The Day of Immunology (DOI), established in 2005 by the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS) was a huge success leading to the even being expanded worldwide since 2007. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology (ASI) has been celebrating DOI since 2009.

The aim of DOI is to connect what scientists are learning about the immune system with the general public, helping to improve health, well-being, and awareness of science. Around the world and across Victoria, various institutes hold public events that showcase their research and give non-scientists the chance to ask questions and learn about discoveries that are often not shared widely. These events often include “Discovery Tours,” which may involve interactive activities or guided tours of labs; “Public Lectures,” where immunology experts talk about their work; and “School Workshops,” where researchers partner with schools to offer hands-on sessions that introduce students to immunology.

 

Bugs, bumps & Bites – How our Immune system tackles infectious diseases in the local region and abroad.

The Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research (CIIDIR) is a partnership between Barwon Health and Deakin University’s School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT). One of its key areas of expertise is the ‘Immunity and Inflammation’ pillar, which brings together experts who study how the immune system functions, how excessive inflammation can lead to disease, the role of the microbiome, and the development of vaccines.

 

On April 29, CIIDIR hosted a DOI Discovery Tour at the Health Education and Research Building (HERB) in Geelong. The event featured a poster session with opportunities for networking and discussion, an interactive quiz to identify viruses and bacteria, and a public lecture by two immunology researchers.

 

The Heart of the Event: Posters and Presentations

Poster session:

Students and staff spanning across Deakin University and Barwon Health presented their posters with engaging infographics and clear explanations on complicated topics. Topics covered consisted of:

• Rachel Webb – “Investigating neutrophil function in zebrafish with mutations that cause acute myeloid leukemia”

• Tilini De Silva – “The development of microRNA (miRNA) biomarker-based diagnostics for the vector-borne of antibodies against specific Borrelia species in human serum.

• Anna-Maria Balauca – “The role of the placental immune response in the development of neurodevelopmental disorders”

• Rinu Thomas – “From itch to insight: Revolutionising ocular allergy diagnosis through real time immunology”.

• Charuni Dunuke Arachchilage – “Evaluation of the effectiveness of an autogenous Coxiella burnetti vaccine in dairy goats in an endemic farm in Australia”

• Dr Bing-Ru Wu and Claire Emson – “Fighting the Flu: Unlocking the power of human proteins to stop Influenza.”

 

Public Lecture:

The public lecture was a highlight of the event, drawing strong interest from attendees. Associate Professor Daniel O’Brien, Director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Barwon Health, presented on Mycobacterium ulcerans—the bacteria responsible for Buruli ulcers. His talk, titled “Mycobacterium ulcerans treatment: sometimes we are a victim of our own success!”, explored the recent spread of the disease from the Mornington Peninsula to the Bellarine Peninsula and even parts of Melbourne.

 

A/Prof. O’Brien explained how antibiotic treatments have been highly effective over the past decade, but they can sometimes appear to make symptoms worse. He clarified that this apparent worsening is due to the immune system’s strong response after the bacteria are cleared—a phenomenon known as a “paradoxical reaction.”

These reactions, while surprising, are a normal part of recovery in diseases like tuberculosis and are a sign that the treatment is working.

 

Denise Airey, Production and Quality Manager at the Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory (ARRL), also gave a compelling presentation on the journey from a Q fever outbreak to the development of a goat vaccine. She began by explaining Coxiella burnetii, the bacterium that causes Q fever, and how the disease spreads from animals to humans. A recent outbreak on a commercial dairy farm in southwest Victoria prompted a “One Health” response—an approach that considers the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment.

ARRL was tasked with creating a tailored vaccine for the affected goats, using a strain of the bacterium isolated directly from the farm. This type of vaccine, known as an autogenous vaccine, required extensive development and licensing before it could be used. Ms Airey detailed the complex process involved and shared how successful the initial trials have been, ultimately leading to a viable vaccinenow in use on the farm.

 

Both A/Prof. Daniel O’Brien and Denise Airey offered valuable insights into the kind of cutting-edge immunological research happening within CIIDIR. Their talks sparked thoughtful questions from the audience, highlighting strong public interest in these important health issues.

 

 

In Their Own Words: The True Value of the Day of Immunology

The Day of Immunology at CIIDIR offered more than just presentations. It sparked curiosity, fostered dialogue, and brought together a community passionate about science. When asked about the highlight of the event, attendee Sonakshi Madan shared, “Learning about the fascinating research aimed at improving human and animal health – and getting to pick the brains of researchers driving it!”. Her words captured the spirit of the day: a celebration of discovery, connection, and the shared pursuit of knowledge that benefits us all.

Other participants added, “I enjoyed the atmosphere of the poster presentation session, where anyone young and old could learn and ask questions on all things immunology,” further reflecting the inclusive and engaging environment of the event.

Another attendee Michaela Grima remarked, “seeing how engaged and curious attendees were during the poster presentations. I loved that questions and conversations were occurring from both professionals in the field and the public. I think it highlighted how impactful science communication can be,” underscoring the power of dialogue in bridging gaps between science and society.