Do you wish to become a UROP, Honours, AMS, PhD or foreign internship student in a leading biomedical research institute? The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has for over 90 years investigated the causes of cancer, autoimmunity and infectious diseases, and has embarked in an ambitious long-term program to develop new treatments against leukaemia, breast cancer, diabetes and malaria.

If you wish find out more about studying at WEHI, please contact Frank Draffen or Terry Lennon on (03) 9345 2603 or 2549, or email prospects@wehi.edu.au and provide details of your current course of study, institution and department.

Program:
• Presentations by scientists and students.
• Tours of WEHI.
• Discussion of research projects with scientists.
• Meeting with current WEHI students.
• Complimentary refreshments.

Enquiries: Kelly Rodger: openday@wehi.edu.au
Ph: (03) 9345 2552

A list of projects will be available in early August.

The eight major themes of the Institute are: Cancer and Haematology; Molecular Genetics of Cancer; Immunology; Infection and Immunity; Autoimmunity and Transplantation; Bioinformatics; Structural Biology; and Molecular Medicine.

Such a diverse range of investigative areas provides a wide range of research opportunities.

As the Institute’s Deputy Director, Professor Nick Nicola, puts it: “We offer young researchers an environment in which they can succeed, if they have the drive. This is a place where you can become a world class scientist.”

The main Institute site is located in modern premises 2 kilometres north of the city centre in Royal Parade, Parkville. We also have a new state-of-the-art Biotechnology Centre at the La Trobe R&D Park at Bundoora, in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs.

The Institute is affiliated with The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne. It has a staff and student population of more than 640 and an annual research expenditure in excess of $60 million.

Appropriately qualified graduates enrolled at The University of Melbourne can undertake research at the Institute relating to the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Advanced Medical Science
• Doctor of Philosophy

The following study/research environment is provided for postgraduate students:

• Induction: 1 week program on commencement
• Building access: 24 hour access with key/swipe card
• Working space: Single desk, lockable cupboard or locker, bookshelves
• Computing: Individual or shared PC
• Software: Full range of relevant software
• Other resources: Lab space, consumables, photocopying, printing, telephones, dial-in internet access, interlibrary loans
• Conference/Travel: funded by WEHI, NHMRC and Cancer Council scholarships (where applicable)
• Technical support: Comprehensive laboratory facilities & qualified technical support staff

Prospective students are advised that selection for places at the Institute is highly competitive. Students who wish to undertake research at the Institute should first approach the Institute, not The University of Melbourne. Students who are accepted by the Institute are enrolled through the Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne.

The academic year at the Institute generally commences in the first week of February with a compulsory lab safety and scientific practice orientation program.

To determine if the work of the Institute meets your interests:

• Read widely about the areas of research at the Institute. Refer to other parts of the Institute’s website, including previous years’ Annual Reports.
• If possible, attend the Institute’s Open Day, which is generally held in early August of each year.
• Write to the Institute, indicating your areas of interest. Include details of your academic results and the names and contact details of three referees.
• All applications are considered. You might be invited to visit the Institute as part of the selection process.

PhD students who are accepted by the Institute must gain their own scholarships. Note that the deadline for scholarships is August for NHMRC; September for IPRS/MIFRS; and October for APA/MRS in the year prior. For information, contact Frank Draffen or Academic Admin at the Institute on +61 3 9345 2555 or email the address at the top of this page.

Alan W Harris Honours Scholarship

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) will award Alan W Harris Honours Scholarships to eligible students undertaking the Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours). The award is an allowance of $5,000 for the year, paid on a fortnightly basis while undertaking the course.

The award is named in honour of cell biologist Dr Alan Harris (1938-2006), who was the first to establish continuously growing lines of antibody producing cells. One of his lines was later used in the development of monoclonal antibodies. During his 36-year research career at the Institute, Dr Harris made singular contributions in the fields of genetics, immunology, cancer biology and histopathology. He had a particular rapport with PhD students and young scientists, building their confidence and earning their lifelong respect, affection and gratitude.

All students who apply for the Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) supervised full-time at WEHI are considered for the scholarship, which does not require a separate application. Prospective students complete the relevant university admission application and WEHI application requirements, which include providing a cover letter outlining research interests, curriculum vitae, copy of academic transcripts, and details of 3 academic referees.

Applicants accepted by WEHI are required to meet high standards of academic achievement, and show strong potential and motivation to enter a research career. Students meeting these standards and taking up a place to undertake the course at WEHI are awarded the Alan W Harris Honours Scholarship.

The Walter and Eliza Hall Student Association (WESA) represent the student body in academic issues and, more importantly, make student life a lot more interesting. Activities include invited speakers, weekly sport, movie nights, pub nights and the all-famous Annual Student Retreat.

There are various accommodation options available for Institute students. Many students choose shared accommodation, which is advertised in the Melbourne Age and its Internet site, http://www.domain.com.au . Shared and other rental accommodation is advertised on the Baldwin Spencer notice board at the University of Melbourne and, from time to time, on the Institute’s notice board or Intranet electronic notice board. For students from beyond Melbourne, temporary accommodation can be arranged at one of the University colleges or at local hostels or motels. For further information, refer to the University Website http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/sss/housing or contact Human Resources at the Institute through the email address at the top of this page. .

Melbourne is widely regarded as the biotech, cultural, sporting and culinary capital of Australia and offers a vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle.

With a population of 3.8 million people spread over an area of 8,800 square kilometres or 3,400 square miles, Melbourne is a comparatively low density city. By way of contrast, Paris has double the population but occupies only half the land area of Melbourne.

Melbourne has a mid-latitude, maritime temperate climate, very similar to that of Lisbon, Portugal and somewhat similar to Santa Rosa, California.

The summer daytime average temperature is about 27 C° / 80° F, though during heat waves the temperature can exceed 38° C / 100° F.

The winter daytime average temperature is about 14° C / 57° F. Snowfalls and freezing temperatures are extremely rare in Melbourne.

To learn more about Melbourne, visit The Melbourne City Council "Welcome to Melbourne" and the "That's Melbourne" websites.