Battle Against Hepatitis
The Australian Centre for Hepatitis Virology (ACHV) is an incorporated body of biomedical scientists throughout Australia with the common interest of promoting and disseminating research into all aspects of the hepatitis and related viruses.
Learn more
Origins
The Australian Centre for Hepatitis Virology (ACHV) is an incorporated body of biomedical scientists throughout Australia with the common interest of promoting and disseminating research into all aspects of the hepatitis and related viruses.
In 1989 a group of Australian researchers gathered at Fairfield Hospital in Melbourne for an informal, one-day meeting on the virology of duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV). From this date, an annual meeting evolved, held every year from 1994-2003. In 2004 the Australian Centre for HIV and Hepatitis Virology (ACH2) was formed. Since then, annual meetings were supported by ACH4 and held together with HIV researchers.
The annual scientific meeting is attended by most of the leading workers on the virology and immunology of hepatitis viruses and HIV in Australia. The meetings include two or more invited international speakers each year, and around 150 active researchers, from Honours and PhD students to more experienced workers; the environment is critical yet supportive, and collaborative work between laboratories is encouraged.
Our Goals
How We Work
Aims
It is the goal of the Australian Centre for Hepatitis Virology to enhance the quality of research into viral hepatitis in Australia by all available means. This work is being conducted in a variety of ways, including:
- Improving the quality of research, communication and collaboration amongst member laboratories.
- Negotiating adequate resources and funding mechanisms to support an appropriate level of high-quality research.
- Enhancing interaction with clinical hepatologists, epidemiologists and others working in viral hepatitis.
- Organization of Annual Scientific Meetings.
- Acting as a national body for handling donations for work on hepatitis viruses.
- Acting as a national contact point for studentships and job applications in hepatitis virology.
- To promote awareness of the need for, and achievements of, hepatitis virus research in Australia, among both the scientific and general community.
- To be recognized as the body representing the country’s major researchers into laboratory and experimental aspects of hepatitis viruses.
- To provide advice to government, community and medical bodies as required.
- To promote recognition of Australian hepatitis virus research by liaising with international research bodies and organising meetings.
ACHV's Activities
Annually, we conduct several activities for scientists and researchers to collaborate, learn and contribute to this area of study.
An Annual Scientific Meeting, held in June and open to all hepatitis researchers, has come to play a nationally and internationally recognized role as a forum for presentation of high quality, often unpublished results, and for critical evaluation of current research directions
An Annual General Meeting, generally held in June, includes administrative arrangements for the forthcoming year.
A Principal Investigators Meeting, generally held in November and attended by 1 or 2 senior staff from each member laboratory, discusses past and future research. Collaborations are developed at this event.
Organization of International Hepatitis Meetings
The ACHV does not directly fund research. Member laboratories are supported by grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Universities, industry partners, etc. Rather, ACHV strives to add value to ongoing research by pursuing the above aims. However, limited funds are being sought to underpin the Annual Meetings (and thereby reduce costs to members, particularly students), and to assist in promotion and communication.
Leadership
ACHV Committee
Contact Us
For all enquiries regarding ACHV or membership, please contact:
Dr Chaturaka Rodrigo – Secretary
Phone: 02 9065 2186
Email: c.rodrigo@unsw.edu.au
