In 2024, our laboratory team has been busy supporting our ongoing clinical trials. This includes conducting experiments to measure the interaction of vaccines with our bodies and the way our immune system responds to protect us against infection.
A major highlight this year was being selected to perform the testing of serum specimens collected as part of the 2023 Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS) research project. Our experiments focused on measuring antibody responses to eight different variants of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in over 1,000 children across Australia. Our work, performed right here in Perth, has provided valuable insights into immunity against COVID-19 among Australian children.
Our laboratory team also worked alongside PathWest to contribute to the Western Australian COVID-19 Immunity Collaborative (WACIC) project. The WACIC project centred on investigating antibody responses in patients with varying severities of COVID-19, particularly those who are immuno-compromised or undergoing oncology treatments. This research aims to further our understanding and enhance treatment strategies for these vulnerable populations.
Thank you to all our wonderful collaborators, staff, and participants for your unwavering support in making this a great year. We wish everyone a wonderful festive season with friends and family!