Integrative Multiomics: Powering Frontier Research and Beyond

Join us in connecting researchers, sharing real-world applications, and unlocking access to advanced multiomics technologies. Register for your preferred seminar date below.

31 October 2025 | 10.30am to 11.30am

Monash Health Translation Precinct (Level H02, Seminar Room 3)

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Speakers: Claire Sun, Omar Gilan

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18 August 2025 | 10-12pm

Auditorium at Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne

Speaker: Saskia Freytag, Boris Novakovic

Event ended.

8 August 2025 | 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Seminar Room 2003, Translational Research Institute

Speakers: Mark Morrison, Huiwen Zheng

Event ended.

Meet the Presenters

Boris Novakovic

Infection Immunity and Global Health Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Title

A systems immunology to understand cellular and molecular remodelling by gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT)

Abstract

Sex differences manifest in traits such as body size, muscle mass, and bone density, as well as in the risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and immunological conditions. The contribution of genetics and sex hormones to these sex differences in immune function are difficult to unravel, because the two are confounded. Using longitudinal biospecimens from gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) trials allows us to specifically study how sex hormones remodel circulating biomarkers and influence iimmune cell function.

About the Presenter

Dr Boris Novakovic is Team Leader of the Infection, Immunity and Global Health Theme at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne. His research spans from early discoveries in human twin studies to translational work in sepsis, childhood disease, and vaccine responses — supported by major NHMRC grants and global collaborations. Learn more about his work.

Boris will be speaking at the seminar on 18 August at bio21, University of Melbourne.

Claire Sun

Cancer Genetics and Functional Genomics, Hudson Institute of Medical Research

Title

Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis to Drive Therapeutic Discovery in Paediatric Cancers

Abstract

Paediatric solid cancers are the leading cause of disease-related deaths in children, yet they typically lack the mutational burden seen in adult cancers, limiting treatment options. To overcome this, the Next-Gen Precision Medicine Program established the Childhood Cancer Model Atlas (CCMA), the world’s largest collection of high-risk paediatric tumour cell lines, integrating multi-omics and functional data. By applying machine learning based integrative analysis, we have identified genetic vulnerabilities, potential therapies, and predictive biomarkers, bridging gaps between paediatric and adult cancers.

About the Presenter

Dr Claire Xin Sun is a lead bioinformatician for cancer research, driving data-led discoveries in precision medicine and paediatric oncology. Her work bridges advanced computational methods with clinical applications to improve outcomes for patients with hard-to-treat cancers. She is a key contributor to the Childhood Cancer Model Atlas (CCMA) — the world’s largest open-source platform of high-risk paediatric cancer cell lines, which aims to enable the data-driven discovery of new therapeutic targets for paediatric cancers with low survival rates. Learn more about her work.

Claire will be speaking at the seminar on 31 October at Hudson Institute of Medical Research (Clayton Precinct).

Huiwen Zheng

Australian Institute for Bioenngineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland

Title

Characterisation of novel brain organoid protocols through multiomic profiling

Abstract

Brain organoids (BOs) have emerged as powerful models for studying human brain development and neurological diseases. However, the incorporation of key immune cells, namely microglia, remains a major challenge. In this study, we developed two distinct strategies for introducing microglia into BOs, each supporting different aspects of disease modelling. Using integrated transcriptomic, proteomic and spatial transcriptomic analyses, we demonstrate strong molecular similarities between organoid-derived and primary microglia. Our findings highlight the value of multiomic profiling in resolving cellular composition and uncover microglial activation patterns for therapeutic development.

About the Presenter

Dr Huiwen Zheng is a computational biologist at the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, where she supports the Stem Cell Engineering Lab. Her research focuses on analyzing cellular heterogeneity in aging and senescence using single-cell transcriptomics. By integrating bioinformatics with stem cell and organoid models of neurological disease, she helps uncover insights to guide therapeutic development. Learn more about her work.

Huiwen will be speaking at the seminar on 8 August at TRI.

