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Gabriela Minigo serves as an Honorary Fellow in Global and Tropical Health and Associate Dean - Learning and Teaching within the Faculty of Health. Her academic profile demonstrates active engagement in malaria immunology research with a recent expansion into circadian rhythm and metabolic health investigations. Dr. Minigo completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne (awarded March 31, 2007) and earned a Master of Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Newcastle (awarded December 8, 2017). Her educational background provides a strong foundation in both basic science and clinical epidemiology. Her primary research focuses on immunological responses to malaria, with particular expertise in T follicular helper cells, dendritic cell function, and regulatory T cells in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections. Analysis of her research fingerprint reveals significant contributions to Plasmodium falciparum Immunology and Microbiology (100%), Dendritic Cell Immunology and Microbiology (45%), Regulatory T Cell Immunology and Microbiology (38%), and other related fields. In recent years, she has expanded her research to investigate the relationship between photoperiod, circadian rhythm, and metabolic health, as evidenced by her 2024 publications on these topics. Dr. Minigo's scholarly output shows an evolving research trajectory from fundamental malaria immunology toward interdisciplinary investigations connecting circadian biology with metabolic health. Her recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate continued strong contributions to malaria immunology while incorporating new dimensions related to light exposure, sleep patterns, and glucose control. She has secured research funding for multiple projects including 'Rainmaker start up- Does exposure to artificial light alter circadian rhythm and glucose control in Australian adults? A pilot study' (2023-2026) where she serves as Co-Investigator, and 'Effect of Extended Photoperiod Exposure on Circadian Rhythm and Glucose Control' (2024-present) where she is Principal Investigator. Previously, she contributed as Chief Investigator C to 'Manipulating T follicular helper cells to improve human malaria vaccines' (2020-2023). As Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching, Dr. Minigo holds significant educational leadership responsibilities within the Faculty of Health. She is registered to supervise postgraduate research, indicating her active role in mentoring graduate students in immunology and tropical medicine research.

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Malaria Research
• +5 more

Claire O'Brien is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Science (Virology) at the University of Canberra, leading the Host-Microbe Interactions research group. Previously, she held positions at the Australian National University (ANU) Medical School as a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong. She earned her PhD from ANU in 2012, focusing on microbiological aspects of Crohn's disease. Her research investigates gut microbiome dysbiosis in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), using in vitro co-cultures of bacteria and macrophages. Key projects include studying antimicrobial resistance in retail meat and microbial resilience in IBD patients. Dr. O'Brien has received prestigious awards, including the Australian Academy of Science France-Australia Fellowship and NHMRC Peter Doherty Biomedical Research Fellowship. Her work spans translational research, such as the 'GUTSY' project addressing sarcopenia in Crohn’s disease, and collaborations on microbiome dynamics. She actively supervises Honours and higher-degree research students in IBD and microbiome-related fields. Research interests include host-microbe interactions, Crohn's disease pathogenesis, and the role of the microbiome in health. Her lab employs genomic, transcriptomic, and microbiological techniques to uncover mechanisms linking microbial imbalances to disease. She is also engaged in public health initiatives, such as optimizing preconception care and reducing pregnancy complications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Gut Microbiome
• Host-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Andrew Currie is a Professor and Associate Dean (Research & Innovation) at Murdoch University's School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, within the College of Environmental and Life Sciences. He leads the Sepsis Diagnostics Research Group at the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics and co-heads the Neonatal Infection and Immunity Team with Clinical Professor Tobias Strunk at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccine & Infectious Diseases at Telethon Kids Institute. His research focuses on immunology and infectious diseases in pediatric populations, particularly sepsis diagnostics and neonatal immunity. Education: PhD (Immunology, University of Western Australia, 2001); BSc (Biotechnology with Honors, Murdoch University, 1997). Research Interests: Sepsis diagnostics, innate immunity mechanisms in neonates, medical biotechnology for diagnostics (e.g., biosensors), and translational research in pediatric infections. Collaborates internationally with institutions in Canada, Denmark, the UK, US, and China. Aims to reduce sepsis burden in vulnerable populations through advanced molecular methods and interdisciplinary partnerships. Key Affiliations: Lead of Sepsis Diagnostics Research Group (Murdoch University), Senior Lecturer in Immunology, Honorary Associate at Kids Research Institute Australia. Past roles include leadership in the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics. Scientific Contributions: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles focusing on sepsis biomarkers, neonatal immunity, tick-borne diseases, and clinical trials for interventions like vitamin C and probiotics in critical illness. Active in developing precision medicine approaches for neonatal sepsis. Grants & Funding: Co-leads major projects on sepsis diagnostics and neonatal infection, supported by national and international grants. Collaborates on multi-institutional initiatives. Labs/Teams: Sepsis Diagnostics Research Group (Murdoch) and Neonatal Infection and Immunity Team (Telethon Kids Institute). Works closely with the Personalised Medicine Centre and Health Futures Institute.

