news-events/news/early-warning-tool-detect-buruli-ulcer-hotspots-before-human-cases-occur

🎥 New video series: Questions from the Community Hosted by our Community Advisory Board, these Q&As connect researchers with the public. First up: COVID-19 insights with A/Prof Katherine Gibney—testing, antivirals, vaccines & more. Watch here 🔗 https://bit.ly/49eRd7c

Australia’s leading hepatitis experts confirm: the recommendation stands—medically stable newborns meeting weight guidelines should get their first hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. https://bit.ly/4auUvo7

New collaborative study reveals Indigenous infants in remote Australia are born with more diverse gut bacteria – a key marker of early-life health – than non-Indigenous infants living in urban Australia. https://bit.ly/4q7R3Ep

We're excited to announce the first artworks created through the Lionel Gell Art in Science Initiative have been unveiled at the Doherty Institute in partnership with @vca_mcm. https://www.doherty.edu.au/news-events/news/lionel-gell-art-in-science-initiative-inaugural-artworks-unveiled

How does your immune system know when to fight bacteria? New research shows macrophages act as couriers, detecting bacteria and signalling MAIT cells to activate defences. This insight could guide better vaccines and therapies. https://bit.ly/44ibhmm

Starting toddlers who’ve never had a flu shot with two doses makes a big difference, with new research showing this approach boosts protection and reduces severe illness. https://www.doherty.edu.au/news-events/news/starting-toddlers-with-two-doses-flu-shot-boosted-effectiveness

Doherty Institute researchers have uncovered new genetic variations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, building a fuller TB genome map and paving the way for future treatments. https://www.doherty.edu.au/news-events/news/how-dna-tricks-help-tuberculosis-fight-back-against-treatment

We’re thrilled to receive funding from the LEO Foundation to developing a rapid, low-cost test for Buruli ulcer, a neglected tropical disease widespread across West & Central Africa. This tool will help health teams deliver timely care in remote communities.

Fiji is moving fast to curb one of the world’s fastest-growing HIV outbreaks. New investment from Aus & Fiji gov, rapid adoption of 4th-gen HIV tests, and joint work to strengthen referral pathways, including antenatal care, are driving progress. https://bit.ly/4iqOyKu

Interested in helping research looking at immune responses to vaccines against mosquito-borne diseases? If you’re 18 years or older with no serious immune problems, you may be eligible for our study in Melbourne. 🔗 For more info visit https://bit.ly/47JVRIl

Could a biomarker help identify patients at higher risk of severe flu? A new study from Doherty Institute researchers has pinpointed an immune cell that may hold the key. https://www.doherty.edu.au/news-events/news/mapping-out-the-road-to-recovery-from-severe-flu

Interested in helping research looking at immune responses to vaccines against mosquito-borne diseases? If you’re 18 years or older with no serious immune problems, you may be eligible for our study in Melbourne. 🔗 For more info visit https://bit.ly/47JVRIl

WHO’s GLASS 2025 report shows AMR is rising—but Western Pacific data gaps hide the real risk. This #WAAW2025 learn why closing these gaps matters for global health security. Find out more 🔗 https://www.doherty.edu.au/news-events/news/superbugs-dont-stop-at-borders