Christopher Blyth

Prof Christopher Blyth is a Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and heads the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases (WCVID) at The Kids Research Institute. He is also an Infectious Diseases Physician at Perth Children’s Hospital and Clinical Microbiologist at PathWest Laboratory. His research focuses on influenza, RSV, and vaccine-preventable respiratory infections, with significant contributions to national and global public health policy, including leadership roles in Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

Prof Blyth has secured over $40 million in research funding, including grants from the NIH, NHMRC, and Gates Foundation. He has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on pediatric infectious diseases, vaccine efficacy, and antimicrobial resistance. His work has influenced national vaccination policies and earned him recognition such as the Western Australian Young Tall Poppy Science Award and Fellowship in the Australian Academy of Health & Medical Sciences.

His research group’s recent studies highlight antibody response dynamics to annual influenza vaccines and the efficacy of nirsevimab in preventing RSV hospitalizations. He collaborates internationally on projects addressing global health challenges, including vaccine impact in Papua New Guinea and antimicrobial resistance trends in pediatric infections.

• Awards: Fellow, Australian Academy of Health & Medical Sciences; Western Australian Young Tall Poppy Science Award 2021
• Grants: NHMRC EL2 Investigator Grant (2020-24), NIH RO1, Gates Global Health Grant