Curtin Medical Research Institute

The Curtin Medical Research Institute (CurtinMRI) is dedicated to conducting novel research that advances understanding of complex health challenges

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Congratulations to Associate Professor Laurence Cheung.

We are delighted to congratulate Associate Professor Laurence Cheung from the Curtin Medical Research Institute and the Curtin Medical School on being awarded $591,277 in funding for his childhood leukaemia research by the WA Department of Health, in partnership with the Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

This is an outstanding achievement. There were 57 submissions in a highly competitive review process, with more than $3.9 million awarded across seven projects. Associate Professor Cheung was the only Curtin University applicant to receive funding, for his project:

CHILD BMM: Combating High-risk Childhood Leukaemia by Dissecting the Bone Marrow Microenvironment.
About the research:
The project will use established preclinical models to investigate the role of blood vessel cells in the development of leukaemia, helping to identify new therapeutic targets. In addition, it will explore a novel treatment designed to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for children with high-risk leukaemia. This innovative approach offers a promising solution to address current limitations in immunotherapy outcomes.

Once again, congratulations to Associate Professor Laurence Cheung. We at Curtin MRI and the Curtin Medical School are incredibly proud of this remarkable achievement and excited to see the impact this funding will have on your vital research.

Read more:
https://t.co/OH1SV5Xn4q

https://t.co/OH1SV5Xn4q

https://t.co/z6r9oVlc6x

IMAGE CREDIT: Associate Professor Laurence Cheung
IMAGE LEFT TO RIGHT: Premier Roger Cook, Associate Professor Laurence Cheung and Minister for Medical Research, The Honourable Stephen Dawson

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Ms Michelle Schwager, PhD candidate, is exploring microRNAs as biomarkers for early identification of children who are susceptible to recurrent asthma exacerbations. Michelle pitched this idea together with her previous findings to clinicians, researchers, and parents of children with asthma and was awarded Wal-yan Respiratory Centre seed funding to further investigate potential microRNA candidates.

Michelle’s results showed that the same specific microRNAs were dysregulated both in the blood and nasal cells from children with acute wheeze. This may suggest that specific microRNAs are associated with acute wheeze and asthma exacerbations in children. Furthermore, this highlights the capability of using less invasive nasal swabs instead of blood collection for future work exploring microRNAs as potential biomarkers for acute wheeze and asthma.

Michelle plans to graduate next year and continue her work by looking at these specific microRNAs in a larger group of children.

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

🎉 Exciting milestone for PhD student Danamma Kalavikatte, who attended her first national conference at the World Congress of Gastroenterology @ AGW25 in Melbourne.

🌟 Highlights included delivering an oral presentation on her research into hepatocellular carcinoma, having her poster selected among the top 19 finalists, and connecting with leading researchers and clinicians throughout the week.

👏 Danamma is grateful for the chance to represent her lab and institute, and thanks her supervisors for their invaluable support along the way.

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

✨ Huge congratulations to our Medical Research Institute and Curtin Medical School team for their incredible achievements at CBSM WA! ✨

🏆 Award highlights include:

Keea Inder-Smith – Poster Award in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (for the second year running!)

Sona Bassi – Frontiers in Genetics Presentation Award

Saskia Saville – Poster Award in RNA Biology

Yasmin Henderson-Kelly – Poster Award in Cell & Developmental Biology

Eric Alves – New Investigator Award in Health & Biomedical Sciences

🎉 Additional recognitions:

Lamprini Baklous – Engaging with CBSM reps, rewarded with a hamper

Amy O’Keeffe – Social media engagement prize from New England Biolabs

Dr Rina Wong – Celebrated for her invaluable role on the CBSM committee

👏 A fantastic showing of talent, innovation, and teamwork. Congratulations to all awardees, and thank you to CBSM WA for an inspiring and impactful event!

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Researchers at Curtin Medical Research Institute are currently recruiting for a clinical study investigating a new intervention that may provide pain relief in endometriosis.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about the study, please complete the short pre-screening survey to register your interest use this link to register https://t.co/Z79czW3rRw

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Congratulations to @CurtinMRI and Curtin Medical School PhD student James Chen on successfully completing Milestone 1 with his presentation on “Evaluation of Gamma Prime Fibrinogen (GPF) as a Biomarker of Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension in Chronic Liver Disease.”

Well done, James! Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring. The @CurtinMRI team, along with supervisors Dr Ben Dwyer and Professor John Olynk, are proud to celebrate this achievement with you.

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Thank you to @BenchSideStory for featuring Senior Research Fellow Dr Virginie Lam from the @CurtinMRI , Curtin School of Population Health, and the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Western Australia. In the video, Dr Lam gives us an insight into her research on Nutraceutical and pharmacological interventions in Neurological Disorders. We here at Curtin MRI and the Curtin School of Population are extremely proud of your inspiring and amazing work and contributions to medical research.

