Menzies Institute for Medical Research

05/02/2026

🐾Congratulations to our Devil Immunology Group, featured in the cover story of Australian Geographic 🎉🌿

Wild devil numbers are still in decline due to transmissible facial tumors. But our researchers are developing solutions to increase survival rates of our much-loved faunal emblem. Read the full story here
🔗 https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/nature-wildlife/2026/01/saving-our-darling-devils/

04/02/2026

Dr Nicholas Blackburn and Dr Bennet McComish of our MS Research Flagship are lead authors on the latest paper to come out of the Australian and New Zealand MS Genetics Consortium (ANZgene). The international collaboration brings together MS neurologists and scientists working with DNA samples to explore how our genes contribute to multiple sclerosis.

The team set out to determine whether rare genetic conditions that look like MS (but aren’t) might be hiding among MS diagnoses.

They found that these genetic ‘MS mimics’ are extremely rare. The data showed that from more than 4,300 people diagnosed with MS, only four had signs of another genetic disease. This disease, caused by a change in their DNA, may explain some, or all, of their MS symptoms.

Further, when looking across approximately 1,600 genes known to cause other neurological diseases, they found that people with MS had no more genetic changes in these genes than Australians without MS.

So what does this mean for people living with MS? A small number may benefit from genetic testing to inform their MS diagnosis or an alternate diagnosis. But for most, this research offers strong reassurance that their MS diagnosis by a specialist is very likely accurate.

For a more detailed plain language summary of Nick and Bennet's research check out the link in the comments 👇

03/02/2026

Our researchers have received $2.7 million in NHMRC funding to improve genetic testing for childhood cataract – a rare but serious condition that can lead to lifelong vision problems if not treated early.

Led by Professor Kathryn Burdon, the GenCat research program aims to help families get clearer answers by identifying more of the genes that cause childhood cataract and understanding which genetic changes are harmful. For many families, this clarity has been decades in the making.

The project brings together experts from across Australia, alongside not-for-profit Cataract Kids Australia, to ensure families and community voices are at the centre of the research.

The goal: that every family who undergoes genetic testing for childhood cataract receives a clear and meaningful result – and that this knowledge leads to better treatments in the future.

02/02/2026

Mindfulness is more than a buzz word- research has shown that is can have great benefits from reducing stress to improving relationships.
If you're interested in learning more about mindfulness, our researcher Dr Larissa Bartlett is giving a free talk tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd, from 12 - 1pm at St.LukesHealth 'Wellness Hub' in Hobart's CBD- sharing what she knows about how to practice mindfulness and will answer your questions.

"Mindfulness is now becoming more widely recognised for it's positive impacts on mental health," said Dr Bartlett.
"Our research has recently looked at how mindfulness can support good health as we age, and reduce stress- related problems in the workplace.
"We hope to encourage more and more Tasmanians to learn mindfulness skills to improve their well-being."

See comments for more info!

29/01/2026

Are you part of a Tasmanian community group? ❤️⚡
There are just a few days left to apply for the Tasmanian Government’s Community Defibrillator Fund, with applications closing 31 January 2026.
Our Cardiovascular Research Flagship team encourages eligible community groups to apply for funding to install an automated external defibrillator (AED) — a vital piece of equipment that can save lives during cardiac arrest.
The Flagship's Shock Verdict campaign continues for another month, raising awareness of the importance of learning CPR and having the confidence to step in and use an AED when it matters most.
💓 The more AEDs available in our communities, the better the chance of saving a life.
👀Watch our funny and informative 'Shock Verdict' video via the link in our bio.
👉 For more information and to apply to the fund, visit the Tasmanian Department of Health website.

27/01/2026

We would like to congratulate our chairperson, Dr Bruce Neill, for receiving the distinguished Officer of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Awards.

Bruce is so very well deserving of this acknowledgment, not only for his generous philanthropy but also for his advocacy, and for the time and counsel he has given to so many of our researchers and to many other Tasmanian organisations.

He has worked with us at Menzies for over 20 years and his ongoing support has played a crucial role in the success of our institute:

“Menzies punch above their weight and Tasmania is fortunate to have such an institution,” said Dr Neill.

“I am often asked, ‘why do I support medical research’ and the answer is, research builds better, healthier and longer lives.”

26/01/2026

Our researchers need your help to advance our understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) in an Australia-wide study.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 We urgently need:
• People diagnosed with MS
• People without MS (YOU can still contribute!)

🧬 Why participate?
We’re investigating the connection between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and MS, and your contribution could lead to improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of MS. This study is recruiting a broad group of people with and without MS from across Australia to donate saliva samples. Your participation is critical to understanding how EBV impact the immune systems in MS development.

