Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC) reposted this
I am immensely proud to see our Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC) leaders Professor John Fraser and Dr Arutha Kulasinghe, alongside The University of Queensland Associate Professor Kirsty Short, featured in the The Australian Innovators magazine, as part of the Top 100. Their trailblazing research at Wesley Research Institute’s QSBC is an inspiration and a crucial step forward in pandemic preparedness and global health innovation. Their project is nothing short of extraordinary. By studying preserved lung tissue from those affected by the 1918 Spanish Flu, they aim to understand why this pandemic had such a severe impact on younger people. This “Back to the Future” research employs spatial omics technology, which allows scientists to observe cellular interactions with incredible precision, unlocking insights that can help us prepare for future pandemics. This work will not only improve our understanding of past pandemics but also guide the development of vaccines and therapies tailored to protect the most vulnerable age groups in times of global crisis. As CEO, it’s an honour to support research of this calibre, which embodies Wesley Research Institute’s commitment to world-class healthcare innovation. As we enter our 30th anniversary year, I’m confident this work will have a lasting impact on public health, and I look forward to seeing how it shapes our approach to future pandemics. I also extend a huge thank you to Natasha Robinson for the insightful original feature story in The Australian Weekend Magazine and to Mackenzie Scott for showcasing our team’s work in The Australian Innovators today. Congratulations to Professor Fraser, Dr Kulasinghe and Associate Professor Short on this well-deserved recognition! #Innovation #PandemicPreparedness #GlobalHealth #WesleyResearchInstitute #TheAustralian #research #researchaustralia
Have you picked up this morning's copy of The Australian yet? All the more reason to, as WRI is celebrating the recognition of Professor John Fraser, Dr Arutha Kulasinghe and Associate Professor Kirsty Short on their feature in The Australian Innovators magazine! Their groundbreaking research at Wesley Research Institute’s Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC) is paving the way for more tailored, effective pandemic preparedness solutions for future generations. Their project, described as “Back to the Future” research, is a world-first study that aims to uncover why younger people were so severely impacted by the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. By examining lung tissue samples over a century old, they’re using advanced spatial omics technology to delve into the disease’s effects at a cellular level. This cutting-edge technology enables researchers to study countless cells in incredible detail and at an unprecedented scale, allowing them to learn how different age groups respond to pandemics on a molecular level. QSBC Clinical Director Professor Fraser, Scientific Director Dr Kulasinghe and The University of Queensland Associate Professor Short’s research could shift the paradigm in how we understand and respond to pandemics. Their findings aim to provide essential insights to develop vaccines and therapies specifically designed for children and young adults, who face unique risks in global health crises. With this pioneering work, Wesley Research Institute is helping lead the charge in creating a safer, more resilient future. We’re so proud of our team’s accomplishments and their commitment to building a better world. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour! Special thanks to Wings Public Relations for supporting this project and showcasing our work. We also extend a huge thank you to Natasha Robinson for the insightful multi-page feature that appeared in The Australian Magazine in June and to Mackenzie Scott for beautifully showcasing our team’s work in The Australian Innovators today. The Australian - https://lnkd.in/gzt-A9is #innovation #pandemicpreparedness #wesleyresearchinstitute #TheAustralian #spatialbiology #research #researchaustralia