• Sepsis
• Innate Immunity
• Neonatal Immunology
• +5 more

Associate Professor Brendan McMorran is a faculty member at The John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR), Australian National University (ANU). He leads the McMorran Group focusing on platelet biology and host responses to malaria. His academic roles include Associate Director, HDR (Higher Degree Research) and Group Leader in the Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases. Education: BSc (Hons) and PhD from University of Otago (New Zealand), followed by postdoctoral research at University of Queensland and Menzies Research Institute. Previously held positions at Macquarie University before joining ANU in 2014. Research interests center on understanding malaria survival mechanisms, particularly platelet-mediated parasite killing, and developing host-directed therapies. Key projects include genetic causes of renal disease in Indigenous Australians and roles of platelets in regulating red blood cell turnover. Notable contributions include identifying platelets' role in killing malaria parasites, discovering defense peptides from Platelet Factor 4, and investigating host genetics in malaria resistance. Supported by NHMRC and ARC funding.

• Malaria Pathogenesis
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Platelet Biology
• +3 more

Christopher Grainge is a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle's School of Medicine and Public Health, and a Staff Specialist in Respiratory and General Medicine at John Hunter Hospital. Previously, he served as a Consultant Physician and Senior Lecturer at the University of Southampton. His extensive clinical background includes service in the Royal Navy, specializing in diving and remote medicine, and deployments to Antarctica and Southern Iraq. Dr. Grainge maintains active research collaborations with institutions worldwide, focusing on respiratory medicine. Dr. Grainge completed his undergraduate training at Imperial College, University of London, with an intercalated BSc. He earned his PhD from the University of Southampton in 2011, with research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. His thesis examined the effect of repeated bronchoconstriction on airways in asthma. He also holds membership in the Royal College of Physicians and was awarded the Diploma in the Medical Care of Catastrophes, specializing in remote and refugee medicine. Dr. Grainge's research focuses on the role of mechanical forces in asthma pathophysiology, environmental dusts in lung disease development, and platelet antagonists' effects on allergen challenge. His work demonstrates that mechanical forces play a crucial role in determining long-term changes in human airways. He leads investigations into how environmental exposure to inhaled particles leads to conditions like constrictive bronchiolitis, and explores novel therapeutic pathways for asthma through platelet activation inhibition. His research has significant clinical implications for difficult asthma and interstitial lung disease management. Dr. Grainge's recent publications reflect strong trends in interstitial lung disease research, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and asthma mechanisms. His work increasingly incorporates advanced technologies like artificial intelligence for disease stratification and deep learning for predicting disease progression. Collaborative research with international teams examines biomarkers for disease progression and novel treatment approaches for fibrotic lung diseases, with a particular focus on quantitative CT analysis and patient-reported outcome measures. Leatherdale Prize for Clinical Teaching: Finalist (2013) Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards Winner (2011) University of Southampton Translational Medicine Research Prize (2011) Michael Arthur Clinical Research Prize (2014) British Lung Foundation Travel Fellowship (2011) Gilbert Blane Medal (2010) Colt Foundation Prize: Finalist (2010) Asthma UK Travel Fellowship (2009) Dr. Grainge has received significant research funding from the British Lung Foundation, the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, the Institute for Life Sciences, and the Gerald Kerkut Foundation. His projects investigate the effects of physical and environmental stress on lung disease, mechanisms underlying lung disease development following environmental particle exposure, and potential therapies. He has collaborated extensively with research teams across Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, and South Africa, contributing to the training of numerous students and junior researchers through his supervision and mentorship roles. Dr. Grainge collaborates extensively with the Respiratory Research group at the University of Southampton, the Asthma and COPD Research Group at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and the Microbiome group at the South Australia Medical Research Institute. His current work at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) focuses on mechanical forces within airways and their impact on acute and long-term lung changes in patients with airway diseases. He is also involved in the Australian IPF Registry, contributing to multicenter studies on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis progression and treatment outcomes.

