The viral immunology section at Murdoch University was established in 1999 by Professor Cassandra James (formerly Lawson).  The section encompasses an active medical research team comprised of staff, Honours and postgraduate PhD students. Research interests include viral immunology with particular emphasis on the development of therapies for influenza and herpes viruses. 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 viral immunology group forms an important part of Murdoch University’s Integrated Health Institute and Institute for Animal Research. The group has formed strong collaborative links with the University of Oklahoma, National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, USA and Monash Institute of Medical Research, Vic. The team are also actively involved in activities of the Australasian Society for Immunology, Australian Society for Medical Research, and the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research.