Martyn Kirk

Prof Martyn Kirk is a Professor at the Australian National University (ANU), serving as Associate Dean (Education) in the ANU College of Health and Medicine. He holds academic qualifications including a BAppSci, MAppEpid, and PhD from ANU. His research focuses on infectious diseases, environmental health threats, and public health responses to outbreaks such as foodborne illnesses (e.g., salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis) and emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. He has led national initiatives such as OzFoodNet and the Australian Pathogen Genomics Program (AusPathoGen), emphasizing genomic surveillance and outbreak investigation. Kirk collaborates with global agencies including the WHO and advises Australian health departments. His work bridges epidemiological practice and policy, addressing challenges in pandemic preparedness, chemical exposure (e.g., PFAS), and workforce training through programs like the Field Epidemiology Training Program.

Education: BAppSci (WIAE), MAppEpid (ANU), PhD (ANU).

Research emphasizes burden-of-disease estimation for foodborne pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and outbreak response strategies. He leads projects funded by NHMRC and ARC, focusing on PFAS health impacts, genomic pathogen analysis, and pandemic preparedness. His global contributions include capacity-building in Southeast Asia and shaping epidemiology training frameworks through Delphi studies and leadership surveys.

Notable collaborations include the Timor-Leste One Health study and the ACT Asbestos Health Study II. He has advised on respiratory virus surveillance during the pandemic and evaluated vaccination impacts on antibiotic use in pediatric cases.