iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

You can now read Henok's full original paper here doi.org/10.1007/s111...

Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Australia’s only dedicated stem cell resource for multiple sclerosis research has expanded, creating new opportunities to study MS progression and develop future treatments. Based at Menzies @utas.edu.au, MS Stem supports researchers across Australia and beyond. www.utas.edu.au/about/news-a...

utas.edu.au

Australia’s only multiple sclerosis stem cell resource expands research opportunities in progressive MS

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Dr Brooklyn Fraser's research has shown that childhood fitness is a key predictor of heart health in adulthood. This work is providing valuable insights that are helping to shape future research and public health priorities. Read more about the Tassie Young Tall Poppies ▶️ tinyurl.com/TAS-Young-Ta...

utas.edu.au

Tasmania’s Young Tall Science Poppies helping to shape a better world

We make sure that every student has a hands-on education that’s filled with adventure.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Congratulations to Dr Brooklyn Fraser from our Cardiovascular Research Flagship team on being named a finalist in the 2026 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards. Her research explores the connection between childhood physical activity and lifelong cardiovascular health.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

🦠 Bird flu (H5) poses a growing threat to Australia's wildlife, but developing new vaccines takes time we may not have. Our researchers Prithul Chaturvedi and Andy Flies explain how existing vaccine technology, could be adapted to help prevent extinctions from bird flu.

theconversation.com

Iconic Australian mammals could be at real risk from bird flu. Could we protect them using vaccines in baits?

Edible bait vaccines made Europe virtually free from rabies. The approach could work against bird flu – if we invest in new vaccines.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Meet PhD student Henok Derso, exploring how carers can better support people living with MS or dementia in healthcare conversations. His research found that while carers often feel confident sharing information, many would welcome clearer guidance about their role. #Research #MS #PhDLife #Carers

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The rise of bird flu has brought renewed attention to wildlife vaccination. But what does it take to fund, develop and approve a vaccine for wildlife? Join the CSIRO's webinar with A/Prof Andy Flies on the Tasmanian Devil vaccine program. Tue 18th August 📆 🔗in the comments

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (#MS), but it often remains unseen. For #NationalPainWeek, our MS Research Flagship is highlighting findings from the Australian MS Longitudinal Study (AMSLS) that shed light on the impact of pain for people living with MS.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Thank you to all the brrrrave and brrrrilliantly dressed participants in this year's Boat Harbour Beach Winter Solstice Swim! ❄️🏊 Over 140 people braved the icy water in incredible costumes, raising $1,400 for our MND research.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Meet PhD student Chaw Thwe, exploring how sunlight may have shaped genetic risk of multiple sclerosis. Using landscape genomics, she’s found evidence some immune genes adapted to UV exposure, opening new perspectives on the disease. #MSResearch #Genomics #PhDLife #MenziesResearch #WomenInSTEM

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

On Friday our MS Research Flagship hosted its 5th Research with Connections symposium in Hobart, a fantastic event bringing together researchers, people living with MS and the wider MS community 🙌

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Prof Alty and Prof Callisa led their teams -from the Wicking Dementia Centre and here at Menzies- to develop the Parkinson’s MOOC, for which they received the WPC Distinguished Collaborative Research Award! Discover their work here mooc.utas.edu.au/course/20392 & here parkinsons.utas.edu.au

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Congratulations to Professors Jane Alty and Michele Callisaya, whose work has been honoured at the 7th World Parkinson Coalition Awards. Combining their medical expertise, research excellence, allied health knowledge, and lived experience, they have collaborated to make a meaningful difference.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

We're hiring up to five new senior research fellows 🔬 Join one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes and play a key role in delivering world-class research that improves the lives of Tasmanians and delivers global impact. Read more here 👉 careers.utas.edu.au/cw/en/job/50...

careers.utas.edu.au

Current Vacancies

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, and our researchers are helping to organise the Hobart leg of the Australian Action on Preeclampsia’s (AAPEC) Walk for Preeclampsia day on Sunday, 24 May. Join the walk and support the 1 in 20 women are diagnosed with preeclampsia. Details below!

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

In part two of our Menzies student experience series, Alumnus Dr Xin Lin and first-year PhD Student Luca Brodribb share their perspectives on studying at Menzies as domestic research students.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Hear from past and current students about their time at Menzies and why they chose to join a community working to create better health and better lives for Tasmanians. Want to study with us? Find out more: www.utas.edu.au/menzies/study

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

🎓 What can rare genetic differences teach us about #multiplesclerosis? #PhD student Himanshu Saraswat studies families with multiple people affected by MS looking for shared biological pathways to reveal missing heritability 📷 Himanshu (R) with supervisor Dr Nick Blackburn @nickomatics.bsky.social

Two men sitting on a wooden bench in front of a green garden

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

🎓 Meet Mohammed Obsa, PhD student at Menzies. His research explores how pain is managed in people with MS - what treatments are used, what works best, and how cost affects care. Proud to have him in our research community 👏 📷 Mohammed with supervisor Prof Ingrid van der Mei #PhD #multiplesclerosis

