Sam Forster

Sam Forster is an Associate Professor (Research) at the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, affiliated with Monash University's Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. He leads the Microbiota and Systems Biology Laboratory, where his interdisciplinary research integrates microbiology, immunology, and computational biology to investigate the human microbiota in health and disease.

His research focuses on understanding host-microbiota interactions through in-vitro and in-vivo models, large-scale metagenomic analyses, and machine learning-based modeling of microbial community dynamics. His work aims to identify therapeutic interventions, including bacteriotherapies, for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and microbial-associated cancers.

Recent research outputs highlight his contributions to understanding microbial cross-feeding, phage dynamics, dietary modulation of the microbiome, and pathogen genomics. His publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and Cell Reports Medicine reflect strong interdisciplinary collaboration and translational focus.

Scientific Awards:

• NHMRC CJ Martin Overseas Biomedical Fellowship (2015–2018)

He is actively involved in several major research projects, including:

• Rational microbiome restructuring for ulcerative colitis management
• Harnessing immune reactivity against the tumour microbiome
• Food-derived bacteria in disease treatment
• Targeting inflammasomes in microbial-associated pancreatic cancer

He has served as a Chief or Primary Chief Investigator in multiple national research grants, demonstrating leadership in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. He is also affiliated with external institutions during his fellowship period, enhancing international research engagement.