✅ Participation is easy!
• Complete a questionnaire
• Provide three saliva samples (postal submissions are welcome!)
• Optionally, give a blood sample

🔍 Ready to make a difference?
Find out if you’re eligible by completing our survey via this link: 👇https://redcap.utas.edu.au/surveys/?s=94EW7377K3M8483X

For more information contact:
Chavi Asthana, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Menzies Institute for Medical Research
17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000
t (03) 6226 4226; e: Chhavi.Asthana@utas.edu.au

This study is approved by the University of Tasmania Human Research Ethics Committee, H0027273 (H-85821) and funded by the Australian Government, Medical Research Future Fund and National Health and Medical Research Council

23/01/2026

💬 Come along to Island of Ideas: Beyond Cure, a thought-provoking discussion on the future of care for people with progressive health conditions.

You'll hear from two of our leading researchers, and three colleagues from the Wicking Dementia Centre:

💡Doctor Larissa Bartlett's work focuses on mental health, behaviour change and public-health interventions to reduce dementia risk.

💡Professor Michele Callisaya's research focuses on falls, frailty and neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease, dementia and stroke.

💡Professor Jane Alty uses digital and AI-based approaches to improve early detection, monitoring and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

💡Doctor Joanna Sun explores how physical, social and built environments shape ageing and wellbeing.

💡Pauline Marsh examines how connection with nature supports quality of life, with a focus on the benefits of outdoor environments for people living with health challenges.

Ticket are free but limited. Register now so you don't miss out! https://www.utas.edu.au/events/2026/february/beyond-care

22/01/2026

🎉 We’re thrilled to share that Dr William Reay from our MS Research Flagship has been awarded a 3‑year Translational MS Research Project Grant from the Trish MS Research Foundation.

Dr Reay and his team will lead an innovative project titled “Using genetic data to identify drugs to combat progressive multiple sclerosis.” Their research aims to fast‑track potential treatments by using genetic data to identify existing medications that could be repurposed to slow or reverse MS progression - a faster, more cost‑effective pathway than developing new drugs from the ground up.

🔬 By harnessing genetic insights and testing promising drug candidates in lab‑grown neuron‑like cells to refine the list before moving to clinical trials, this project has the potential to bring new therapeutic options to people living with progressive MS sooner.

A huge congratulations to Dr Reay and his team, and our sincere thanks to the Trish Foundation for supporting this important work.

20/01/2026

🧠 Free online course: Deciding about Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) for MS.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects many Tasmanians, and understanding treatment options can make a real difference for individuals, families and our broader community. Our MS Research Flagship offers a free, self‑paced online course that explains what DMTs are and how they work.

Whether you’re living with MS, supporting someone who is, working in health, or simply interested in learning more about a condition that has a significant impact in Tasmania, this course offers clear, evidence‑based information.

Across three modules, you’ll hear from neurologists, MS nurses, researchers and people with lived experience. The aim: supporting clearer conversations and more confident, informed decision‑making.

✨ Course details:
• Self‑paced learning (1.5–2 hours per module)
• Certificate of completion
• Developed in collaboration with the MS community
• Completely free

🔗 Follow the link below to enrol or learn more

Deciding about Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a free online course that aims to increase understanding about DMTs and help people living with MS make informed decisions about using them.

19/01/2026

Did you catch our researchers on ABC yesterday? 👀 Our Cancer Theme Leader, Associate Professor Phillipa Taberlay, and local medical oncologist and Menzies researcher, Dr Rosemary Harrup, spoke to the ABC as part of a moving story looking at brain cancer.
The pair discussed their work, why brain cancer is so complex to treat and the promising new therapies that may become available in the future.
In the video below A/Prof Taberlay shows how small some of the volumes the researchers are working with - about half of a microlitre!
Sadly, too many Tasmanian families are affected by brain cancer and other cancers. That’s why cancer research is one of our key priorities — and we’re excited about the progress our team is making. We hope these discoveries will one day be applied across many cancer types.
To read the story online, see the first comment on this post.

13/01/2026

👏Congratulations to Professor Bruce Taylor of our MS Research Flagship, who has been named co-recipient of MS Australia's 2025 MS Research Award. This award recognises his more than 25 years of leadership in advancing multiple sclerosis (MS) research and improving outcomes for people living with MS.

Professor Taylor has led national and international studies that have shaped our understanding of MS prevalence, genetics, biomarkers and disease progression. His work has informed earlier diagnosis and improved everyday clinical care, and he is a key contributor to the internationally recognised Understanding Multiple Sclerosis - MS course.

Professor Taylor was humbled to be recognised but stressed that collaboration and community have been at the heart of his career. He said:

“What we do in MS research is only possible because we work together, and none of our work happens in a silo. Collaboration has driven every step forward, and that makes the work incredibly rewarding.”

Professor Taylor shares the award with Professor Helmut Butzkueven from Monash University and Alfred Health.

Read more below 👇