Dr Johanna Fraser

Dr. Fraser is the Head of the Arbovirology Working Group in the Life Sciences discipline. Her team aims to develop and support the application of novel intervention strategies for mosquito-borne viruses.

Dr. Fraser has worked closely with the World Mosquito Program since 2016. The World Mosquito Program utilises the bacterium, Wolbachia, to reduce the transmission of viruses such as dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. Dr. Fraser’s research aims understand how viruses may adapt to Wolbachia over time and define the molecular mechanisms underpinning Wolbachia’s mode of action. This may guide mitigation strategies to support the longevity of Wolbachia as well as direct future work to control other pathogenic viruses.

She has extensive experience in molecular virology, microscopy, -omics, drug discovery and drug development including a licensed antiviral compound to Island Pharmaceuticals that is entering a phase 2a efficacy trial. She has been awarded 2 category 1 grants as CIA from NHMRC and ARC. 

• PhD (Microbiology) - Monash University (2011)
• BSc (Hons) - Victoria University of Wellington (2005)
• BSc – Massey University (2004)

• (2023-current) Committee member for the Australasian Virology Society

• 2024-current – Head, Arbovirology Working Group, Burnet Institute.
• 2020-current - Research Fellow, Monash University.

• 2019: CASS Foundation Travel Award
• 2016: Victorian Infection & Immunity Network, Career Development Award
• 2011: CSL PhD prize - Top PhD graduate, Department of Microbiology, Monash University