A microscopic view of a slow-growing breast cancer tumour that has shrunk in response to standard hormone therapy and a new experimental Rac1 inhibitor.

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Researchers have mapped the drivers of breast cancer cells that resist therapy by growing extremely slowly rather than entering a completely dormant state.

Slowly ticking breast cancer cells offer new clues to late relapse

This image visualises the activity of over a million individual immune cells. The dots represent cells clustered by similarities in gene expression, and coloured by their specific job in the immune system. Analysing cells at this level of detail allowed the researchers to discover hidden genetic differences between male and female immunity.

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The study maps over a million cells to help explain why women are more prone to autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Scientists uncover hidden sex differences in the human immune system

A microscopic close-up of a natural killer (NK) immune cell. In a healthy immune system, toxic granules (seen here in magenta) are deployed to destroy infected cells. In patients with MKD, these granules remain trapped inside the cell.
Credit: Dr James Cremasco

NK cell imaging James Cremasco Garvan Institute

Australian researchers have discovered that key immune cells malfunction in a potentially life-threatening disease, pointing to new treatment possibilities with existing drugs. 

Decades-old theory debunked to explain rare immune condition

Associate Professor Liz Caldon (third from the left) and her lab. 

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Backed by a new Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation grant, Garvan scientists are mapping how cancer cells change their metabolism, to keep highly effective targeted therapies working for longer.

Decoding the survival tactics of aggressive ovarian cancer

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Dare to Hope funding will support vital research into why pancreatic cancer cells spread to other organs and how they evade treatments.

New fellowship to track the evolution of drug resistance in pancreatic cancer

Professor Chris Goodnow and Dr Manu Singh

Chris Goodnow and Manu Singh at the Garvan Institute

Scientists have identified mutated immune cell clones that could point to improved treatment for refractory coeliac disease.

‘Rogue’ immune cells explain why a gluten-free diet fails in some coeliac patients

Professor Chris Goodnow, Dr Clara Young and Dr Dan Suan

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Garvan researchers have uncovered how chronic hepatitis C infection leads to autoimmune disease, which opens new paths for treatments.

‘Perfect storm’ of mutations drives infection-triggered autoimmune disease

Associate Professor Liz Caldon, senior author of the study

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A new Cancer Council NSW-funded project will explore if blocking a specific cellular protein can halt the growth of breast tumours that no longer respond to standard therapies.

Targeting a newly identified pathway in metastatic breast cancer

Dr Rama Dhenni and Professor Tri Phan

Scientists have uncovered why vaccines can elicit a stronger immune response if they are administered in the same arm.

Left or right arm? New research reveals why vaccination site matters for immune response

Professor Joseph Powell, Professor Sarah Kummerfeld and Professor Daniel MacArthur 

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AI leader Anthropic has announced a significant investment in Garvan research to scale up the Institute’s genomics research and accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of disease. 

Anthropic AI support to accelerate genomics research at Garvan

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Dr Ira Deveson will lead an $8 million eight-year research program to improve the detection and treatment of genetic diseases across diverse populations.

Garvan researcher receives Snow Fellowship to advance inclusive genomics

Jonathan Nguyen, Associate Professors Owen Siggs and Jodie Ingles, and PhD student Lucas Mitchell from the Genomics of Rare Disease Registry

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Garvan’s Genomics of Rare Disease Registry will broaden its reach thanks to a funding boost.

Major expansion of national rare disease registry to reach more Australian families

The newly discovered cell type (yellow) shown clustering around a prostate cancer nerve bundle.

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Scientists have identified a new cell type and discovered that many normal-looking prostate cells already harbour cancer-related changes.

Cellular ‘atlas’ of prostate cancer opens new avenues for earlier detection

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A clinical trials network – the NSW Early Phase Clinical Trials Alliance – is allowing more cancer patients to access crucial early-stage clinical trials.

NSW network facilitating access to life-saving clinical trials

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Dr Carlson Tsui is leading a new research lab dedicated to the ‘stem-like’ immune cells that power long-term responses to immunotherapy.

Garvan recruits expert to boost immune defence against cancer

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Dr Clare Puttick will establish a new lab focused on understanding how lung and breast tumours evade the body’s natural defences.

Garvan welcomes computational biologist to decode cancer’s immune escape tactics

Immunoflurescence microscopy image of developing liver, gallbladder and pancreas

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A novel liver cancer trial is currently recruiting participants, testing two drugs to prevent cancer from returning

Liver cancer clinical trial launches, targeting the environment around tumours

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A multicentre Australian study will combine chemotherapy with drugs that weaken the barrier around pancreatic cancer.

