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.
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.
Our infection and inflammation research labs
Dr Simon Foster
Dr Catherine Gordon
Dr Daniel Rawle
Professor Malcolm Jones
Professor Simon Phipps
Associate Professor Severine Navarro
Professor Rajiv Khanna
Associate Professor Quan Nguyen
Dr Kelli MacDonald
Associate Professor Katja Fischer
Associate Professor Kate Gartlan
Adj. Associate Professor Leon Hugo
Professor Grant Ramm
Associate Professor Graham Radford-Smith
Associate Professor David Reid
Associate Professor David Harrich
Associate Professor David Frazer
Associate Professor Corey Smith
Professor Andreas Suhrbier
Professor James Hudson
Professor Christian Engwerda
Associate Professor Bridget Barber
Our infection and inflammation research areas
Diseases & conditions
Learn more about our life-changing research into diseases and conditions.
Research programs
QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading medical research institute, renowned for our efforts in both discovery and real patient outcomes.
Infection and Inflammation
We're tackling globally important diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites, as well as systemic chronic inflammation.
Population Health
Our ultimate goal is preventing ill-health in communities and improving patient care, quality of life, and survival rates, so that all Australians and our regional neighbours have the opportunity to enjoy good health.
Cancer
Our leading cancer researchers are developing new techniques that will help us to understand, prevent, detect, and treat cancer, a leading cause of death in Australia.
Brain and Mental Health
Half of all Australians experience mental ill-health at some stage in their lives. Our researchers are developing treatments, finding the causes, and working out how to prevent these conditions.