Infection and Inflammation research

Our world-leading Infection and Inflammation Program develops drugs and vaccines, along with prevention and education strategies to tackle globally important diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as well as systemic chronic inflammation.

We have a distinguished history studying viruses, gained over many decades, and use this knowledge to develop and deliver new treatments as well as cellular therapies for cancer and diseases of the central nervous system.

Our specialist labs have an international reputation in malaria volunteer infection studies and test new anti-malaria drugs for deployment in the developing world. We have a strong record in vector control and work on innovations in mosquito surveillance and measures to interrupt pathogen transmission and deliver a strong helminth control program resulting in major public health gains.

Our research programs have been adapted to rapidly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic with the Institute establishing a highly secure facility to grow the SARS-CoV-2 virus and test new drugs, vaccines and treatment options. The Institute has a dedicated Scabies Laboratory which does vital work into the skin infestation that largely effects our indigenous population.

New drugs have been developed by our researchers using tissue organoids that can prevent and reverse the effects of chronic inflammation on the heart, lung, brain, and skin. There is also a focus on new treatments for liver disease and gut health, particularly its relationship to childhood diseases.


Leading Infection and Inflammation research

Professor Christian Engwerda is the Program Director for Infection and Inflammation at QIMR Berghofer. His work centres on the behaviour of T cells during parasitic infections.

Professor Christian Engwerda

Christian Engwerda

Program Director

Professor Engwerda’s team also studies the immune responses of people infected with parasites and uses this knowledge to develop new approaches to treat diseases. Professor Engwerda is Senior Scientist at QIMR Berghofer, contributing to recruitment, the development of strategy and mentoring. His research has taken him across the world including projects with colleagues in India, the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA.

Immunology & Infection



Diseases & conditions

Learn more about our life-changing research into diseases and conditions.

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Our research

World leading research, right here in Queensland