Microbiology research

This theme includes studies into several major bacterial and viral diseases in both humans and animals, as well the development of cutting-edge disease diagnostics, antimicrobial drugs and vaccines.

One major focus is the investigation of the important bacterial pathogen, Chlamydia, in humans, koalas, livestock and birds, involving basic pathogenesis, diagnostics and vaccine development. In addition, cutting edge research is aiming to develop smart diagnostic devices, including point of care diagnostics for a range of human viral and bacterial infections.

Another group is developing advanced genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics approaches to characterise the microbiome of diseased airways and to detect antimicrobial resistance in several key human respiratory infections.

An important area of research involves investigating the pathogenesis and prevention of disease caused by Group A streptococcal infection, responsible for half a million deaths each year.

Finally, other research focuses on a genomic understanding of key diseases, the chemistry of key molecules involved in disease, as well as microbial ecology and environmental biotechnology.

Collaborations

The group also collaborates with key international networks and federations for microbial systematic and bacterial preservation for biotechnological exploitation and advancement.