An innovative approach for understanding public health and wellbeing through wastewater surveillance

Summary

To date, there is an urgent need for local and global burden of disease analysis because the community in modern society is facing increasing risks of chemical exposure, mental health, illness and diseases. Comprehensive assessments of community health status through traditional epidemiological studies and surveys have been insufficient. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a promising approach that extends beyond drug and pharmaceutical monitoring, encompassing human health, well-being, and disease tracking, which has been particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The practical application for a broader spectrum of human health biomarkers is still in its early stages, necessitating further research to fully exploit the values and insights minded from wastewater resources. This project aims to develop a multi-disciplinary approach for understanding public health and wellbeing through wastewater surveillance.

Research Area Keywords

Wastewater epidemiology; Disease surveillance; Genomic sequencing

Supervisor

Dr Jiaying Li.

Research location

Civil Engineering

Synopsis

This project involves at both chemical and biological sectors.

1. Public Health Insights through Wastewater-Based Epidemiology

This research is dedicated to advancing public health and wellbeing understanding through innovative wastewater-based epidemiology. By analysing a wide range of health-related biomarkers—from medications and illicit drugs to diet and metabolism indicators—this work captures real-time, population-level insights into disease burdens and chemical exposures. This involves the use of sophisticated instruments such as LC-MS/MS, alongside smart sampling technologies, to provide a comprehensive view of community health dynamics integrating socioeconomic data.

2. Viral pathogens and Diseases Surveillance in Wastewater.

Building on the success of wastewater surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic, this research aims to refine these methods to detect and predict outbreaks of pathogenic viruses with epidemic and pandemic potential. This involves collecting and analysing wastewater samples from varied sources, from community to catchment levels, using advanced genomic sequencing (qPCR, RT-qPCR, metagenomics) and intelligent modelling techniques, thereby enhancing the early warning capabilities of wastewater systems for community safeguarding.

Offering:

A scholarship for 3.5 years at the RTP stipend rate (currently $41,753 in 2025). International applicants will have their tuition fees covered.

Successful candidates must:

Have a Bachelors degree (1st class honours or equivalent) or a Masters degree
Have research experience in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biology and Medicine, Public Health, and relevant disciplines.

How to apply:

To apply, please email jiaying.li@sydney.edu.au the following:

CV
transcripts

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3547