[Bench Side Story @BenchSideStory]

NUTRACEUTICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION IN NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Dr Virginie Lam, Research Fellow
Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI , Curtin University @CurtinUni & Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science @perroninstitute, Perth, Western Australia

RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Perth, Australia | August 2025

Dr Virginie Lam is a neuroscientist and cerebrovascular biologist with over 15 years of research experience, including more than seven years post-PhD. She co-leads the Neurovascular and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory at the Curtin Medical Research Institute and holds an affiliate appointment at the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science. Her research focuses on the interface between neurovascular health, cognitive function, and therapeutic translation in neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr Lam is the scientific project manager and co-investigator of a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)-supported Phase II randomised controlled trial in Alzheimer’s disease. She has led the expansion of this study into a multi-site trial involving centres across Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. She also established the trial’s first international collaboration in New Zealand, supporting a trans-Tasman research network across academic, hospital, and clinical trial partners.

Dr Lam has secured over AUD$6 million in competitive research funding as chief investigator, including grants from the MRFF, NHMRC @nhmrc , Raine Foundation @RaineFoundation, WA Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, and the Bryant Stokes Neurological Research Fund. Her expertise spans clinical trial coordination, human research ethics, neuroimaging, cognitive assessment, and the translation of preclinical findings into early-phase interventions. She has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and currently leads a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and research personnel.

She serves on the National Imaging Facility (WA Node) Advisory Board, Curtin University’s human and animal research ethics committee, and multiple NHMRC peer review panels. Dr Lam is actively engaged in research governance and capacity building, having founded and co-chaired several early-to-mid-career researcher (EMCR) committees and national working groups. Her research program continues to inform the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for neurovascular and cognitive disorders through rigorous translational science and cross-sector collaboration.

Source: Supplied

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[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Thank you to @BenchSideStory for featuring Senior Research Fellow & Lead of Cancer Genomics Groups, Dr Rodrigo Carlessi from @CurtinMRI and Curtin Medical School, who gave us an insight into his research on liver cancer biomarkers, risk predictions, and progression. All of us here at the Curtin Medical Research Institute and Curtin Medical School congratulate you on your amazing work and the contributions you make to medical research.

[Bench Side Story @BenchSideStory]

LIVER CANCER BIOMARKERS, RISK PREDICTION & PROGRESSION
With
Dr Rodrigo Carlessi @rodcarlessi, Senior Research Fellow & Lead of Cancer Genomics Group, Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI, Curtin University @CurtinUni, Perth, Western Australia

RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Perth, Australia | August 2025

Dr. Rodrigo Carlessi is an expert in Cancer Genomics and Molecular Biology, with an extensive track record in liver cancer research. He leads the Cancer Genomics Group within the Liver Disease and Regeneration Laboratory at the Curtin Medical Research Institute. He has an impressive publication record, with 43 manuscripts that have collectively garnered over 2,680 citations. His research leverages cutting-edge genomics and transcriptomics technologies, as well as long-read DNA sequencing, to explore mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and develop therapeutic targets in liver disease and cancer.

Dr Carlessi graduated from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) @ufrgsnoticias , Brazil, with a BSc. in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2007, then joined the Weizmann Institute of Science @weizmannscience, Israel, where he obtained a MSc. from the Department of Molecular Genetics in 2011. He further obtained a PhD in Molecular Endocrinology from UFRGS in 2016, prior to joining Curtin University in Western Australia as a postdoc in 2016. He undertook postdoctoral training in pancreatic beta cell biology and received awards from the Australian Diabetes Society and the Heart Foundation. In 2019 he was recruited to start and lead the Cancer Genomics group in the Liver Disease & Regeneration Laboratory. With nine years of postdoctoral experience, Dr Carlessi has held a prestigious Cancer Council of Western Australia Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from 2021 to 2024.

His recent work led to a groundbreaking discovery in liver cancer risk prediction, earning him national and international recognition, following publications in top tier journals including Cell Genomics, Science Advances and Nature between 2023-2025. This achievement has been highlighted by invitations to present at prominent events, including Oz Single Cell, the Australian Liver Cancer Experts Gallipoli Meeting, WYMM Melbourne 2025, the First International Conference of Liver Pathobiology: From Bench to Bedside in Crete (2023), and the Thomas Ashworth Symposium 2025. His work has also catalysed collaborations with prestigious global institutions, such as The University of Edinburgh, the University of California San Diego, Monash University, and the University of New South Wales.

