Within the Centre for Virology strong emphasis is placed on understanding how viruses manipulate their host cells in order to infect them. Burnet’s research in this area is vital in developing ways to block infection and in preventing viruses from spreading and causing disease.

Laboratories within the Centre for Virology conduct research into chronic viral diseases such as HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. Basic research underpins most major scientific discoveries. Strong emphasis is placed on understanding how viruses manipulate their host cells in order to infect them and replicate within the body and these provide an important focus for laboratories within the Centre.

The Centre for Virology translates a number of its basic research findings into clinical and public health practice. The management of chronic viral diseases requires new drugs and diagnostic tools. Basic research within the Centre investigates possible new drug targets at the molecular level. Research within our laboratories also includes the development of new drug resistance assays as well as developing appropriate diagnostic tools and point of care assays for use within resource-constrained countries, given that the burden of many of these diseases falls mainly within these settings.

The clinical research laboratory within the Centre provides a monitoring service for The Alfred hospital. The Centre also provides training for graduate and post-graduate students from universities around Australia as well as international students.