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Immunology and infection
Experts in infectious diseases and immunology
Through multidisciplinary research in infection and immunity, we are advancing the study of today's most pressing infectious diseases and improving healthcare outcomes across the globe.
Infectious disease research in the Faculty of Medicine and Health looks at the epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of infectious diseases all over the world. Our research covers a broad range of diseases and immunological conditions, with cutting-edge programs in HIV, influenza, tuberculosis and malaria, as well as immunopathology and the mechanisms of inflammation.
Other areas of expertise include epidemic viral diseases, infections of animal origin, multi-drug resistance, and vaccine and drug development.
Areas undertaking research in this theme
The Faculty of Medicine and Health is at the forefront of research in infectious diseases through our unique network of schools, centres and facilities.
Sydney Medical School has expertise in infectious diseases and immunological conditions, with cutting-edge programs in HIV, influenza, tuberculosis and malaria, as well as immunopathology and the mechanisms of inflammation. Other areas of expertise include epidemic viral diseases, infections of animal origin, multi-drug resistance, and vaccine and drug development.
Highlights
- Our researchers informed clinical practice guidelines relating to the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in suspected or proven neonatal sepsis.
- Research by Professor Warwick Britton and his team at the affiliated Centenary Institute include programs to decrease the incidence of tuberculosis that not only help discriminate between active infectious and latent non-infectious tuberculosis but also help monitor the response to antibiotic therapy.
Meet our researchers
- Professor Tania Sorrell
- Associate Professor Ben Marais
Learn more about research at the Sydney Medical School.
Our research in immunology and infection covers a range of globally important infectious diseases, including malaria, chlamydia, and flaviviruses. The research aims to improve the understanding of infectious disease and to translate this research into new treatments, detection and prevention and control.
Find out more about research at the School of Medical Sciences.
Key researchers
- Professor Nicholas King
- Professor Georges Grau
The impact of infection and immunity on acute and chronic conditions is not fully understood and is an area of increasing interest across the globe. Managing infections, infectious diseases, and the immune health of the community, as well as the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance, are important considerations for nurses, and as such, is an area of emerging research interest.
Research areas
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Emergency care
- Healthcare-associated infections
- Infection prevention and control
- Public and professional beliefs, attitudes and practices on immunisation
Researchers
- Professor Ramon Shaban
- Associate Professor Julie Leask
Learn more about research at the Sydney Nursing School.
Research at the Sydney Pharmacy School in infectious diseases primarily concerns respiratory infections and their treatments, as well as the development of novel drug-delivery systems.
Highlights
- Helping those with respiratory infections caused by multi-drug resistance bacteria by improving inhaled antibiotic treatments with the development of novel aerosol formulations of repurposed therapeutic agents.
- Understanding how electrostatic charge on aerosol particles can be harnessed to control delivery of inhaled aerosol particles to the lungs, with the purpose to maximising the clinical benefits of inhaled treatment for a wide variety of lung diseases.
Learn more about research at the Sydney Pharmacy School.
Centres, institutes and groups
- Marie Bashir Institute
This institute is a national, Asia-Pacific and global leader in the field of infectious diseases and biosecurity. It brings together leading research and expertise across a wide range of disciplines to increase capacity to detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in humans and animals. - The Centre for Research Excellence into Critical Infections
Led by Professor Jon Iredell and based at Westmead Hospital, this group has developed new rapid diagnostic tests which allow antibiotic treatment to be provided quickly to people in severe sepsis, dramatically reducing mortality of those with critical infections. - Centre of Research Excellence in Protecting the Public from Emerging Infectious Diseases
A collaborative centre that aims to create a vibrant, multidisciplinary community of researchers, linked with public health laboratories and government agencies, working together to safeguard Australia and our region from emerging infectious disease threats.
