Education highlights: 20th International Symposium on Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and related viruses

Approximately 420 international researchers attended the 20th International Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus and Related Viruses in Melbourne, Australia, from October 6–10, 2013. Since the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989, significant advances have been made in our understanding of the molecular biology and host response to this significant pathogen, many of which have been presented at this symposium. Infectious diseases and immunology researchers have published a summary of the highlights, gaps in knowledge and 'Where to now?' ideas from the meeting in the journal Gastroenterology. Read more DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2014.05.022

Translational Research awards PhD and Graduate Certificate approved

Monash University is offering a new PhD and Graduate Certificate in Translational Research from 2015, the first of their kind in Australia. Monash University’s three clinical schools (Central, Eastern, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health) have teamed up with associated health services and research institutes to offer the new programs in conjunction with ARCS Australia Ltd*.

These courses offer scientists and clinicians an opportunity to develop skills in the conversion of basic research findings to clinical practice, commercial applications and therapeutic products, in multidisciplinary environments.  The courses are meeting an emerging market need for such skills. See more: 

• Central Clinical School
• School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

Free! Pilot courses for the Translational Research postgraduate program

These two workshops are pilots for Monash University's new Translational Research PhD and Graduate Certificate. The pilot courses are free for Monash PhD candidates and teaching/research staff. Each 4 hour workshop is designed as a starting point for participants to develop an interest or skills in the particular area of expertise. RSVP by Tues 16 Sept.

Introduction to Fermentation and Bioprocessing
1:00 - 5:00 pm 24 Sept, CSIRO (Clayton)
Course detail and registration link

Introduction to Biobanking
1:00 - 5:00 pm 25 Sept, The Alfred
Course detail and registration link

Welcome to our new mid year Honours students

CCS would like to extend a warm welcome to our new mid year Honours students:

Natasha Setiabakti - BMedSc(Hons)
Thesis title: Determining the location and function of PI3KC2α in platelets and megakaryocytes
Supervisor: Dr Justin Hamilton
Department: ACBD

Sachin Gamage - BiomedSc(Hons)
Thesis title: The effects of long ITI (LITI) and short ITI (SITI) rTMS measured by ECT and NIRS
Supervisor: Dr Richard Thompson and Dr Rebecca Seagrave
Department: MAPrc



Kyal Young - BSc(Hons)
Thesis title: Examining signalling pathway changes in human lupus
Supervisor: A/Prof Margaret Hibbs
Department: Immunology

Education: Translational research short courses - free for CCS PhD students

In 2014 Central Clinical School (CCS), in conjunction with Monash University's Southern and Eastern Clinical Schools, are offering a series of courses for postgraduate students enrolled through Monash and based not only within the Schools, but with Partner research institutes. These courses are being piloted in 2014 and will be accredited as part of the Graduate Certificate and PhD in Translational Research to be offered from 2015.

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/cecs/education/short-course/index-tr.html

27 Aug	1-5pm	TR5L5	Introduction to Bioinformatics: Detail	Dr Dieter Bulach	Link
24 Sep	1-5pm	CSIRO	Introduction to Fermentation and Bioprocessing: Detail	Prof George Lovrecz	Link
25 Sep	1-5pm	SR1L5	Introduction to Biobanking: Detail	Mrs Zdenka Prodanovic	Link

2014 AMREP student information night very successful

AMREP held its annual student information night for 2015 intake on Thursday 14 August 2014, presenting future students with information about studying honours at AMREP. Over 200 students attended the evening, gaining information about potential projects available for them to undertake in various schools including Central Clinical School. Students were given the opportunity to meet potential supervisors for honours projects and they were also able to speak with current honours students who attended the night, a great resource for those interested in finding out more about the degree. Thank you to staff and students who presented, manned stalls, ran lab tours, and to the potential students who attended - you all made the night a resounding success!

• Photo gallery link
• Honours at AMREP

Education: Introduction to clinical trials

Our first group of participants

Central Clinical School held a four day short course at the end of July, introducing participants to clinical trials, developing a clinical research question and creating a concise protocol that includes literature review and study design. The short course was the first pilot of units to be offered in the Translational Research PhD from 2015 and was aimed at medical doctors, biomedical scientists, nurses, physiotherapists, clinicians, epidemiologists, psychologists, pharmacists, biochemists and public health researchers.

The course received good feedback from participants. All attendees said that they would recommend the course to a colleague.
Links

• More pilot courses
• more photos.

Photo of the week: 2014 AIDS schools workshop 20-24 July

Image: Kenya Education fund

This year, Melbourne is hosting the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014), the world’s largest health conference with an expected 14,000 delegates this year. It is the first time the event is being held in Australia. Designed to unite leading scientists, health care professionals, policy makers, community organisations and people living with HIV, the theme of AIDS 2014 is 'Stepping up the Pace', emphasising a move towards an HIV/AIDS-free generation. Importantly, there has been a strong focus placed on global youth, recognising that such a massive task cannot be achieved without youth empowerment and leadership. A workshop is being held for high school students, organised by Monash, Burnet, WEHI, GTAC and YEAH!

Read more »

Photo of the week: A man, his medicine and HIV

actvicto.org/2013/09/13/aidshiv-realities/

There is no cure as yet for HIV, which means that medicines to control the vius must be taken life-long. The regime is complicated, and particularly difficult for people challenged  environmentally, culturally and physiologically with poverty, stigma and the process of ageing itself. The forthcoming CCS public lecture being given by Professor Jenny Hoy focuses on how long term infection with HIV and its treatment with antiretroviral therapy affects different body systems which contribute to the increased likelihood of chronic illness such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
10 July lecture details: Link RSVP: Link

29 May Bachelor of Medical Science info night - good turnout

The Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) information night for 2015 intake was attended by between 50 and 60 students. Central Clinical School had representatives from MAPrc, CCS and Cabrini. A big 'Thank you!' to our two current BMedSc(Hons) student representatives, Stephen Surace and Treasa Gray (pictured, left) for an excellent job representing the school. See more:

•  CCS 2015 BMedSc(Hons) project list
• Project database with full details of projects: bmedscirp.med.monash.edu.au/
• CCS BMedSc(Hons)web page for more about the award.
• Videos of 2013 BMedSc(Hons) students:Shivani Bhatt and Ben Lewis

Education: New Translational Research short courses being offered by CCS

Central Clinical School will be offering a suite of courses specialising in translational research and its management. The first two are now open for participants. See their respective links for eligibility criteria and detail of content.

• Introduction to Clinical Trials
• Introduction to Bioinformatics

Welcome to CCS's 2014 Honours groups

2014 Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) students in the Monash schools at the Alfred Medical Research & Education Precinct. 19 are enrolled through the Central Clinical School, and 14 through the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. www.med.monash.edu/cecs/education

2014 CCS Honours and Masters in Biomedical Science (Part 1). www.med.monash.edu/cecs/education