Currently, Dr. Carlessi focuses on discovering novel biomarkers and developing innovative approaches to assess risk and monitor disease progression in liver cancer patients. Additionally, he is pioneering RNA therapy technologies to target oncogenic pathways, paving the way for the next generation of liver cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

Source: Supplied

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[Bench Side Story @BenchSideStory]

LIVER CANCER BIOMARKERS, RISK PREDICTION & PROGRESSION
With
Dr Rodrigo Carlessi @rodcarlessi, Senior Research Fellow & Lead of Cancer Genomics Group, Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI, Curtin University @CurtinUni, Perth, Western Australia

RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Perth, Australia | August 2025

Dr. Rodrigo Carlessi is an expert in Cancer Genomics and Molecular Biology, with an extensive track record in liver cancer research. He leads the Cancer Genomics Group within the Liver Disease and Regeneration Laboratory at the Curtin Medical Research Institute. He has an impressive publication record, with 43 manuscripts that have collectively garnered over 2,680 citations. His research leverages cutting-edge genomics and transcriptomics technologies, as well as long-read DNA sequencing, to explore mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and develop therapeutic targets in liver disease and cancer.

Dr Carlessi graduated from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) @ufrgsnoticias , Brazil, with a BSc. in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2007, then joined the Weizmann Institute of Science @weizmannscience, Israel, where he obtained a MSc. from the Department of Molecular Genetics in 2011. He further obtained a PhD in Molecular Endocrinology from UFRGS in 2016, prior to joining Curtin University in Western Australia as a postdoc in 2016. He undertook postdoctoral training in pancreatic beta cell biology and received awards from the Australian Diabetes Society and the Heart Foundation. In 2019 he was recruited to start and lead the Cancer Genomics group in the Liver Disease & Regeneration Laboratory. With nine years of postdoctoral experience, Dr Carlessi has held a prestigious Cancer Council of Western Australia Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from 2021 to 2024.

His recent work led to a groundbreaking discovery in liver cancer risk prediction, earning him national and international recognition, following publications in top tier journals including Cell Genomics, Science Advances and Nature between 2023-2025. This achievement has been highlighted by invitations to present at prominent events, including Oz Single Cell, the Australian Liver Cancer Experts Gallipoli Meeting, WYMM Melbourne 2025, the First International Conference of Liver Pathobiology: From Bench to Bedside in Crete (2023), and the Thomas Ashworth Symposium 2025. His work has also catalysed collaborations with prestigious global institutions, such as The University of Edinburgh, the University of California San Diego, Monash University, and the University of New South Wales.

Currently, Dr. Carlessi focuses on discovering novel biomarkers and developing innovative approaches to assess risk and monitor disease progression in liver cancer patients. Additionally, he is pioneering RNA therapy technologies to target oncogenic pathways, paving the way for the next generation of liver cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

Source: Supplied

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[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Thank you to @BenchSideStory for featuring Senior Research Fellow Dr Yu Yu from @CurtinMRI and Curtin Medical School, giving us a insight into her research into Tyrosine Kinases in Cancer Recurrence, all of us here at Curtin Medical Research Institute are amazed at your achievements and awesome work.

[Bench Side Story @BenchSideStory]

TYROSINE KINASES IN CANCER RECURRENCE
With
Dr Yu Yu
Program Lead, Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI &
Senior Research Fellow, Curtin Medical School,
Curtin University @CurtinMedia, Perth, Western Australia

RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Perth, Australia | July 2025

Dr Yu Yu completed her PhD at Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney @Sydney_Uni in experimental therapeutics for cancer. She then pursued postdoctoral training at the Richard W. TeLinde Gynecologic Pathology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University @JohnsHopkins School of Medicine, USA with a focus on understanding the treatment for recurrent ovarian tumour.

Dr Yu Yu leads the Oncology and Gynaecology Research Program at Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI . Dr Yu is also a senior research fellow at Curtin Medical School.

Dr Yu Yu has a strong expertise in developing molecular and cellular therapeutics for cancer. She is a former NHMRC Peter Doherty Fellow and Raine/Robson Fellow.  Her studies focused on recurrent cancers, with interests in biomarker and therapeutics development.

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynaecologic cancers. There are ~300,000 new cases of ovarian cancer worldwide each year. Less than half of women diagnosed survive 5-years after diagnosis. Platinum-based chemotherapy is used to treat ovarian cancers and a variety of other solid cancers. The National Cancer Institute reports 20% of cancer patients worldwide (3.6 million people) receive a platinum-based drug as part of treatment. However, ~20-50% do not respond because of intrinsic resistance. Currently, there is no way to predict response prior to starting platinum chemotherapy.

Dr Yu Yu’s laboratory is working on better ways to treat cancers, particularly ovarian cancers which are resistant to conventional chemotherapy. The aims are for better informed treatment choice and reducing unnecessary exposure to ineffective chemotherapy and its potential adverse effects.

