Burnet’s work is mainly focused on infectious diseases of global significance such as ‘The Big Three’ ; HIV, TB and malaria. Aside from these diseases, Burnet also has major research programs looking at other infectious diseases such as influenza, hepatitis viruses and measles. Our work is really looking at new ways of protecting people from becoming infected with these viruses by developing new or improved vaccines and identifying new drugs or treatments for people who are already infected.

In addition to this work, we also have a number of important research programs looking at breast, ovarian, prostate and lung cancer. Already we’ve made a number of breakthroughs and working on a number of vaccines for the treatment of people living with these cancers. These vaccines are currently going through clinical trials and are showing some very promising results.

Other diseases that we’re looking at include a group knownh as auto-immune diseases. This group includes diseases where the body’s own immune system begins to turn on itself, making antibodies against certain body tissues. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus fall into this category. Our research teams have identified a range of molecules which are involved in the inflammation process which is often the major cause of disease in these conditions and now we’re looking at ways of preventing the onset of these diseases in the very early stages.

One of the unique things about Burnet is our work overseas. Burnet has offices in nine other countries around the Southeast Asia and Pacific regions, as well as in Africa. These offices are the hubs for a range of health and education programs that are focused on prevention of diseases such as HIV, helping to build the capacity of resource-poor communities to improve their health care, as well as issues such as women’s and children’s health, implementing vaccination programs for diseases like measles, and working with at risk communities on disease prevention.

For more information about Burnet’s work go to www.burnet.edu.au