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Science Without Barriers: Emerson School Students Discover World-Class Research at Monash

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On July 14th, 2026 Emerson School students stepped into the world of biomedical research at Monash University, exploring hands-on activities, meeting Rossjohn Laboratory researchers and graduate students, and discovering that a future in Science belongs to everyone.

The Rossjohn Laboratory recently welcomed students aged 15–18 from Emerson School for an immersive, interactive day of science and inclusion.

Designed around curiosity and participation rather than heavy theory, the visit allowed students to engage directly with researchers and graduate students, explore university spaces, and discover cutting-edge biomedical research in an accessible, hands-on environment.

Hands-On Stations & Mentorship

Guided by Rossjohn Lab researchers, staff and student volunteers, high students rotated through interactive activity stations.

Highlights included:

  • Real-World Science in Action: Exploring critical topics—including autoimmunity, immunity, cancer, pollutants and health, viral immunity, and vaccinations—through hands-on displays and practical experimentation.
  • Guided Mentorship: Dedicated volunteers supported students at every step, encouraging active participation and empowering everyone to learn at their own pace.

This visit highlighted the vital importance of creating meaningful pathways into STEM for young people with disability. By experiencing a university environment firsthand and connecting with the team behind the science, students were able to see themselves as an integral part of the STEM community.

“They will be very motivated to continue their studies in Science” John Mooney, Emerson school Principal

For the Rossjohn Laboratory team, the event was a rewarding opportunity to share their passion for research beyond the lab walls and help make Science more accessible and inclusive.

“It was wonderful to see the students’ curiosity and enthusiasm grow throughout the day. Science is for everyone, and we wanted them to experience that for themselves.” (volunteer)

 

postdoc

Unlocking the potential to better target cancer with immunotherapy

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Monash University-led research is unlocking new ways for immunotherapy to better target cancer.

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionised treatment for patients, whereby the body’s own immune system is harnessed to destroy cancer cells.

Typically, several molecules restrain the ability of T cells to target cancer cells and developing approaches to limit this restraining effect can lead to improved effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.

Research published in Science Immunology has determined the structure of how an inhibitory molecule, LAG3, interacts with its main ligand and provides a new targeted approach to improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy for certain forms of cancer.

The publication is the first to show the crystal structure of a human LAG-3/HLA-II complex and provides a better foundation for development of blocking LAG-3 therapeutics.

Led by Professor Jamie Rossjohn at Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), in collaboration with Immutep, this research resolves how the human LAG-3 receptor binds to HLA II molecules.

First author Dr Jan Petersen said: “The way the PD-1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoint molecules bind to their respective ligands has been resolved for many years.

“However, the resolution of the interface between another important checkpoint molecule, LAG-3, and its main ligands, HLA-II molecules, has remained elusive.

“Solved using data collected at the Australian Synchrotron, a structure of a LAG-3/HLA-II complex provides a structural foundation to harness rationally for future development of antibodies and small molecule therapeutics designed to block LAG-3 activity.”

A diagram of a cell Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Figure 1: Human LAG-3 homodimer (with domains D1, D2, D3 and D4) binding to two separate HLA-II (MHC-II) molecules on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell (APC), imposing a distinct 38° offset angle.

Dr Frédéric Triebel, Immutep’s CSO, added: “These findings add to the strong foundation of our work with Professor Rossjohn and his team to develop a deeper understanding of the structure and function of the LAG-3 immune control mechanism, particularly as it relates to our anti-LAG-3 small molecule program.”

Read the full paper published in Science Immunology, titled Crystal Structure of the Human LAG-3–HLA-DR1–Peptide Complex 

 

About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute
Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Spanning seven discovery programs across Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Development and Stem Cells, Infection, Immunity, Metabolism, Diabetes and Obesity, and Neuroscience, Monash BDI is one of the largest biomedical research institutes in Australia. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.

About Immutep
Immutep is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel LAG-3 immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune disease. We are pioneers in the understanding and advancement of therapeutics related to Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3), and our diversified product portfolio harnesses its unique ability to stimulate or suppress the immune response. Immutep is dedicated to leveraging its expertise to bring innovative treatment options to patients in need and to maximise value for shareholders. For more information, please visit www.immutep.com.

DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.ads5122

Original article

Congratulations Julian on the VCA Mid-Career Research Fellowship

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More Research To Improve Survival Rates For Cancer

The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victoria’s best and brightest researchers discover new breakthroughs in cancer prevention, treatment and care.

Minister for Health Martin Foley today announced the 21 recipients from the Victorian Cancer Agency’s latest grants round, who will share in more than $10 million in research grants to work on ground-breaking discoveries.

Dr Paul Beavis from Peter MacCallum Cancer Center is investigating a new way to make CAR T-Cell therapy, a breakthrough treatment for blood cancer, also work against solid tumours.

Dr Laura Forrest also from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center is testing a new screening tool designed to identify the best support for people with genetic risk factors for cancer.

The Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-24 sets an ambitious target of saving 10,000 lives from cancer by 2025.

In Victoria, the five most common cancers are prostate, breast, bowel and lung cancer, and melanoma. Participating in cancer screening and finding cancer early, before any symptoms are noticed gives the best chance of survival.

More than 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if found early. All eligible Victorians aged 50-74 should screen every two years for bowel cancer by completing a free, at-home screening test sent in the mail.

Due to early detection and better treatment, more Victorian women are surviving breast cancer, with the five-year survival rate now at 91 per cent compared to 73 per cent in 1986. Eligible women aged 50-74 are invited to screen for breast cancer every two years.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers with regular cervical screening tests for women aged 25-74 and the HPV vaccination.

This funding takes the total investment by the Victorian Cancer Agency to more than $250 million since it was established by the Victorian Government in 2006.

As part of its dedication to cancer research, the Labor Government allocated a further $2.447 million in the 2020/21 State Budget to increase access to clinical trials and teletrials for regional patients.

Mid-Career Research Fellowship (Biomedical Stream)

Dr Julian Vivian – Monash University

Improving Bone Marrow Transplantation Treatment of Leukaemias by Donor/Recipient ‘Mismatching’

Killer-cell receptors are central to immune surveillance, controlling both T cells and Natural Killer cells. Currently, exploiting Killer-cell receptors in the clinic is hampered by our lack of understanding of the extreme diversity of receptor and ligand pairings. I have recently provided a framework to decipher this receptor/ligand code and will apply this to bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of leukaemia. These studies will underpin the development of new strategies for donor/recipient matching and for the prophylaxis and treatment of cytomegalovirus reactivation in transplantation.

Original article

All grant recipients