• asthma
• respiratory physiology
• airway mechanics
• +6 more

Dr. Kim O'Sullivan is a Senior Research Fellow and head of the Translational Kidney Therapies Group at the Centre for Inflammatory Diseases (CID), Monash Health Translational Precinct, affiliated with Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. She holds a PhD in Immunology from Monash University and completed her undergraduate and Master’s studies in Anatomy and Structural Biology at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Her work is centered on developing novel therapies for autoimmune kidney diseases, particularly ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), glomerulonephritis, and lupus nephritis. Her research focuses on: Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) and their role in inflammation Gene therapy using adeno-associated viral vectors to deliver DNase I Therapeutic potential of bacterial exosomes Gut microbiome interactions, especially Muribaculaceae and SCFAs Immune tolerance and host defense preservation Her recent publications (2023–2024) reflect a strong trend in translational immunology, with emphasis on microbiome-immune crosstalk, novel biologics, and gene-based interventions. She has published in high-impact journals such as Frontiers in Immunology , International Journal of Molecular Sciences , and Journal of Immunology . Her scientific contributions have been recognized through several awards: Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology Young Investigator Award (Winner, 2016) ANZSN Basic Science Award (Finalist, 2020) Multiple ANZSN Travel Awards (2014, 2016, 2017) Kim O'Sullivan actively supervises Honours and PhD students and leads multiple research projects funded by NHMRC and MRFF. She serves on the ANZSN Scientific Programme and Awards Committee (SPARC), is a Review Editor for Frontiers in Immunology , and sits on the editorial boards of International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Journal of Integrated Medicine in Nephrology and Andrology . She is also a peer reviewer for top journals including Journal of Clinical Investigation and Kidney International . She leads the CID weekly seminar series and chaired the ImmuMON21 symposium. Her commitment to equity in STEM includes mentoring through BrainSTEM and past involvement in the ANZSN Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

• Immunology
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Kidney Disease
• +13 more

Professor Colin Pouton is Theme Leader for Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. His research spans stem cell applications in drug discovery, mRNA therapeutic delivery systems, and lipid-based formulations. He focuses on differentiating pluripotent stem cells into brain cells for modeling neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. His team designs advanced lipid nanoparticle systems for nucleic acid delivery and oral peptide administration. Professor Pouton teaches extensively in Monash's BPharm, MPharm, and BPharm Sci programs, covering virology, biotechnology, and molecular biology. He currently supervises 16 PhD students and contributes to curriculum development. His research has secured multiple grants for mRNA vaccine development, including the Victorian Pre-clinical mRNA Innovation Incubator project. Recent publications explore nanoparticle stabilization strategies and immune response mechanisms in mRNA vaccines.

• Stem Cell Differentiation
• mRNA Therapeutics
• Lipid Nanoparticles
• +2 more

Michelle Tate is an Adjunct Associate Professor (Research) at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, where she leads the Viral Immunity and Immunopathology research group and serves as Deputy Centre Head at the Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Disease. She earned her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Melbourne in 2010 and has since established herself as a leading researcher in viral immunology and pathogenesis. Institution: Hudson Institute of Medical Research School: Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Disease Academic Rank: Adjunct Associate Professor Email: michelle.tate@hudson.org.au Education: PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne (2010) Dr. Tate's research centers on the molecular mechanisms driving hyperinflammation and severe disease during viral infections, particularly influenza A virus. Her work investigates how the host immune response—specifically inflammasome signaling, pyroptosis, and interferon pathways—contributes to immunopathology. She aims to develop host-directed therapies that modulate inflammation to reduce lung damage and improve outcomes in respiratory viral diseases. Her research integrates animal models, molecular immunology, and translational approaches to bridge basic science with clinical applications. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on inflammasome biology (especially NLRP3 and gasdermin-mediated pyroptosis), host-pathogen interactions in influenza, and immune protection in non-traditional sites such as the male reproductive tract. Her work spans immunology, virology, pulmonary disease, and therapeutic development, with an emphasis on targeting innate immune pathways for treatment. Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) Young Tall Poppy Science Award (2018) Christina Fleischmann Memorial Award (2016) Victorian Infection and Immunity Network Career Development Award (2016) Commendation, Victorian Premier’s Award for Health & Medical Research (2011) Chancellor's and Dean's Prize for PhD Excellence (2011) Bridging Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011) Dr. Tate actively contributes to the scientific community through NHMRC and MRFF grant review panels, editorial roles in journals such as Journal of Virology and Pathogens, and leadership in the Australasian Virology Society. She mentors students and collaborates with clinical and commercial partners to translate her findings into novel therapies. Her lab is engaged in multiple funded projects focused on silicosis, influenza immunopathology, and host-directed antiviral strategies, reflecting her commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary research.

