Immunovirology Research Network (IVRN)
The Immunology Research Network (IVRN) is a network of skilled research laboratories located across Australia, formed to facilitate strategic clinical immunology and virology research in HIV, HBV, HCV and HTLV-1. The IVRN receives ongoing funding as part of ACH4.
Goals of the IVRN
Our Desired Outcomes
- To value-add to clinical trials and cohort studies with laboratory substudies, which will improve understanding and management of HIV, HBV, HCV and HTLV-1 infections in Australia. This goal is measured as the number of substudies supported.
- To conduct quality assurance (QA) of research specimen collection associated with clinical trials and cohort studies in HIV, HBV, HCV and HTLV-1. This goal is measured as outcomes of the quality assurance program (QAP).
- To enhance collaborations between biomedical and clinical researchers in HIV, HBV, HCV and HTLV-1 in Australia. This goal is measured as researcher satisfaction.
The Committee
Steering Committee
Terms of Reference
The terms of reference for the Steering Committee of IVRN are to:
- Establish and maintain an Australia-wide network of laboratories for the collection of research samples from subjects in clinical trials and cohort studies of BBVs.
- Establish and maintain a central specimen repository for storage of laboratory samples to support research relevant to the Australian BBV strategies (termed ‘strategy research’ - see Appendix 2 of the Operating Policies of the IVRN for a detailed summary of areas of strategy research).
- Foster the development of strategy research via project-based support, including provision for high priority, short-term projects at the discretion of the ACH4 Executive and IVRN Steering Committee.
- Maintain a laboratory quality assurance program for the Network to maintain high standards in separation and storage of serum, plasma, and PBMCs in order to ensure high quality and utility of the specimens in immunological and virological assays in strategy research.
- Make available to the Australian BBV research community, samples collected via the Network for the conduct of strategy research.
- Consider, prioritise, and approve applications for sample collection via the Network which entail use of IVRN resources.
- Consider, prioritise and approve applications for access to samples collected via the Network for use in strategy research.
- Provide minutes of the Steering Committee meetings to the ACH4 Executive.
- Report at least annually to the ACH4 Executive about progress in meeting the aims outlined in these terms of reference.
- Report at least annually to the Australian BBV research communities about progress in meeting the aims outlined in these terms of reference.
How Can I...
Focus Your Efforts
ACH4 oversees three major activities in its effort to deliver these virological and immunological research findings. Learn more about these activities and where you can take an active role.
Want to know more?
Contact IVRN
Contact the IVRN Project Coordinator for more information on the steering committee, quality assurance program and accessing IVRN samples:
The IVRN Project Coordinator, Kirby Institute, UNSW
P: 02 9348 0630