Media releases

Secondary school students have immersed themselves in the fascinating world of the immune system for the International Day of Immunology at Federation University Australia’s Berwick Campus.

The international Day of Immunology is celebrated annually to raise public awareness of the immune system. In Australia events are organised by the Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology including secondary school workshops like the one being held at the Berwick Campus. 

The event, Superheroes and Rogue Units, is organised by the Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology (ASI) in collaboration with Federation University’s School of Health and Life Sciences.

The program for 40 Year 12 Biology students and five of their teachers reinforced their learning about the immune system through two hands-on lab sessions and talks from practicing immunologists about their research and career pathways.

Under the guidance of postgraduate mentors and teachers from the participating organisations, students used microscopes and conducted diagnostic tests to view and compare the white blood cell response in health and during diseases like leukaemia and influenza infection. 

Keynote speakers were Dr Justine Mintern, molecular biologist from Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute at the University of Melbourne; and Dr Danielle Auldist from Federation University’s School of Health and Life Sciences.

More information can be found at www.dayofimmunology.org.au

National Day of Immunology Coordinator, Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology, Dr Gabriela Khoury:

“The Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology is delighted to be collaborating with Federation University in 2019 to bring immunology to students in the Casey region and surrounds for International Day of Immunology.”

“Our secondary school workshops are a fantastic opportunity for students to get a taste of immunology research and to learn about different career paths in science.”

“This is the second year we have ran our Day of Immunology program at Federation University’s Berwick Campus. The program was designed by ASI members to educate the next generation of immunologists.”

“The International Day of Immunology happens annually and is to promote education on the importance of the immune systems during health and disease.”

Lecturer, Veterinary Bioscience, Federation University, Dr Danielle Auldist:

"The University’s Day of Immunology is a great way for students to get a hands-on experience with researchers and to learn about the science degrees at Berwick and the careers they lead to.”

Event co-organiser and laboratory demonstrator, Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology, Dr Erika Duan:

“VCE students gain hands-on experience learning about disease diagnosis, specifically influenza and cancer, using ELISA and microscopy techniques in the laboratory.”