Nicki Packer

Prof Nicki Packer is a Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of the Biomolecular Discovery Research Centre at Macquarie University. She also serves as Academic Lead of the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF) and is a Chief Investigator in multiple ARC Centres of Excellence. Her research focuses on glycomics' role in health and disease, including cancer, infections, and cardiovascular disorders.

Education:

• PhD in Biochemistry, University of Sydney (1973–1977)

Research Interests:

Prof Packer's work explores glycans' structural and functional roles in biological processes, particularly their implications for cancer, therapeutics, and microbial infections. Key areas include glycoproteomics, glycobiology's integration with proteomics, and glycan applications as molecular markers.

Recent Research Trends:

Recent publications highlight advancements in vaccine development using Salmonella vectors, enzymatic inhibition mechanisms, and glycobiology's role in cardiovascular disease and immunology. These studies underscore her interdisciplinary approach linking basic science to clinical applications.

Grants & Projects:

• A Prelude towards transforming adenoid cystic carcinoma into an immune hot tumour (2025–2026)
• Deep milk: multi-omics study on type 1 diabetes risk (2024–2025)
• Metformin's role in colorectal cancer prevention (2023–2026)

Labs & Affiliations:

She leads teams at the Biomolecular Discovery Research Centre and APAF, collaborating internationally through networks like the GlySpace Alliance.