Investigating the nature of infectious diseases, immunity and human health
We examine the processes of infection and immune responses, with the goal of promoting human health and control of human disease.
Our researchers collaborate with multiple disciplines from across the University to discover novel approaches and therapeutics to fight infection, inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Research Highlights
Type 2 inflammation in allergy and atopic disease
We're using cutting edge spatial transcriptomics to better understand the role of type 2 inflammation in allergic and atopic diseases
Aussie Gut™ Initiative
Our researchers in the Mucosal Immunology Research Group are working to identify metagenomic targets in gut health and cardiometabolic diseases.
Microbes and inflammation in obesity
We’re partnering with the Toowoomba Weight Loss Surgery to understand the role of gut bacteria and the immune system in weight loss after bariatric surgery.
Focus areas
Defining chronic infectious diseases or novel prevention and treatments
We’re exploring the use of novel nasal sprays in preventing COVID-19 (MRFF grant).
Experts: Dr Nic West, Dr Amanda Cox, Dr Ping Zhang
Immunological responses to cardiometabolic disease
Our researchers are examining the role of gut bacteria and the immune system in cardiometabolic diseases.
Experts: Dr Amanda Cox, Dr Nic West
Allergic and atopic disease prevention and treatments
We’re harnessing small molecule inhibitors of type 2 inflammation to treat and prevent allergic and atopic diseases.
Experts: Dr Nic West, Dr Amanda Cox
Mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and virulence
Our researchers at the Ulett lab are studying bacterial evasion of immunity, as well as drug resistance, concentrating on the urinary tract.
By investigating how bacteria avoid death via the immune system, we’re discovering novel treatments for diseases such as urinary tract infections and sepsis caused by E. coli or Streptococcus infections.
Experts: Professor Glen Ulett
Bridging research needs of primary healthcare
We’re researching acute and chronic respiratory infections in children, through observational studies and intervention trials to better understand, manage and prevent bronchiectasis.
Experts: Professor Keith Grimwood
Spatial biology and genomics
We’re deploying spatial biology and genomics to study disease within its morphological context. Spatial biology brings the ability to profile the whole human or mouse transcriptome and/or ~100 protein targets in situ.
Experts: Dr Nic West, Dr Amanda Cox, Dr Kyle Hatton-Jones, Dr Sarah Williams, Dr Ping Zhang
Partner with us
Partnerships and collaboration are essential to furthering the impact of our research. We partner widely with industry, not-for-profit organisations and government. We also collaborate with fellow researchers and clinicians and maintain strong ties with our community.
If you would like to partner with us, or tap into our research expertise, facilities or services, please get in touch.
Lead
Professor Keith Grimwood
Professor Grimwood is an experienced clinical researcher with expertise in the microbiology of respiratory infections in young children.
He has contributed to national and international guidelines on bronchiectasis and has a long history of fruitful collaborations and partnerships.
Contact details
- Phone
- (07) 5678 8811
- Location and postal address
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland
- G40 Griffith Health Centre, Level 8.86
- Gold Coast campus
- Griffith University QLD 4222