• Viral Pathogenesis
• Immunology
• Influenza A Virus
• +9 more

Associate Professor Jason Waithman leads the Cancer Immunotherapy Program at the University of Western Australia's School of Biomedical Sciences. His expertise spans dendritic cell biology, T cell immunity, and cancer immunology. He holds dual affiliations with the School of Human Sciences and the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer. Education: PhD in Immunology (University of Melbourne, 2008), specializing in CD8 T cell tolerance mechanisms. Research focuses on translational immunotherapy tools, genomic data science integration, and identifying novel therapeutic targets for cancer control. Key projects include CAR-T cell therapy optimization, immune response modulation in melanoma, and burn injury's impact on cancer immunity. Recent grants include leadership roles in skin cancer classification probes, high-content microscopy infrastructure, and natural killer cell enhancement therapies. He has authored 56 publications and 24 grants, with 4,513 citations and a h-index of 25. Labs/Teams: Cancer Immunotherapy Program, Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer. Collaborations span international institutions with a focus on immunology and oncology.

• Cancer Immunology
• T Cell Immunity
• Dendritic Cell Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Aidil Zaini is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Immunology at Monash University, School of Translational Medicine, and is affiliated with the Alfred Hospital. His research is centered on understanding mucosal immune responses, particularly in the context of diet, neuro-immune crosstalk, and the gut-immune-brain axis during health and inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. His research interests span Mucosal Immunology , Neuro-Immune Interactions , and Gut-Immune-Brain Axis dynamics. With a strong focus on how dietary factors influence immune responses, Dr. Zaini explores the immunological mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation and barrier integrity in the gut. His work integrates immunological, metabolic, and neurological perspectives to uncover novel pathways in disease pathogenesis. The recent publication trends highlight a multidisciplinary approach combining immunology with neuroscience and metabolism. Articles focus on T cell regulation, innate lymphoid cells, mast cell function, and the impact of feeding regimens on brain injury outcomes, reflecting a growing interest in systemic immune regulation across organ systems. Dr. Zaini has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Immunity , Frontiers in Immunology , and Cell Reports . His work has been referenced in Wikipedia, picked up by news outlets, and widely shared on social media, indicating broad scientific and public engagement. He has been actively involved in research since completing his PhD at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (2018–2021), where he studied mucosal immunity in allergy and helminth infections. Since joining the Mucosal Immunology Research Group in late 2021, he continues to advance understanding of immune homeostasis and inflammation through collaborative, translational research. Dr. Zaini is part of the Mucosal Immunology Research Group, where he collaborates on projects exploring diet-immune interactions and neuroimmunological aspects of gut inflammation. The team’s work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being.

• Mucosal Immunology
• Neuro-Immune Interactions
• Gut-Immune-Brain Axis
• +7 more

Xiaonan ZHANG is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Canberra, leading the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Group within the Centre for Research into Therapeutic Solutions. He holds a PhD from Fudan University (2012) and previously worked at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre until 2021. His research focuses on HBV molecular pathogenesis, therapeutic vaccine development, and next-generation sequencing applications in viral infections. His work has advanced understanding of HBV’s clinical outcomes, including the discovery of Capsid-Antibody-Complexes (CACs) and their role in pathogenesis. Collaborations span institutions like the Peter Doherty Institute, University of Queensland, and international partners such as Fudan University and University of Duisburg-Essen. Key projects include: Development of therapeutic mRNA vaccines for chronic HBV Clinical evaluation of CAC assays in HBV/HIV co-infections Metagenomic sequencing for pathogen identification Research interests emphasize translational medicine, with contributions to H7N9 influenza and SARS-CoV-2 studies during the pandemic. His team pioneered real-world analyses of viral and host factors in COVID-19 outcomes. Current focus includes liver-resident immune cell dynamics and novel diagnostic assays for HBV nucleic acids. Publications highlight innovations in HBV cccDNA tracking, immune complex mechanisms, and exosome-mediated signaling. No scientific awards were explicitly listed in the provided texts. Xiaonan actively collaborates on grants and supervises PhD students, advancing interdisciplinary approaches to viral diseases.

