معرفی
Dr. Lenka Vodstrcil is a Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Head of the Genital Microbiota and Mycoplasma Group at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University. She holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne, completed in 2009, and has been a postdoctoral and research fellow at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre since 2010. Her work is highly translational, with significant contributions to public health and clinical practice in the field of sexual and reproductive health.
- PhD in Science, University of Melbourne (2009)
Lenka Vodstrcil leads groundbreaking research in women's sexual and reproductive health, with a focus on bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Mycoplasma genitalium. Her work demonstrates that BV has the epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of a sexually transmitted infection, leading to a paradigm shift in understanding and treatment. Her NHMRC-funded multicentre trial showed that treating male partners significantly improves BV cure rates in women, a finding with major clinical and public health implications. She also investigates resistance-guided therapy for Mycoplasma genitalium to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve treatment outcomes. Her research spans microbiology, clinical trials, public health policy, and health economics.
Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in antimicrobial resistance, diagnostics, and translational interventions. Key themes include resistance patterns in Mycoplasma genitalium, cost-effectiveness of novel therapies, and patient-centered studies on BV, particularly in under-researched populations such as postmenopausal women. Her work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as The Lancet Microbe and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
She has received recognition for her contributions, including the 2023 Melbourne Awards – LGBTIQA+ Category (Team Award), which highlights the societal impact of her research. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and gender equity.
- Melbourne Awards – LGBTIQA+ Category (Team Award), 2023
Dr. Vodstrcil is actively involved in research leadership and mentorship. She is accepting PhD students and has led multiple research projects as a Chief Investigator, including NHMRC and seed-funded studies. Her grants focus on optimizing the vaginal microbiome and improving STI treatment strategies. She is also a member of the ARC ITRP Research Hub to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance, enhancing national collaboration in this critical area.
She is deeply engaged in the scientific community, serving on programme committees, organizing and speaking at major international conferences such as the STI & HIV World Congress and IUSTI World Congress. Her activities include peer review and editorial responsibilities, contributing to the integrity and advancement of her field.
