Burnet hepatitis B expert named in NHMRC's 10 of the Best
Burnet Institute clinical researcher Associate Professor Jessica Howell has been featured in the 17th edition of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) flagship publication, '10 of the Best,' for her project ‘Accelerating towards the future for hepatitis B elimination’.
First published in 2005, '10 of the Best' celebrates the most impactful stories from NHMRC-funded investigations whose work is advancing the health of Australians. This year’s edition, drawing from projects completed in 2023, highlights the depth and diversity of Australian research across areas including cancer, indigenous maternal health, coronary heart disease, and infectious disease.
Associate Professor Howell’s inclusion recognises her multifaceted research program targeting hepatitis B elimination in Australia. A key part of this work involved evaluating two novel point-of-care tests, one for liver inflammation and one for liver cirrhosis, developed at Burnet Institute for use in people living with hepatitis B. These rapid diagnostic tools are a critical step toward closing the gaps in detection and care that currently prevent Australia from meeting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) hepatitis B elimination targets for 2030.
Associate Professor Howell was recognised for work including evaluating new point‐of‐care tests for liver inflammation and liver cirrhosis (a late stage of liver disease).
Hepatitis B infects more than 292 million people worldwide, and, without timely treatment, chronic infection can lead to life-threatening liver damage and liver cancer, making it the leading cause of liver cancer and liver-related deaths globally.
“Being recognised alongside such top researchers in Australia is incredibly meaningful, not just for me personally, but for the entire team working toward hepatitis B elimination,” said Associate Professor Howell.
This recognition reflects the broader collaborative spirit that defines Burnet’s approach to infectious disease research, bringing together laboratory science, clinical expertise, and community engagement to drive real-world health outcomes.
Associate Professor Howells’ project joins a distinguished group of NHMRC-funded discoveries that demonstrate how Australian research continues to tackle some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
Find out more about Burnet's work in hepatitis B and C.