Collaboration partners include St John of God Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospital, both in Western Australia. Funding for Dr Yu Yu’s research comes from WA Department of Health’s Future Health and Innovation Research Fund, Raine Medical Research Foundation @RaineFoundation and Endometriosis Foundation of America @endofound.

Source: Supplied and adapted

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[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

We are delighted to congratulate Curtin MRI PhD student Abigail Lim on successfully completing Milestone 1 with her presentation on: "Novel therapy to promote recovery for leukaemia patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplant."

This achievement reflects Abigail’s dedication and hard work, and we are thrilled to see her efforts recognised.

Well done, Abigail, on reaching this important milestone. Your supervisors, Associate Professor Laurence Cheung and Dr Rishi Kotecha, together with the entire Curtin MRI team, are proud to celebrate your success.

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Congratulations to Curtin MRI PhD student Jessica Titchener on successfully completing Milestone 1 with her presentation on: A novel role for the Alzheimer’s disease-related proteins, presenilin 1 and presenilin 2, in melanoma. "

Jessica has worked hard, and this is a culmination of her efforts.

Well done, Jessica, on this significant achievement. Your supervisors, Associate Professor Giuseppe Verdile and Dr Danielle Dye, along with the entire Curtin MRI team, are proud to celebrate your success.

IMAGE LEFT-RIGHT: Associate Professor Giuseppe Verdile, PhD Student Jessica Titchener and Dr Danielle Dye

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

On Friday 8 August, PhD Candidate Michelle Schwager from Curtin MRI attended the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand’s Western Australian Branch Annual Scientific Meeting. The event highlighted the exceptional research taking place in respirology across Western Australia. Among the programme’s key moments was an update from Professor Fraser Brims on the WA Lung Cancer Screening Program. Several Curtin University researchers also shared their work, including Associate Professor Shannon Simpson and PhD candidate Tiffany Bradshaw. The New Investigator Session featured impressive presentations from Curtin PhD candidates Michael Bevan and Ashlyn Poole.

During the Poster Session, Michelle Schwager presented a chapter from their thesis and was honoured with the Best Poster Award. The winning abstract, titled Dysregulated miR-15b in airway epithelial cells from children with acute wheeze may relate to interferon pathway, was well received by attendees.

The accompanying image, captured by Ms Ashlyn Poole, commemorates the achievement.

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Congratulations to @CurtinMRI PhD student Dinesh Thapa on successfully completing Milestone 3 with his final PhD seminar, "From Ethnomedicine to Evidence: Cannabinoid Synergy and Endocannabinoidome Modulation in Preclinical Models of IBD."

This marks the culmination of three years of dedicated research into cannabinoid-based drug discovery for inflammatory bowel disease.

Well done, Dinesh, on this significant achievement. Your supervisors, Dr Rodrigo Carlessi and Dr Leone Warne, along with the entire @CurtinMRI team, are proud to celebrate your success.

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

You're invited! 🧠💬
Join @CurtinMRI concussion researcher Dr Jemma Keeves for a free community education evening in Darwin!

Don't miss this chance to learn, ask questions, and support brain health in your community!

You can register now by scanning the QR code in the image.

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Congratulations to Professor Nina Tirnitz-Parker on Her Australia Day Honour.

Curtin Medical Research Institute are delighted to congratulate Professor Nina Tirnitz-Parker on being recognised as a 2025 Australia Day Honours recipient.

Professor Tirnitz-Parker has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division in recognition of her significant contributions and dedicated service to biomedical science.

This prestigious honour is a testament to her outstanding impact on medical research and her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

Congratulations, Professor Tirnitz-Parker, on this well-deserved recognition of your exceptional achievements!

[Organoid News @organoidscience]

A review that is not to be missed! ✨

Dr. @BenjaminDwyer4 and @NinaTParker discuss state-of-the-art patient-derived liver #organoid models, recent technological advancements, and strategies to enhance their clinical impact. @CurtinUni

@Trends_Endo_Met | https://t.co/gfdRFDsm6W

[Curtin Medical Research Institute @CurtinMRI]

Congratulations to Dr. Yu Yu, Dr. Adeline Tan, and Prof. Paul Cohen on winning the Curtin University Curtinnovation for Health Sciences Award for their groundbreaking innovation, ChemoDx. This achievement addresses a critical need in the field.

https://t.co/ViYsqNqkyH

[Michael Nesbit @MLNesbit]

Congrats @CHIRI_curtin image of the month winner Dr Gae Ellison!
Iron (ferroorange) in neuroblastoma cells, rendered using spots and surfaces in @ImarisSoftware
Captured using @AndorTechnology Dragonfly using @NikonInst 60x lens