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research

We are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries that improve people’s lives.

Cancer

Understanding the basic processes that are disrupted to generate cancer cells, and how these can be targeted to improve outcomes for people living with cancer.
Related diseases
Cancer biology
  • Areas of research
Cancer occurs when cells develop changes that allow them to grow uncontrollably. Our cancer biology researchers are working to understand what causes these changes.
Cell death
  • Areas of research
Failure of cells to die, or cells dying when they shouldn’t, can lead to or exacerbate many diseases.
Immunotherapy
  • Areas of research
Immunotherapy is an innovative treatment that modulates the body’s immune system to fight disease.
Personalised medicine
  • Areas of research
Personalised medicine customises healthcare to an individual.

Infection and immunity

Investigating infectious agents and our body’s immune defenses, to develop new strategies to prevent and treat infectious diseases, as well as immune and inflammatory disorders.
Related diseases
Cell signalling
  • Areas of research
Our research into cell signalling aims to understand how different signals are transmitted, and their relevance to disease.
Immunology
  • Areas of research
Problems with the immune system are linked to many serious health conditions.
Infection
  • Areas of research
Infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites are significant causes of worldwide illness and death.
Inflammation
  • Areas of research
Inflammation is an early defense that protects our body from infection. However, ongoing or misdirected inflammation underlies many diseases.

Lifelong health

Exploring the determinants of good health from a human’s earliest years through to old age, with a focus on achieving health equity for all people worldwide.
Related diseases
Epigenetics
  • Areas of research
Our epigenetics researchers aim to unravel how epigenetic changes influence healthy and diseased cells, with a goal of better treatments for diseases.
Global health
  • Areas of research
We are working to improve the health of people around the world through discovery of the basic mechanisms of disease and by finding and testing solutions to optimise health outcomes.
Healthy ageing
  • Areas of research
We are studying how our longer life expectancy presents new health challenges for our ageing population.
Healthy development
  • Areas of research
Healthy development fosters a child’s positive growth, focusing on achieving their full intellectual and physical potential, while avoiding long-term health challenges.

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Meet the researchers developing a landmark test for coeliac disease.

The world-first blood test for gluten-specific T-cells can detect coeliac disease, even when no gluten has been eaten, removing the discomfort caused by current testing methods.

Learn more

Latest discoveries & news 

Prestigious Eureka nomination for WEHI Parkinson’s research team
31 July 2025
Research reveals genetic weak spot in hard-to-treat cancers
28 July 2025
Study identifies world-first treatments to prevent a life-threatening virus infection
22 July 2025
New partnership with Parkinson’s Research Foundation to accelerate Parkinson’s drug discovery  
17 July 2025
From a spark of vision to a global health legacy 
14 July 2025
If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema?
10 July 2025
View all discoveries & news
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