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Translational Medicine
• +4 more

Dr. Carola Venturini is a Lecturer at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney. Her research focuses on microbiology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and bacteriophage therapy with a One Health perspective. She holds a BSc (Hons) from the University of Trieste and a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Wollongong. Her work investigates mobile genetic elements in bacterial pathogens and explores bacteriophage applications in animal and human health. Education: BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences, University of Trieste PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Wollongong Research interests include: Evolution of drug-resistant pathogens Horizontal gene transfer mechanisms Bacteriophage-based interventions Microbiome ecology and antibiotic impacts Recent work highlights bacteriophage translocation in human colonoids, Vibrio harveyi pathogenesis in fish, and MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae clonal spread. Her studies bridge animal, human, and environmental health sectors. Grants include projects on phage formulations for animal infections, AMR surveillance in India, and collaborations with institutions in Germany, UK, USA, and Italy. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and maintains international partnerships through the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and Charles Perkins Centre.

• Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• Bacteriophage Therapy
• +3 more

Daniel Thiele is a Researcher in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Monash University. His work focuses on immune regulation mechanisms, particularly T cell and NK cell biology, with emphasis on their roles in infection responses and aging-related immune dysfunction. He collaborates extensively with institutes globally, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Research interests include epigenetic regulation of immune cells, transcription factor networks in immune development, and helminth-induced immune responses. His work explores how immune systems adapt to pathogens while maintaining self-tolerance, with recent studies emphasizing DOT1L's role in immune signaling and IKAROS/AIOLOS in NK cell differentiation. Key publications analyze virtual memory CD8 T cells' role in aging immunity, mechanisms of T cell receptor signaling, and type 2 immune responses during helminth infections. His research has been cited over 30 times, with articles gaining notable media attention.

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• +3 more

Professor Brendan Jenkins is an Adjunct Professor (Research) and Head of the Cancer and Immune Signalling Laboratory at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research. He holds an NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship and specializes in cancer biology and immune-related diseases, focusing on gastric, lung, and pancreatic cancers, as well as emphysema/COPD. His research employs cytokine signaling studies and collaborative international projects. He has published in top journals like *Nature* and *Immunity* and received awards including the Tall Poppy Award. Current projects include targeting JAK-STAT pathways in gastrointestinal cancers and investigating innate immune mechanisms in pancreatic cancer. He leads 38 active projects and has secured grants from NHMRC, Cancer Council, and international bodies. His lab's work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals addressing health and well-being. Education: PhD in Medicine from the University of Adelaide. Research interests span cytokine signaling, cancer immunology, and inflammatory diseases. Recent articles highlight roles of AIM2 in lung cancer, ADAM17 in disease crossroads, and circulating tumor DNA in pancreatic cancer diagnostics. Collaborations span UK, Japan, Singapore, and Europe. Over 114 publications and active grant portfolio reflect his leadership in translational cancer research.

• Cancer
• Gastric Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• +7 more

Wally Langdon is a Professor and Senior Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia in Perth. He holds the position of Investigator in multiple grants funded by the Department of Health (Western Australia) and pharmaceutical companies like Daiichi Sankyo. His research focuses on immunology, oncology, and molecular biology, particularly immune cell signaling, oncogene biology, and leukaemia models. Langdon has contributed to over 118 peer-reviewed publications and 46 grants, including recent projects like MHRIF Round 23 (2020) and A Novel Strategy for Inhibiting Chemotherapy-Induced Myelosuppression (2018). His work addresses autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and therapeutic targets in conditions like candidiasis. His research interests span diverse topics, including ubiquitination pathways, receptor tyrosine kinase regulation, and T cell biology. Langdon’s interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical applications in oncology and immunology.

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• +3 more