Professor Rowena Bull, a research scientist with expertise in immunovirology, has been appointed Head of the Kirby Institute’s Viral Immunology Systems Program (VISP).
VISP focuses on understanding how viruses spread and cause disease—particularly chronic disease—and on improving diagnosis and reducing transmission through vaccines and other public health interventions. Their research centres on RNA viruses, hepatitis C virus, dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
“I’m incredibly proud to be leading such a talented multidisciplinary team that brings together expertise in virology, immunology, neuropsychology, public health and clinical medicine,” said Prof Bull.
Prof Bull is an accomplished scientist and is internationally recognised for her work on RNA viruses. Recently, with a team of bioinformaticians, Prof Bull developed flow cytometry-based methods for concurrent isolation and characterisation of the entire transcriptome and antigen-receptor of virus-specific single B cells. These tools are providing unique insights into the mechanisms of protection from hepatitis C re-infection via long-lived, virus-specific memory B cells.
Prof Bull’s leadership is recognised through a number of key roles. She is Treasurer for the Australian Centre for Hepatitis Virology (ACHV), and Past President for the Australasian Society of Virology (AVS). She is also part of the Communicable Diseases Genomic Network (CDGN), an expert committee formed to advise CDNA on SARS-CoV-2 viral genomic studies.
Scientia Professor Anthony Kelleher, Director of the Kirby Institute said this appointment recognises Prof Bull’s achievements in both research and leadership, “Rowena has an excellent track record in the research space and is deeply valued by her team and students. I’m looking forward to working with Rowena in this new role, and to what the Viral Immunology Systems Program will achieve under her leadership,” he said.
The position of program head was previously held by Emeritus Professor Andrew Lloyd, who retired at the end of 2025.