Join us for an exclusive, resident-only Masterclass, where you will get the opportunity to learn how to access advanced research platforms at the University of Melbourne and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI).

Hear from Lauren Hyde (UoM) and Aaron Jex (WEHI) as they share the benefit of accessing the platforms. In addition, 1–2 Jumar residents will share how these platforms have supported their work, offering practical insights into the value of platform access. The event will be held on-site at WEHI, and includes:

Exclusive guided platform tours – limited places, first come first served
Booths with Platform Managers
Networking opportunities between Jumar and WEHI scientists to explore shared research interests and potential collaborations

Brief Agenda:

12:45PM - 1:00PM: Meet at Jumar Reception and be escorted to WEHI
1:00PM - 1:15PM: Registration at WEHI
1:20PM - 1:30PM: Introductions and welcome
1:30PM - 2:10PM: Presentations by Lauren Hyde (UoM) and Aaron Jex (WEHI) + Q&A
2:10PM - 2:25PM: Presentation by Jumar residents + Q&A
2:25PM - 3:25PM: Tour of WEHI platforms
3:30PM - 4:30PM: Refreshments and networking

Meet your Speakers:

Dr Laura Hyde, Director of Research Infrastructure (Acting) at University of Melbourne
Dr Lauren Hyde is the Director of Research Infrastructure (Acting) at the University of Melbourne. She has a background in Materials Science and extensive experience in managing materials characterisation facilities across Australia with a specialisation in surface topography and chemical characterisation. She founded and managed the Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform at the University of Melbourne for 6 years before joining the University of Melbourne Research Infrastructure strategy team in 2020. Lauren has a passion for engagement, service delivery and business improvement and has been a driving force behind many initiatives to help improve the coordination, efficiency, and discoverability of the Research Infrastructure capabilities available at the University.

A/Prof Aaron Jex, Laboratory Head at WEHI
A/Prof Aaron Jex leads research focused on both fundamental parasite biology and applied diagnostics. His team uses advanced sequencing and bioinformatics to study the genomics and biology of key human parasites such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and soil-transmitted helminths. Their work explores host–parasite interactions, parasite development, and resistance to antiparasitic drugs. On the applied side, they develop real-time PCR assays to detect parasites and microorganisms relevant to public health and the water industry. These tools support transmission risk assessment and epidemiological studies in both developed and resource-limited settings.

NOTE: You may be photographed or videod while attending this event for marketing purposes: please approach the organiser if you have questions, concerns, or do not wish this to happen.

About

Jumar Bioincubator acts as a first home for biotech startups, providing affordable lab and office space, practical support, and community activities to unlock the potential in early scientific discoveries.

Jumar Bioincubator was established by CSL, WEHI and the University of Melbourne. Together, with backing from innovation investor Breakthrough Victoria and operator Cicada Innovations, the mission is to connect early-stage and scaling biotech ventures with the support they need to progress discoveries towards real-world treatments and therapies and build a critical mass of scientists with the knowledge and confidence to run successful biomedical ventures.