New clinical trials to target pancreatic cancer’s protective shield

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Garvan researchers are developing a new approach that transforms the immune system’s natural killer cells into therapeutic delivery systems for treating hard-to-reach tumours.

Engineering immune cells to target pancreatic cancer

A breakthrough study of over 450 pancreatic cancer genomes, published today in Nature, has shown that pancreatic cancer is in fact four distinct diseases. The study was led by researchers from the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative, Garvan, the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland. 

Genomics yields a new understanding of pancreatic cancer

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Garvan trial finds that using a common and inexpensive drug reduces insulin needs in type 1 diabetes, opening doors for improved management of the condition

Use of common drug reduces insulin needs in type 1 diabetes

Garvan congratulates Professor Jerry Greenfield on receiving a Millennium Award from Diabetes Australia to support an innovative clinical study in type 1 diabetes.

Professor Jerry Greenfield receives prestigious award

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These insights will help design better treatments to tackle treatment resistance and metastasis 

Australian-first imaging centre to provide unprecedented detail on how cancers interact with their microenvironment

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Garvan researchers have received new funding support to target biological barriers to chemotherapy and develop blood tests to predict treatment response.


Pancreatic cancer projects receive backing at Garvan

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Garvan researchers have identified a drug that can overcome treatment resistance in relapsed neuroblastoma.

Potential treatment to bypass resistance in deadly childhood cancer

Garvan researchers will develop treatments to break through tumour defences and blood tests that could catch this deadly disease years earlier than current methods.

Newly funded projects to target pancreatic cancer’s protective shield and improve early detection

Findings published in the July edition of the prestigious Journal of Experimental Medicine may offer new hope to people suffering from a previously unsuspected form of lupus. The research, undertaken by Garvan's Professor Fabienne Mackay, suggests a form of the disease that does not respond to current treatments. If proven to be correct, her findings will change clinical thinking and so bring about changes in patient management and in clinical trial protocols.

Have we uncovered a new form of lupus?

Dr Andrew Nash, Lauren Adlam (Sutton) and Dr Neil Söderlund

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Garvan’s boards welcome three new appointments  

New appointments to Garvan boards bring breadth of leadership credentials

Associate Professor Jodie Ingles and Dr Laura Yeates

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Garvan researchers are building a national database of inherited heart diseases to predict and prevent life-threatening complications. 

National registry offering hope for families with genetic heart conditions

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Their Majesties’ visit to the Sydney medical research institute highlights growing collaboration between Pasifika communities and genetic medicine initiatives.

Tongan King and Queen meet genomics research leaders during official visit to the Garvan Institute

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Study now recruiting participants to better diagnose inborn errors of immunity 

New Garvan study aims to improve early detection of genetic immune disorders

Dr Kate Jeffrey, Ms Sue Horlin and Ms Ilana Atlas AO

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Two new Garvan board appointments enhance the Institute’s governance capabilities in both scientific innovation and organisational management.

Garvan board appointments bring scientific and strategic leadership

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Dr Hasindu Gamaarachchi has been recognised for computational innovations that dramatically reduce the computing power needed for genomic analysis, democratising access to this transformative technology.

Garvan researcher wins Eureka Prize for faster genomic analysis

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New project will make genomics more representative

Ensuring more diversity in genomics research

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The Garvan Institute is opening its doors to the public, offering a rare opportunity to see the beauty of medical research through an exhibition of scientific imagery. 

Garvan’s Art of Discovery exhibition is welcoming visitors for National Science Week

Associate Professor Liz Caldon and Dr Sarah Alexandrou

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A team of Garvan scientists has discovered that inactivation of a stress pathway makes ER+ breast cancer cells ignore stress signals, allowing them to evade treatment.

Researchers uncover potential mechanism driving treatment resistance in common breast cancer

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The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s landmark investment will drive research focused on stopping breast cancer recurrence.

Historic $25 million grant backs Garvan breast cancer research

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The Elusive Hearts Study will give families with genetically unknown inherited heart conditions a second chance at diagnosis.

Boost for national cardiac genetic testing research program

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Garvan researchers have discovered new pathways that may explain differences in the way people with cancer respond to immunotherapy  

New mechanism found to supercharge the immune system against cancers

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The prestigious award recognises Professor Goodnow’s innovative work on immune system breakdowns and chronic autoimmune disease.

Professor Chris Goodnow honoured with Max Cooper Prize in Immunology

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Garvan researchers have developed a new AI tool which could be integrated into cancer diagnostics to better inform treatment.

