Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists - Victorian Branch

11/08/2026

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Got an interesting case study to share?
An unusual organism or isolate?
A great bench tip or troubleshooting trick?
A “back to basics” topic you think everyone should know?
Something new or emerging in your lab?

We’re looking for speakers for upcoming sessions of the AIMS Vic Branch A to Z of Microbiology webinar series!

Presentations are just 15 minutes, and the series is designed to provide a relaxed and supportive environment for presenters of all experience levels - whether it’s your first presentation or your fiftieth.

It’s a great opportunity to share your knowledge with the wider microbiology community, build your presentation experience and earn APACE CPD points along the way!

💡 If you have an idea, we’d love to hear it and we can even help you work out which letter it fits under!

Contact us at: [email protected]

07/08/2026

Every Medical Laboratory Scientist Counts.

Your 2026 Census response is more than just a form – it helps shape the future of our profession.

The data collected through the Census is used to inform workforce planning, education, government policy and investment. It also strengthens advocacy for Medical Laboratory Scientists, including recognition of our profession and support for initiatives such as paid clinical placements for Medical Laboratory Science students.

Before completing your Census, take a few minutes to read our article. It explains the key questions and why it's important to identify your occupation as Medical Laboratory Scientist.

Every accurate response helps ensure our profession is counted, recognised and represented.

Read the guide here: https://www.aims.org.au/Web/AboutUs/News/Articles/Every-Medical-Laboratory-Scientist-Counts-in-the-2026-Census.aspx

04/08/2026

Join us TONIGHT for the launch of our monthly Microbiology Webinar series - The A To Z of Microbiology! Kicking off with the letter A, it's not too late to register: https://aims.org.au/Web/Web/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=VICMIR0826

Introducing the A to Z of Microbiology!

The AIMS Victorian Branch is excited to launch a brand new monthly webinar series exploring the fascinating world of microbiology - one letter at a time!

Each webinar will feature three engaging 15-minute presentations on topics beginning with the letter of the month, covering everything from organisms and case studies to laboratory diagnostics and bench pearls.

📅 Our inaugural webinar – A
Tuesday 4 August 2026
6:00–7:00 pm AEST

This month's presentations:
🦠 Aerobic Vaginitis – Lucy Griffiths (Melbourne Sexual Health Centre)
👁️ Acanthamoeba Keratitis – Chandra Kant (St. Vincent's Pathology)
🍄 Aspergillus Species – Teresa Abajo (Alfred Pathology Service)

Whether you're a scientist, technician, student or simply passionate about microbiology, we'd love you to join us!

Register here: https://aims.org.au/Web/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=VICMIR0826

[Interested in presenting in a future webinar? We're always looking for speakers. If you have an interesting case, organism or topic you'd like to share, email [email protected]]

We hope you'll join us as we journey through the alphabet!

30/07/2026

Registrations are open!

The AIMS Victorian Branch is pleased to present Gut Feeling: Gastrointestinal Microbiology, a one-day workshop exploring the fascinating world of gastrointestinal microbiology.

The program will feature presentations from experts across microbiology, public health and infection prevention, covering topics including the gut microbiome, enteric pathogens, laboratory diagnostics, outbreak investigations and public health surveillance.

- Saturday 29 August 2026
- Registration: 9:00 am | Workshop: 9:30 am
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne

Suitable for medical scientists, laboratory technicians, students and anyone with an interest in diagnostic microbiology.

🎟️ Register now via: https://aims.org.au/Web/Web/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=VICGUT0826

26/07/2026

Would you like to escape the cold Victorian winter for a few days?

James Cook University is hosting a hands-on Medical Parasitology Workshop in Townsville from 8–15 August 2026, covering blood parasites, intestinal parasites, advanced parasitology and histopathology.

Places are limited to 18 participants.

26/07/2026

🧠 Can artificial intelligence transform the future of haemostasis and coagulation?

