معرفی
Professor David Piedrafita is a Professor of Bioscience at Federation University Australia's Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability. He heads the immunoparasitology unit and conducts international research on parasitic diseases in collaboration with institutions in Thailand, Indonesia, Africa, and Spain.
His education includes a PhD from La Trobe University (1996) and a BSc (Hons) from the Australian National University (1992).
Piedrafita's research centers on immunoparasitology and vaccine development against helminth infections, particularly Fasciola (liver fluke) and Haemonchus contortus. He investigates host immune mechanisms to develop veterinary vaccines and improve animal health through molecular, genomic, and immunological approaches.
His recent publications demonstrate sustained focus on vaccine candidates, immune responses in resistant hosts, and parasite molecular characterization. Key trends include liver fluke diagnostics, anthelmintic drug efficacy, and novel vaccine delivery systems targeting gastrointestinal nematodes and trematodes.
Scientific awards:
- Welcome Trust Fellowship (1996)
- National Industry Scholarship
He actively supervises PhD and Masters students and has secured major grants for international research collaborations. His leadership includes co-chairing the 2010 International Congress for Parasitology which hosted 1,700 delegates, and serving as president of the Australian Society for Parasitology (2005-2007).
Piedrafita leads the immunoparasitology research unit, directing a collaborative team with strong international partnerships across Southeast Asia and Africa.
