David Fairlie

Professor David Fairlie is a renowned academic at the University of Queensland, serving as the Centre Director of the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and an Affiliate Professor in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences. His roles include leadership in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science. Previously, he held positions such as NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow and ARC Federation Fellow.

Education includes postdoctoral studies at Stanford University and University of Toronto, postgraduate studies at Australian National University and University of New South Wales, and undergraduate studies at University of Adelaide.

Research focuses on interdisciplinary science at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology. Key interests include drug design targeting inflammatory diseases, cancers, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. His group specializes in developing compounds that modulate enzymes, protein interactions, and cellular receptors.

Publications highlight advancements in HDAC inhibitors, MAIT cell biology, and peptide-based therapies. Awards include NHMRC and ARC fellowships, and recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher.

Grants and funding span drug discovery, imaging technologies, and collaborations with pharmaceutical partners. Supervision of over 50 PhD and Master’s students underscores his mentorship in medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology. Active leadership in research centers and industry partnerships drives translational research towards clinical applications.