IMAGE: Dr Raffi Gugasyan takes a student through the schedule of Burnet's 2016 projects

The scientists of tomorrow discovered a little more about career paths, what’s possible, what’s available and how Burnet can help them, at the Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP) Student Information Night on Thursday.

More than 150 prospective Honours, Masters and PhD students met with researchers from all three Burnet Centres to discuss the schedule of projects and opportunities at the Institute in 2016.

Burnet Education Officer and Group Leader in the Centre for Biomedical Research, Dr Paul Ramsland said it’s important to inform students about the programs on offer but also to excite them about the research.

IMAGE: Dr Cath Latham discusses her research in retroviral biology and antivirals

“I would say about half of them know what they’re looking for,” Dr Ramsland said.

“The others are interested in biomedical research and they hear about what we’re doing and get excited about biomedical research or population health or international health on the night. They’re just discovering.

“There are hundreds of institutes and departments and projects to choose from and they’re just trying to find a place that suits them.”

IMAGE: Dr Paul Ramsland chats with students at the AMREP Student Information Night

Dr Ramsland said many of the students are surprised by the diversity of Burnet’s research, from laboratory-based work in infectious diseases to the field-based public health projects of the Centres for Population Health and International Health.

“It’s been an excellent night. We’ve had around 150 students come to our booths, talking to different scientists or a current student about the work we’re doing,” Dr Ramsland said.

“The enthusiasm shows when they hear a key word or a phrase that excites them about research.

“Some of them will come back and others will find projects that suit them better, but we think we’ve got a lot to offer.”