Mark Morrison

Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland

Title

Variations of the mucosa-associated microbiota along the gastrointestinal tract in health and disease: The Brisbane approach

Abstract

It has been long recognised that the gut microbiome not only varies throughout the length of the gastrointestinal tract but also between the lumen and mucosal surfaces of different gut segments. However, the sampling, quantification, and characterisation of these mucosa-associated communities has been constrained by the nature of the specimens and the utility of omics-based approaches in adequately capturing the biology inherent to these communities. This presentation will provide an overview of the approaches developed and used to bring microbial genomes to life, enabled by their application in the clinical setting, and providing new options that can advance translating the microbiome into medicine.

About the Presenter

Prof. Mark Morrison is a leading microbiome scientist with deep expertise in microbial physiology, genetics, and genomics, particularly within the human gut. A pioneer in gut microbiota research, his work has contributed to foundational genome sequencing of Ruminococcus and Prevotella species, now known to shape human gut enterotypes. He currently leads gastrointestinal function research at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and plays a key role in national and international microbiome initiatives, including as Australia’s science representative to the International Human Microbiome Consortium. Learn more about his work.

Mark will be speaking at the seminar on 8 August at TRI.

Omer Gilan

Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University

Title

Harnessing drug-induced epigenetic memory to enable sequential therapy in cancer

Abstract

Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Despite recent advances in treatment, the disease often comes back after initial therapy. While combining multiple drugs can improve outcomes, this often leads to severe side effects. An alternative strategy—called sequential therapy—involves giving treatments one after another, in a specific order. This approach may reduce side effects but only works well if the first treatment can "reprogram" the cancer cells in a way that makes them more sensitive to the next drug. Our research focuses on how cancer cells maintain their identity through something called epigenetic memory—chemical tags on DNA and proteins that control which genes are turned on or off. Some of these epigenetic changes can be long-lived, even after treatment stops. We’ve discovered that a new class of drugs called Menin inhibitors can create stable changes in leukemia cells, making them more vulnerable to other therapies like Venetoclax, a drug that promotes cancer cell death. Our goal is to find smarter, more targeted ways to treat AML by using the cancer’s own memory against it. If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatment combinations, given sequentially, reducing the chance of relapse and improving survival for patients with AML.

About the Presenter

Dr Omar Gilan leads research at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, investigating how the epigenetic landscape shapes leukaemia cell behaviour and therapy response. His work focuses on identifying novel epigenetic regulators of leukaemia self-renewal and using CRISPR-based genetic screens to uncover principles of gene regulation. By understanding how leukaemic cells adapt and resist treatment, Dr Gilan’s lab aims to develop strategies that reset malignant cells back to a normal state, paving the way for more effective therapeutic interventions. Learn more about his work.

Omer will be speaking at the seminar on 31 October at Hudson Institute of Medical Research (Clayton Precinct).

Saskia Freytag

Brain Cancer Research Lab, Waltzer and Eliza Hall institute of Medical Research

Title

Multi-Omic Dissection of IDH Inhibition in Glioma: Insights from a Perioperative Trial

Abstract

In this first-in-kind perioperative trial of mIDH1 inhibition in glioma, we combined single-cell, spatial transcriptomics, metabolomics, and electrophysiology to interrogate the effects of safusidenib in matched pre- and post-treatment patient samples. We demonstrate on-target drug activity, revealing tumor cell differentiation, metabolic rewiring, and dampened neural excitability. Notably, progenitor-like tumor cells showed enhanced adaptability, suggesting a potential mechanism of resistance. These findings establish the feasibility of perioperative trial design in glioma and highlight the power of multi-omic approaches to uncover therapeutic mechanisms and guide future combination strategies.

About the Presenter

Dr Saskia’s research focuses on developing personalized therapies for brain cancer through advanced molecular investigation. Her work is grounded in a multidisciplinary approach that brings together patient-centric research, clinical insights, and cutting-edge technologies — all with the goal of accelerating treatment strategies and improving outcomes for brain cancer patients. Learn more about her work.

Saskia will be speaking at the seminar on 18 August at bio21, University of Melbourne.

About Novogene

Novogene is a pioneer in applying cutting-edge molecular biology technology and high-performance computing to research in the fields of life science and human health. Our vision is to continue as a global leader in the delivery of genomics services and solutions. With one of the largest sequencing capacities in the world, we utilise our deep scientific knowledge, first-class customer service and unsurpassed data quality to help clients realise their research goals in the rapidly evolving world of genomics. Novogene is committed to become your trusted genomics partner.

For more information, visit novogene.com/amea-en