The viral immunology section at Murdoch University was established in 1999 by Assoc. Professor Cassandra James (formerly Lawson).  The section encompasses an active medical research team comprised of staff, Honours and postgraduate PhD students. The research fields include viral immunology with particular emphasis on the development of therapies for influenza and disease. The section is also involved in teaching immunology to veterinary, biomedical and chiropractic undergraduate students within the Faculty of Health Sciences and contributes to teaching in other science disciplines. Research is both basic and strategic.

The immunology group forms an important part of Murdoch University’s Areas of Research Strength and is also part of the Centre for Biomolecular Control of Disease (CBCD). The group has formed strong collaborative links with the University of Oklahoma, National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, USA and Monash University, Vic. The team are also actively involved in activities of the Australian Society for Medical Research, International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research, and the Australasian Society for Immunology.