/
/
/
Immune Health

Immune Health

110+ RESEARCH PROGRAM MEMBERS

Our researchers are working to better understand how our immune system interacts with pathogens and the environment, and what impact this has on our overall health.

Our researchers are working to better understand how our immune system interacts with pathogens and the environment, and what impact this has on our overall health.

The HMRI Immune Health Research Program brings together scientists, researchers, and clinicians in a collaborative effort to develop innovative solutions for health challenges related to the immune system.

Immune system-related diseases represent a significant health challenge in our community, impacting millions of people around the world.

These conditions include rare, severe genetic immune deficiencies and common, chronic disorders such as multiple sclerosis, gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease, allergies, and respiratory diseases including asthma.

HMRI Research Programs

1 IN 10

AUSTRALIANS HAVE ASTHMA

immune health

IMMUNE CONDITIONS

ARE AMONG THE FASTEST GROWING CHRONIC CONDITIONS WORLDWIDE

ear

90%

OF ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CHILDREN ARE AFFECTED BY EAR DISEASE IN MANY COMMUNTIIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA

Despite their prevalence, treatment options for immune conditions are extremely limited. There are even fewer cures. 

The frequency of these conditions is rapidly  rising, highlighting an urgent need for more effective solutions and personalised care.

Transforming solutions for better immune health

HMRI’s Immune Health researchers are working to transform how we research and treat the immune system. 

Our goal is to accelerate discoveries into the underlying features and markers of immune health, to identify disease causes early and target appropriate treatment.

Our program’s research takes a whole-of-system approach, looking at the immune system as a whole rather than focusing on single disease types. We believe this unique approach has the potential to deliver innovative health solutions and transform the immune health of our communities. 

Our researchers work across eight key areas:

 
research immune ear

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ear health

Ear disease in Australian Indigenous populations is far too common and has huge flow-on impacts on other areas of health and wellbeing.

We’re identifying better treatments and preventative approaches for a range ear diseases that disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The journey of solving ear and lung health issues in Indigenous Australians must be community-led and translated into models of care that have a holistic approach.

respiratory

Airway diseases and vaccines

Chronic diseases of the airways are extremely common in Australia. Our research is investigating the role of infections and inflammation in the development of asthma and other respiratory problems, including during pregnancy, in cystic fibrosis patients and even in the gut.

We’re exploring the cellular and molecular processes that are associated with the development and progression of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, COPD and more.

research immune microbiome

Gut and microbiomes

Gastrointestinal disorders are among the most common health conditions worldwide, but there are few conditions with adequate treatment. And even fewer cures. 

Our research is driving solutions for chronic inflammatory diseases such as the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – but may also play a role in the development of gastrointestinal cancers. Our team is recognised as a global research leader in this area.

research immune infection

Host, habitat and infection

We’re investigating infections, antimicrobial resistance that affect human health. Our research explores innovative solutions using synthetic biology. 

By understanding how pathogens evolve within their environments and leveraging engineered microbes, we aim to develop effective strategies to combat resistant infections and improve patient outcomes.

dementia

Neuroimmunology

Our neuroimmunology researchers are examining the link between dysregulations of the immune system and the corresponding impact on neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis and dementia, as well as psychiatric diseases including schizophrenia).

Our research is helping better predict and diagnose immune diseases and deliver new treatments that enable optimal immune function in our communities

nutrition

Nutrition and metabolism

We’re conducting innovative research to understand how nutrition, metabolism, and lifestyle factors—such as obesity, dietary nutrients, gut microbiome, sex hormones, and exercise—affect inflammation, metabolism, and immune function. 

Our research aims to shed light on their impact on respiratory virus infections and chronic respiratory diseases. 

Researcher opportunities

Stem cells and organoids

Our researcher are using mucosal organoids derived from the lung and gastrointestinal tract to drive drug discovery for conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases, cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer.

We aim to develop personalised organoid assays that enhance precision medicine, currently being validated in a national clinical trial for cystic fibrosis.

surgery

Transplant

Organ transplantation is crucial for patients with end-stage organ failure, yet long-term challenges remain, such as chronic rejection and side effects from immunosuppressant medications. 

Our research team is developing advanced surgical techniques and medical devices to improve outcomes. reduce injury. We’re also using cutting-edge technologies to discover biomarkers for early rejection detection and explore personalised treatment opportunities.

World-first stroke recovery program builds more than just skills​

For people living with stroke, the opportunity to exercise, socialise, dance and make art not only helps rebuild speech, motor skills and fitness — it’s also a fun way to boost connections and confidence in a supported setting. The ESTEEM program is doing just that.

70+​

STROKE SURVIVORS HAVE PARTICIPATED ​

calendar

10​

WEEK PROGRAM

location

2

LOCATIONS ACROSS REGIONAL NSW

Bringing the best diabetes care to people in the bush

The Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+) is a proven diabetes care model helping improve the prevention, detection, treatment, and self-management of diabetes in rural and regional communities.

4000+

PATIENTS HELPED

800+

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ARE ROLLING OUT DAP+

96

PATIENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IDENTIFY AS INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS

Empowering girls to be active and empowered

Daughters & Dads Active & Empowered is a world-first, evidence-based program that brings together fathers/father-figures & their primary school-aged daughters to promote physical activity, enhance sport skills, and boost wellbeing. 

3100+

PARTICIPATING DADS AND DAUGHTERS

380

EDUCATORS TRAINED

partnership

30

GOVERNMENT AND SPORTING PARTNERSHIPS

School exercise program boosts adolescent fitness and health 

Burn 2 Learn is a world first school-based physical activity HIIT program, improving fitness, wellbeing and enhancing academic achievement of high school students. 

18,000+

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS

325

TEACHERS TRAINED

location

218

SCHOOLS

Optimising post-surgery care to prevent clots

The IMPOSTERS trial is revolutionising post-surgery care and patient comfort. Additionally, the clinical trial is also identifing cost-savings opportunities that will improve environmental  sustainability by minimising single-use devices.

550+

patients participated in the trial

hospital

3

participating hospitals

$850K

awarded to support the research project

Donate to life-saving research today

Help us find solutions that prevent illness and allow people to have longer, healthier, happier lives.