AI-made genetic spatial map of lung disease reveals early signs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
An international team of researchers has, for the first time, created a detailed map of the location and identity of individual cells in the adult lung, both from healthy lungs and in lungs from people affected by chronic lung disease.
What are the odds?
Leaders in AI augmented medicine A/Prof Davis McCarthy and Dr James Hillis, delivered a mini-symposium at SVI providing insights into how AI can replicate human tasks but also how AI can augment medicine through beyond-human tasks.
Fairer, more accurate genetic testing within reach for non-Europeans
Scientists have uncovered significant inequities in genetic testing for people of non-European ancestry and found a way to bridge this gap. Inequities in genetic testing raises concerns for precision medicine, a healthcare approach that uses genetic, environmental, and lifestyle information to tailor treatments to individuals.
Community and philanthropic leader recognised
Gerald Snowden, Patron of SVI’s Jack Holt Society and SVI Discovery Fund member, has been recognised in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to the community, particularly through philanthropy.
Vale Gerald Snowden OAM
It is with great sadness that SVI marks the passing of Gerald Snowden OAM, a treasured friend of the Institute. Gerald died on September 18, aged 93.
Finger-prick testing pioneer joins SVI
SVI welcomes Professor John Wentworth, the first to introduce at-home finger prick screening for type 1 diabetes, now widely used in Australia and being adopted in other countries. John is an adult endocrinologist who aims to improve diabetes treatments and prevention strategies. He has joined SVI’s Immunology Lab as Senior Clinical Research Fellow.
Matters of the heart – cardiac arrest vs heart attack
Many medical dramas would lead you to believe that a heart attack and cardiac arrest are two names for the same condition but, as you may have guessed, this is not the case. Whilst both are certainly conditions that affect the heart, one pertains to a circulation issue and the other is an electrical issue.
Discovery opens door for new cancer drugs
Associate Professor Mark Chong is leading a project – supported by a $50,000 Tour de Cure grant – to develop a new class of drugs to inhibit certain microRNAs within the immune system as a novel immunotherapy to treat cancer.
New funding in support of type 1 diabetes research
Head of SVI's Human Immunology Lab Associate Professor Stuart Mannering has received $150k grant from JDRF for the commercialisation of his research under their new program called SPARC.
SVI welcomes new Foundation Chair
Jeremy was educated at Xavier College and the University of Melbourne. He enjoyed a diverse legal practice, specialising in property related matters, particularly town planning. He was a member of The Bar’s Ethics Committee for five years and Chairman of the committee that managed Foley’s List, Barristers, and a director, for nine years.
Every breath you take
Davis and his collaborators have recently published a study in Nature Genetics, which they hope will help better understand what goes wrong in IPF, with the potential to further the development of therapies that treat the causes of the disease, as opposed to its symptoms.
Funds to better understand Friedreich ataxia drug
Associate Professor Shiang (Max) Lim, of SVI's O’Brien Department, has been awarded funding from the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) to better understand the effect of omaveloxolone – a recently FDA-approved drug – on heart disease in people with Friedreich ataxia.
Stars shine at soirée
The Rising Star program provides critical support to early-mid career researchers, giving them the resources they need to excel in their research and make a lasting impact, said SVI Foundation Board Chair and Rising Star founder, Karen Inge.
Support a healthier future
SVI is home to Australia’s largest group of diabetes researchers who work passionately to better understand this debilitating condition and discover a cure. Last December, we proudly published the results of a world-first type 1 diabetes clinical trial, that offers new hope for improved treatment options. At SVI, we remain dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by type 1 diabetes.
Empowering Breakthroughs: Catalyst Circle Drives Transformative Health Research
With the support of our Catalyst Circle, we are not just grateful; we are empowered. These contributions are instrumental in driving breakthroughs in these critical areas of health research.
A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Lions Supporters
With the support of the Lions community, our researchers are now equipped with the tools needed to make groundbreaking advances in diabetes research.
Innovative bioengineering to help wound healing
Dr Kate Firipis has been awarded a $75,000 Jack Brockhoff Early Career Medical Research Grant for a novel tissue engineering and regenerative medicine project. Kate works with Associate Professor Geraldine Mitchell in SVI’s Vascular Biology Lab
Pioneering heart projects win support
Researchers from two leading-edge SVI labs have both received fellowships and innovation awards from the Heart Foundation. Combined, the support totals around $720,000.
Dinner serves an ace
Over the years, the Support Group’s fundraising efforts have supported more than 120 scholars researching some of Australia’s most challenging diseases, including multiple myeloma, pulmonary fibrosis, and Fanconi anaemia.
Diabetes Victoria honours outstanding contributors
Professor Tom Kay has received the 2024 Diabetes Victoria Outstanding Contribution Award at an annual Thank You event at The Hall, NAB, Docklands. “I’m honoured and grateful to receive the award from Diabetes Victoria – it takes a team to succeed in this competitive and fast-moving space," said Tom.