Infectious Diseases Systems Epidemiology

We use population-level systems biology and epidemiological data to explore how host, pathogen and environment drives infectious disease. We strive to understand pathogen transmission and biology, the evolution of drug resistance and immune escape, and susceptibility of the host to disease, and to develop high-resolution approaches for infectious disease surveillance.

Humans and pathogens exist in complex populations and environments, impacting disease transmission and risk, prevention, treatment and public health responses.

To characterise malaria parasites and their hosts, we combine genomics, immune (antibody) profiling and epidemiological data, using analytical approaches (bioinformatics, population genetics, biostatistics) to understand malaria biology and epidemiology.

Our work informs strategies for malaria control and elimination including stratification of control efforts, diagnostics, drugs and vaccines. Critically, we also develop genomic surveillance capacity in malaria endemic countries.

We work closely with a large multidisciplinary network of local and international collaborators including clinicians, field researchers and public health practitioners which ensures the translation of our research into more effective disease control strategies. We host researchers and other stakeholders from malaria endemic countries for advanced training in genomic technology and applications.

In addition to our malaria work, we are interested in emerging infectious diseases such as yaws, Buruli ulcer and COVID-19.