Hosted by the Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH) at WEHI on 4 June 2026, the event showcased local expertise and the growing role of molecular approaches in precision medicine.
From research to real-world care
Co‑chaired by Professor Edwin Hawkins and Professor Rory Bowden (WEHI), discussions focused on how to integrate omics into healthcare systems and the importance of collaboration in translating research into clinical practice.
Keynote speaker Professor Paul Ekert (Children’s Cancer Institute) highlighted the ZERO Childhood Cancer Program, showing how molecular profiling is already improving treatment decisions for children with cancer.
© WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
© WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
Advances in omics technologies
Presentations covered new research and clinical applications, including:
- Single-cell and spatial omics to better understand lung disease
- Proteomics to improve diagnosis of rare genetic disorders
- Blood-based markers for cancer detection and monitoring
- Protein biomarkers to support decision-making in kidney transplantation.
© WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
© WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
From discovery to diagnostics
The second session focused on turning research into practical diagnostic tools. Speakers emphasised that this requires not only data, but also clinical systems to interpret and apply findings.
Examples included work in immune diseases and coeliac disease, demonstrating how omics is moving into clinical use to support earlier diagnosis and more personalised care.
© WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
© WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
Collaboration is key
A strong theme throughout the symposium was the need for collaboration across research, healthcare and industry. Participants highlighted that closer alignment will be essential to embed omics into routine care.
Supported by 10x Genomics, Olink and WEHI, the event demonstrated that the integration of omics into healthcare is already underway, with local initiatives such as the Colonial Foundation Diagnostics Centre and Snow Centre for Immune Health driving progress.
Explore recordings of presentations
Presenter: Prof Paul Ekert, Children’s Cancer Institute
Presenter: A/Prof Davis McCarthy, St Vincent’s Institute and University of Melbourne
Presenter: Dr Stephanie Kuo, Royal Melbourne Hospital and WEHI
Presenter: Dr Linda Fothergill, WEHI
Presenter: Prof Jason Tye-Din, WEHI
Presenter: Dr Jeff Smith, WEHI
Presenter: Dr Sam Olechnowicz, WEHI
Presenter: Dr Cavan Bennett, WEHI
Additional recordings will be added as they become available.