WEHI - Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

15/10/2026

What if understanding where memory T cells are positioned could help create better vaccines?

This colour-segmented map reveals a mouse lymph node and shows how different immune cells organise into distinct ‘suburbs’.

💜 Purple marks virus-fighting memory T cells that provide long-term protection after infection.

💚 Teal and 🩷 pink show dendritic cells, which help coordinate immune responses.

Researchers are investigating how the positioning of memory T cells within tissues could help scientists design stronger, longer-lasting vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer.

View this stunning image or explore others in our 2026 Art of Science gallery: https://www.wehi.edu.au/art-of-science/2026/cells-and-the-suburbs/

14/10/2026

The deadliest form of lung cancer has long been able to hide from the immune system.

Now, WEHI researchers have discovered an immune cell that can see straight through its defences.

Published in Cancer Cell (Cell Press), the study found patients with higher levels of these cells lived longer, uncovering a hidden immune defence that could be exploited to attack these hard-to-treat tumours.

Researchers also showed existing drugs could be repurposed to boost the cancer-killing activity of these immune cells, opening new opportunities to strengthen current treatments and help more patients benefit from these therapies.

The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity | The Royal Melbourne Hospital | Cancer Council Victoria | | National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC | International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/invisible-no-more-new-treatment-avenue-unlocked-for-deadliest-lung-cancer/

13/10/2026

💥 Prepare to be wowed as science collides with art 💥

WEHI’s 2026 Art of Science exhibition is now live.

Explore the incredible images captured by our scientists during their work to improve health outcomes in Australia and beyond.

See the full exhibition and uncover the stories behind the images: www.wehi.edu.au/art-of-science/

12/10/2026

Professor Guillaume Lessene has been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences for his research efforts advancing drug discovery and development.

Election to the Academy is one of the highest honours in Australian health and medical sciences.

To celebrate the achievement, we sat down with Prof Lessene to find out what receiving this honour – one of the highest in Australian health and medical sciences – means to him.

We also congratulate WEHI Laboratory Head and CEO of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Professor Marco Herold, who has also been inducted as an AAHMS Fellow.

Congratulations both 🎉

https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/drug-discovery-research-honoured-with-academy-fellowship/

12/10/2026

Professor Shalin Naik recently joined the Last Post Radio Show to discuss how his research is helping fight cancer. Professor Naik, alongside Dr Sara Tomei, will be speaking at a special open-to-the-public event and covering some ways our immune system can be supercharged to seek out and destroy cancer cells.

If you'd like a look behind-the-scenes of medical research, their free 'Licence To Kill...Cancer’ is open to anyone and everyone.

🎟️ Cost: Free (Registrations required)
📍WEHI, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville or join us online from anywhere!

🔗 Register now: www.wehi.edu.au/support-us/license-to-kill-cancer/

You can listen to the full episode of The Last Post Radio show on Spotify.

08/10/2026

When one of her son's kindergarten friends was diagnosed with cancer, Allison Howell Quinton witnessed a simple act of generosity that has stayed with her ever since.

Now WEHI's inaugural Chief Development Officer, Allison shares her thoughts on the power of giving, the future of medical research and why every act of generosity matters.

Read more: https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/four-questions-with-allison-howell-quinton/

07/10/2026

Did you know around 1 in 8 cancer cases worldwide were likely caused by an infection?

New research from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that infections including HPV, hepatitis B and C, Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylori contribute to millions of cancer cases globally.

Writing in The Conversation Australia + NZ, WEHI researchers Dr John (Eddie) La Marca and Dr Sarah Diepstraten explain the link between infections and cancer and how vaccination, screening, early detection and treatment could help prevent many of these cancers.

Read more:

Around 12% of the world’s total cancer cases in 2024 were likely caused by an infection, according to new research from the World Health Organization (WHO).

02/10/2026

Have you ever wondered about the science behind current cancer research?

As part of the 2026 Seniors' Festival, Professor Shalin Naik and Dr Sara Tomei will be sharing their work investigating ways our immune system can be supercharged to seek out and destroy cancer.

Whether you’re a science enthusiast or simply curious, join us for a behind-the-scenes look at some of our current research. This event is open to everyone — all ages are welcome!

🎟️ Cost: Free (Registrations required)
📍WEHI, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville or join us online from anywhere!

🔗 Register now: https://www.wehi.edu.au/support-us/license-to-kill-cancer/

28/09/2026

The immune system is one of biology’s most complex puzzles.

For renowned immunologist Professor Laura Mackay FAA FAHMS, that complexity is exactly what makes it so compelling.

Prof Mackay’s research looks beyond the blood and into tissues such as the skin, lungs and intestine, where much of our immune response takes place. By understanding immune cells where they actually operate, her work aims to change what’s possible for infection, cancer and autoimmune disease.

“Every time you think you’ve got a handle on something, the immune system reminds you that you don’t.”

Read the reflections of WEHI’s inaugural Sir Gustav Nossal Professor of Immunology on the questions that keep driving her research and why there is always more to discover.

🔗 https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/the-never-ending-puzzle-what-immunology-keeps-teaching-me/

25/09/2026

Want to stay up to date with the fascinating research happening at the Snow Centre for Immune Health?

Co-led by WEHI and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, in partnership with the Snow Medical Research Foundation, the centre’s focus is to improve the lives of people with immune diseases.

Our newsletter, From Insight to Impact, shares the latest stories, discoveries and updates from our scientists — all delivered straight to your inbox.

Join our mailing list and be part of the journey: https://www.wehi.edu.au/collaborative-centre/snow-centre-for-immune-health/