Did you know that chickens can sneeze? Just like humans, chickens can suffer from respiratory diseases like the cold and flu, causing huge economic losses for egg and poultry industries. Learn how we are improving diagnostic methods to help keep Australian chickens healthy and support farmers.

The Science Festival Mid-afternoon Masterclass series is a series of five, 45-minute lectures showcasing up-and-coming scientists and their groundbreaking discoveries. The Masterclasses are online, and will include interactive scientific explanations, experiments, live demonstrations, virtual lab tours, and lots of fun!

Each unique masterclass has been designed to be accessible and appealing to all audiences and is suitable for anyone with a high school scientific understanding. Get your questions ready as our scientists would love the audience to join in the live Q&A and become a part of the presentation.

Dr Sathya Kulappu Arachchige came from Sri Lanka to study at the Melbourne Veterinary School. During her PhD, she explored bacterial respiratory infections in chickens using advanced molecular tools. Her post-doctoral research investigates upper respiratory tract infections in Australian free-range layers using next generation sequencing.