AI tool set to transform characterisation and treatment of cancers

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Experienced veterinarian and facility manager Dr Louise Rabbitt will lead the crucial research facility as current head Dr Jenny Kingham announces retirement.

Dr Louise Rabbitt appointed as new head of Australian BioResources

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Leader of the Centre for Population Genomics internationally recognised for transformative contributions to global genomic research.

Garvan researcher receives prestigious European genomics award

Associate Professors Clare Stirzaker and David Croucher

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Cancer Council NSW grants will support innovative approaches to monitoring breast cancer recurrence and improving treatment effectiveness for high-risk neuroblastoma.

Breast cancer blood test and childhood cancer projects given the green light

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A major new Garvan-led research project will develop advanced DNA analysis methods to provide a more detailed picture of the human genome, improving access to the benefits of genetic medicine for diverse populations.

Research to unlock life-changing benefits from advanced DNA analysis

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Dr Ira Deveson will receive the Ruth Stephens Gani Medal at the 2025 Science at the Shine Dome event, in recognition of his contributions to clinical genomics and bioinformatics. 

Australian Academy of Science honours Garvan genomics researcher

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Associate Professor Maté Biro brings specialised expertise in how immune cells interact with tumours to the Institute’s Cancer Ecosystems Program.


Garvan appoints leading expert in cancer-immune interactions

Associate Professors Owen Siggs and Jodie Ingles are leading the Genomics of Rare Disease Registry

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Sydney researchers are recruiting for a study aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment and support for an estimated two million people who live with rare genetic diseases in Australia alone.

Recruiting now: study to uncover genetic cause of rare diseases

Sophie Hespe
and Associate Professor Jodie Ingles

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Garvan researchers update guidelines on which genes should – and which should not – be included in genetic testing for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Researchers refine genetic test panel for inherited cardiomyopathy

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Dr Shona Ritchie has received Cancer Institute NSW funding to explore how a cholesterol-regulating medication could make existing chemotherapies more effective against pancreatic cancer.

Garvan researcher to investigate cholesterol-lowering drug for pancreatic cancer treatment

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A commonly used treatment for diabetes may hold the key to slowing cognitive decline to prevent dementia. This Phase 3 clinical trial is seeking participants.

Clinical trial will test drug treatment for prevention of dementia

Professor Paul Timpson, Dr Cecilia Chambers and Dr David Herrmann

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Scientists identify a molecule that fuels pancreatic cancer spread to the liver, opening new avenues for treatment.

A metabolism switch that could help stop the spread of pancreatic cancer

Dr Brooke Pereira with her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC at the Fulbright Gala

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Garvan’s Dr Brooke Pereira has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to embark on an exchange to the US, where she will investigate new therapy targets for pancreatic cancer.

Dr Brooke Pereira awarded Fulbright Scholarship

Clockwise from top left: Dr Kylie James, Dr Curtis Cai, Dr Ruebena Dawes, Dr Etienne Masle-Farquhar and Dr Drew Neavin

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National Health and Medical Research Council backs five Garvan scientists to pursue solutions for complex diseases affecting millions of Australians.

Next wave of medical research backed by national grants

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A new Garvan study will investigate how to spot multiple sclerosis before symptoms appear, to help prevent long-term nerve damage.

New research to target hidden signs of MS

Dr Alexandra Butters and Associate Professor Jodie Ingles 

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A case report of a misclassified cardiomyopathy gene variant highlights the need for more diversity in genomics.

Australian researchers call for greater diversity in genomics

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An international research project has been greenlit under the NHMRC ASPIRE program, bringing together Australian and Japanese experts to create a detailed spatial map of cancer and its immune environment.

Major Australia-Japan cancer mapping project to guide precision medicine

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Study of an immune messenger offers fresh hope for patients with allergies, asthma and other immune disorders.

Immune ‘mystery molecule’ points to potential targets for allergies and other immune conditions

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Landmark discoveries about the immune system’s protective mechanisms earn global recognition for Garvan researcher.

Professor Christopher Goodnow awarded prestigious Crafoord Prize

Clockwise from left: Dr Drew Neavin, Dr Brooke Pereira, Dr Andre Reis, Dr Kendelle Murphy, Dr Marcia Munoz and Professor Daniel Christ

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Six research teams at Garvan have been awarded significant funding to pursue solutions across antibody therapy, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic cancer, bipolar disorder and genomic medicine.

Garvan research boosted by NHMRC Ideas and Development Grants

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In August, we celebrate a significant milestone with Paspaley reaching $2 million in donations in support of Garvan’s cancer research. 

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Scientists uncover hidden sex differences in the human immune system