Scott Bell

Professor Scott Bell is a faculty member at the University of Queensland, affiliated with the Child Health Research Centre within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. His primary role is as a Professor specializing in Clinical Sciences and Medical Microbiology. He focuses on cystic fibrosis (CF), particularly infection dynamics, microbial genomics, and antimicrobial resistance. His research addresses NTM infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium abscessus, exploring transmission, treatment, and environmental risk factors.

Key research areas include:

• Pathogen transmission via respiratory aerosols
• Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and diagnostics
• Impact of built environments on pathogen survival
• Outcomes of CFTR modulator therapies
• Geospatial epidemiology of NTM infections

Publications from 2023–2025 highlight advancements in:

• Waterborne pathogen transmission (M. abscessus)
• Masks reducing P. aeruginosa aerosol spread
• UV-C light efficacy against airborne pathogens
• New CF clinical trial frameworks

Current grants include combating biofilm pathogens in plumbing systems and improving airborne infection control. He supervises PhD/Master’s projects on aerosol mitigation and antimycobacterial pharmacokinetics. His work has informed global clinical guidelines for CF and infection control.

Labs/teams: Collaborations include the Cystic Fibrosis Research Group, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, and international networks like the CF Foundation-funded FORMAT trial.