David Whiley

Associate Professor David Whiley is a Principal Research Fellow at the UQ Centre for Clinical Research, affiliated with the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. With a PhD in Clinical Microbiology and qualifications in Applied Science and Law, his career spans molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and sexually transmitted infection research.

• 20+ years of expertise in Neisseria gonorrhoeae molecular detection
• Lead investigator in WHO Enhanced Gonococcal AMR Surveillance
• Key contributor to 4CMenB vaccine efficacy studies against gonorrhoea
• Developing point-of-care testing networks for STIs in remote Australia

His research focuses on medical microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance in pathogens like Mycoplasma genitalium, Neisseria species, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Current projects include Bayesian antibiotic dosing software and sol-gel drug delivery systems for localized STI treatment.

Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate cross-cutting applications of molecular PCR assays in diverse contexts - from respiratory viruses to sexually transmitted infections and antimicrobial resistance tracking. Collaborations span WHO, Bexsero vaccine research, and Australian Indigenous health initiatives.

Current funding includes grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, NHMRC, and Children's Hospital Foundation supporting work on rapid pathogen detection and antibiotic resistance prediction.