Monash advances in global health and infectious disease research

Through various initiatives, researchers at Monash University have made significant strides in advancing global health:

Professor Kim Good-Jacobson and Dr. Lucy Cooper from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute discovered a rogue immune cell affecting antibody responses in chronic viral infections, potentially leading to earlier interventions for diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
Associate Professor Rachel Hill and Professor Suresh Sundram identified a link between severe maternal COVID-19 infections and neurodevelopmental delays in infants, emphasising the need to protect pregnant women from viral infections.
An international study co-led by Monash University developed a potential drug candidate, DNDI-6174, for visceral leishmaniasis, highlighting the importance of partnerships in healthcare innovation.
Researchers developed a technique to enhance vaccine efficacy by activating 'bystander' immune cells, improving responses to vaccines like those for SARS-CoV-2.
Dr. Romain Ragonnet and Professor Zoe McQuilten received NHMRC Excellence Awards for their contributions to TB control and blood cancer research, respectively.
Monash researchers were finalists in the 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for their work in health and infectious disease research, including innovative models of care for viral hepatitis and real-time data-informed modelling for COVID-19.