Join the AIMS NSW/ACT Branch and NSW SW Division for our August Seminar as we explore the exciting potential of AI in laboratory medicine.

Presented by Mr Mohammad Altememi, this webinar will examine how machine learning is being applied to haemostasis data, the opportunities for AI to support clinical decision-making, and the challenges of integrating these technologies into routine laboratory practice.

Whether you're interested in artificial intelligence, digital pathology or the future of diagnostic testing, this seminar offers valuable insights into one of the fastest-evolving areas of laboratory science.

Register Here: https://www.aims.org.au/Web/Web/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=SWDCSS0826

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22/07/2026

Honouring Cathy Durkin, recipient of the George Swanson Christie Memorial Award! 🏆✨

This award recognises an inspirational medical scientist who has demonstrated ongoing excellence in medical laboratory science in Victoria.

Cathy’s passion for haematology and blood film morphology began on day one of her career in a small hospital lab straight out of secondary school. Mentored by some of Melbourne’s finest, she developed a lifelong love not only for morphology, but for teaching—training hundreds of scientists across public/private pathology labs and RMIT University. 🔬📚

It was amazing hearing her post-award presentation reflecting on how lab testing has evolved! From the early days of haemoglobin and haematocrit measurements and early Coulter counters, to modern automation, her passion for morphology remains as strong as ever.

Cathy has served as a referee on the RCPA QAP Morphology Advisory Committee since 2014 and is currently stepping down as MSAV President. Thank you, Cathy, for your dedicated commitment to our profession and for inspiring generations of morphologists! 👏🩸

22/07/2026

Huge congratulations to Tina Pham, recipient of the George Milsom Memorial Award! 🏆✨

This prestigious award recognises outstanding scientific achievements and significant service to medical laboratory science in Victoria.

Tina is a Senior Medical Scientist in Special Haematology at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, bringing over 20 years of experience with key interests in cellular therapy and flow cytometry. 🔬🩸

✨ A true leader in research, education, and mentorship: 📚 Published across local and international journals.
🏛️ Held leadership roles across AIMS, ACS, BMTSAA, and CMLS.
✍️ Served on the editorial team for Benchpress (AIMS Victorian Branch newsletter) and reviewed abstracts for ACS, AIMS, and ISLH conferences.
🎓 Lectured in haematology at RMIT University and Central Queensland University, while actively mentoring candidates pursuing Fellowship of AIMS.

Thank you, Tina, for your dedication to advancing medical laboratory science through leadership, education, and mentorship! 👏🙌

22/07/2026

A massive congratulations to Vincent Lu, recipient of the Young Scientist Award! 🏆✨

The Young Scientist Award honours scientific endeavour and excellence among emerging medical laboratory professionals in Victoria.

Vincent is a Grade 2 Coagulation Scientist at Northern Health and a PhD candidate at RMIT University! 🔬🩸

⚙️ Played a crucial role in setting up specialised coagulation assays at Northern Pathology Victoria and NECTAR.

📊 Contributes to thrombosis research through the validation of novel haemostasis assays.

🌍 Has presented his research on global stages, including ISTH 2025 and Blood 2025!

Congratulations, Vincent, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏🙌

22/07/2026

Shoutout to Sen-Pao Chang, recipient of the Young Scientist Award! 🏆✨

This award recognises scientific endeavour and outstanding potential in medical laboratory science in Victoria.

Sen-Pao is a Medical Laboratory Scientist at Monash Health Pathology with a strong passion for transfusion science and haemostasis. 🩸🔬

💡 Currently leading a Monash Health Emerging Researcher Fellowship project exploring extended refrigerated storage of thawed cryoprecipitate—vital research aimed at reducing blood product wastage!

🏛️ Serves on the ANZSBT Transfusion Science Standing Committee.

🎯 Dedicated to driving quality improvement, research, and professional collaboration across the field.

Congratulations, Sen-Pao, and thank you for your commitment to advancing laboratory practice! 👏🙌