Malaria in Melbourne (MiM) is a biennial conference organized by the Australian Parasitology Association, bringing together malaria researchers from Australia and around the world. The meeting showcases local and regional malaria research while fostering collaboration and networking across institutions. MiM 2025 was held on 30–31 October 2025 at the Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science & Biotechnology in Melbourne, featuring short talks, long talks, and poster sessions that highlighted cutting-edge work by students and senior researchers.
The conference was structured into five thematic sessions: Molecular Epidemiology & Public Health, Drugs, Novel Techniques, Immunology, and Molecular & Cellular Biology. A key aim of MiM 2025 was to provide a platform for students and early-career researchers to present their work, including a five-minute short talk by Pinkan Pertiwi Kariodimedjo on her master’s research project “Characterizing adaptive immune responses associated with protection against Plasmodium vivax malaria,” alongside broader presentations from established scientists across Melbourne-based malaria research centers.
Conference highlights included a talk by Steven Kho (Menzies School of Health Research) on hidden splenic reservoirs of P. vivax and P. falciparum, discussing diagnostic challenges and future collaborative research, including with EHI. Next, Damian Oyong presented findings on dysregulated germinal centers in chronic malaria, revealing how increased regulatory Tfh cells and atypical memory B cells may impair effective antibody responses. With strong audience engagement, well-organized sessions, and awards for outstanding presentations across career stages, MiM 2025 successfully highlighted the depth and diversity of malaria research in Melbourne and beyond. EHI believes that forums such as MiM play a crucial role in strengthening scientific exchange, capacity building, and cross-institutional collaboration to accelerate malaria elimination efforts.
