Mysteries of the Human Body; New and Fascinating ways to Tackle our Most Common Diseases.

We all probably know someone who has Diabetes. It is a common but potentially life-threatening disease. This talk wil highlight some of the scientific advancements and what is being developed to better treat it and perhaps even find a cure.

Kat Aston-Mourney undertook fellowships in the USA and Australia before starting her own research lab at Deakin University in Geelong in 2013. Her lab aims to develop treatments that can stop, delay, prevent or even cure diabetes. Kat is currently an Associate Professor and has been recognised with numerous awards including outstanding service award.

Influenza viruses remain an ongoing seasonal health concern for Australians. Current intervention strategies have focused almost exclusively on targeting the virus itself. The Stambas group for over a decade has studied host responses and their impact on disease outcomes. We will provide an update on where the field currently stands.

Prof. Stambas completed his PhD in 2001 at the University of Melbourne and worked in the USA and Australia as a post-doctoral scientist before starting his own research group at Deakin Medical School in 2009.