Mohammed Obsa, a PhD student at Menzies, stands outdoors alongside his supervisor, Professor Ingrid van der Mei. Both are smiling, representing their research collaboration on pain management in multiple sclerosis.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

🎓✨ As she completes her PhD at Menzies Surbhi Agarwal (left, with supervisor Dr Fletcher) has explored how brain immune responses contribute to multiple sclerosis. She plans to continue in neuroscience research to better understand how the immune system affects diseases of the brain, including MS.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

💬Join us in person or online on 9th April for an engaging seminar to celebrate World Parkinson's Day. The seminar is a collaboration @wickingdementia.bsky.social and Parkinson's Tas. Details in the comments 👇

Two women sit on a stone wall sipping from mugs and smiling at each other.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Menzies supporter Clare Reilly is taking on the 1,000km Munda Biddi Trail in WA in an off‑road wheelchair. Living with MS, Clare’s “Wheelchair meets wilderness” challenge is raising funds for MS research. Good luck on your extraordinary adventure Clare! Learn more: www.utas.edu.au/about/news-a...

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

A 2025 study by our Cardiovasuclar Research Flagship found people in lower socio-economic groups face a 33% higher risk of stroke. The encouraging news is that around 80% of strokes are preventable & modifiable lifestyle factors play a major role. #CardiovascularHealth #UTAS #Brainawarenessweek

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

It is Brain Awareness Week, an important opportunity to highlight the impact of stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blocked or burst artery. Tassie faces significant challenges with the highest per capita incidence of stroke in Australia #cardiovascularhealth #UTAS

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Great things happen when Tasmanians putt their hearts into it! ⛳ A sincere thank you to Ratho Farm and the Bothwell community who are donating the proceeds of their annual golf fundraiser to our Multiple Sclerosis and Cardiovascular flagships. ❤️‍🩹

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

What does good care look like when cure is not possible? Our researchers share their insights on maintaining connection, independence and identity after a life-changing diagnosis in the latest Island of Ideas recording. Watch it here 🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gm5...

youtube.com

Beyond Cure: what does good care and quality of life look like?

YouTube video by Island of Ideas

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

🎉We’re underway with a major national project to improve Parkinson’s care — addressing the world’s fastest‑growing neurological condition. Prof Michele Callisaya is leading a team to adapt the proven ParkinsonNet model for regional communities #Parkinsons #HealthResearch

Woman with folded arms in front of gym weights

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

Our devil facial tumour team has been fortunate to work with the University of Cambridge to advance understanding of the genetics. We hosted Prof Elizabeth Murchison Cambridge — on the left w Menzies researchers Dr Ruth Pye and A/Prof Andy Flies— who shared valuable insights with our researchers.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

🎙️ Hear our MS Research Flagship's Dr Julie Campbell & Prof Bruce Taylor on MS Australia’s Raw Nerve podcast as they unpack findings from their new report Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence and Health Economic Impact in Australia 2025. 🎧 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/4wmi... #employment #qualityoflife

open.spotify.com

MS Prevalence and Health Economic Impact in Australia 2025

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Jon Kudelka. A longstanding and valued supporter of Menzies, Jon will be fondly and gratefully remembered by us, and his legacy continues through the research he has helped fund. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and friends.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

💡👏 On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate our PhD candidate Kimiya Padidar. She is a heart health researcher dedicated to inspiring the next generation of women and girls in science. Read about her journey from Iran to Tasmania here: tinyurl.com/4a7ajndh

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

🐾 Congratulations to our Devil Immunology Group, featured in the cover story of Australian Geographic 🎉🌿 Our researchers are developing solutions to increase survival rates of our much-loved faunal emblem. Read the full story here 🔗 www.australiangeographic.com.au/.../saving-o...

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Is it MS or something else? New research led by our MS Research Flagship's Dr Nicholas Blackburn @nickomatics.bsky.social and Dr Bennet McComish @drmcstrange.bsky.social examined whether rare genetic conditions are being mistaken for MS. The answer may surprise you. www.utas.edu.au/about/news-a...

utas.edu.au

Is it MS or something else? New research explains

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

💬💡Come along to Island of Ideas: Beyond Cure, a free, thought-provoking discussion on the future of care for people with progressive health conditions. Ticket are free but limited. Register now so you don't miss out! www.utas.edu.au/events/2026/...

utas.edu.au

Beyond Cure

Held on the 26th Feb 2026

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Survival rate of cardiac arrest in Australia is approx 10%, but with CPR and an AED, it can jump to 60–70%! Tassie has a ⬆️incidence of cardiac arrests, but ⬇️rate of bystander intervention. To save a life: ✅ Recognise a cardiac arrest ✅ Call 000 ✅ Start CPR ✅ Find an AED - it's simple to use!

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

New Year, new skills? Do you know how to perform CPR or use an AED? If not, why not make it a goal for 2026! Our Cardiovascular Research Flagship team have re-released Shock Verdict – this powerful yet fun video featuring the cast of ABC’s Rake ➡ www.utas.edu.au/.../cardiovascular.../shock-verdict

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

☀️ Have you checked out the Summer edition of our quarterly Bulletin yet? ➡️ lnkd.in/gSaFvuZr We’ve packed it with highlights from some of our favourite events and exciting projects we're working on!

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

📢 Our final MS Research Flagship newsletter for 2025 is here! It’s packed with insights and updates you won’t want to miss: ✅ Cost of MS in Australia ✅ Global collaborations in action ✅ Digital innovation spotlight ✅ New research on sleep and MS. 👉 Read it in full here: bit.ly/4a70zTx

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

We are enormously proud of our very own Professor Bruce Taylor who received the 2025 MS Research Award at MS Australia's Progress in #MultipleSclerosis Research Conference last week in Brissy. MS Australia: "His work has shaped much of what we know about MS today." #MSresearchconf2025 📷MS Australia

MS Australia Chair George Pampacos with Professor Bruce Taylor on stage at the Progress in MS Research Conference 2025. Photo credit: MS Australia

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Thanks to our MS Flagship's Mustafa Kamal, Bennet McComish (@drmcstrange.bsky.social) Laura Laslett (@lauralaslettphd.bsky.social) + Tadeg Amale for sharing their research posters on gender-based income gaps for people with MS, sleep disorders in MS and more at last week's #MSResearchConf2025 👏

Mustafa Kamal stands next to his research poster at MS Australia's Progress in MS Research Conference 2025

Bennet McComish stands next to his research poster at MS Australia's Progress in MS Research Conference 2025

Laura Laslett stands next to her research poster at MS Australia's Progress in MS Research Conference 2025

Tadeg Amale stands next to his research poster at MS Australia's Progress in MS Research Conference 2025

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Presenting their research posters at MS Australia's #MSResearchConf2025 were our MS Flagship's Mohammed Obsa, Bec Banham, Glen Henson + Valery Fuh-Ngwa. Their projects covered everything from evaluating MS treatment effectiveness to NDIS participation influences for people with #multiplesclerosis

Mohammed Obsa stands next to his research poster at MS Australia's Progress in MS Research Conference 2025

Bec Banham stands next to her research poster at MS Australia's Progress in MS Research Conference 2025

Glen Henson stands next to his research poster at MS Australia's Progress in MS Research Conference 2025

Valery Fuh-Ngwa stands next to his research posters at MS Australia's Progress in MS Research Conference 2025

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

👏 Congratulations to Dr Holly Emery @utas.edu.au for her standout presentation at MS Australia’s #MSResearchConf2025 in Brisbane! She shared insights from her important research into how changes in psychosocial factors shape self-concept in people with #MultipleSclerosis

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Dr Alice Saul captivated a full room of MS community members, plus many tuning in via livestream, at MS Australia’s #MSResearchConf2025, sharing her work on identifying pain type profiles in people with #MultipleSclerosis.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

What an incredible showing from @utas.edu.au Menzies and Tassie-based MS community members at MS Australia’s #MSResearchConf2025 in Brisbane! With the theme Causes | Care | Cures it was an inspiring few days of sharing #MultipleSclerosis research, knowledge, sparking ideas and building connections 🧠

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Dr Nicholas Blackburn (@nickomatics.bsky.social) of our MS Research Flagship, and session chair at #MSResearchConf2025, expertly sets the scene for a deep dive into genetics, neurobiology and the disease mechanisms of #multiplesclerosis on day two of MS Australia's conference in Brisbane.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

How does sleep quality affect work productivity for Australians living with #MultipleSclerosis? Professor van der Mei from our MS Research Flagship shares key findings from her research, including the potential benefit of developing a sleep intervention, at #MSResearchConf2025

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Congrats to our PhD student Panteha Khaledi on her fantastic presentation at MS Australia’s #MSResearchConf2025! Her work, in collaboration with QIMR Berghofer, explores T cell immunity and Epstein-Barr virus in #MultipleSclerosis, and reveals exciting progress in understanding this complex disease.

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

"Multiple sclerosis is costing Australians more than $3b a year and number of people with MS up 77% since 2010" - Professor Bruce Taylor presents about the Health Economic Impact of MS in Australia report at MS Australia's Progress in MS Research Conference #MSResearchConf2025 #MS #multiplesclerosis

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Menzies Institute for Medical Research @menzies-research.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

👏 Huge congratulations to Dr Yi Chao Foong @ycfoong.bsky.social from our MS Research Flagship! On the final day of #PACTRIMS in Osaka 🇯🇵 he shared his important work on treating older people with #multiplesclerosis based on real-world data from the MSBase registry 🌏 #MSResearch #PACTRIMS2025

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