Our people

Distinguished Professor Alex Loukas’s research explores how parasitic worms interact with the human immune system. His work harnesses worm-derived molecules to develop new therapies and diagnostics for inflammatory, autoimmune and infectious diseases, with a strong focus on clinical translation and biotechnology development.

Professor Andreas Kupz is an immunologist developing next-generation vaccines to combat tuberculosis (TB), one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases. His research focuses on understanding how immune responses in the lung can be harnessed to improve protection against extrapulmonary and pulmonary TB. Knowledge generated by his group is guiding the design of advanced vaccine platforms and accelerating the development of new vaccines with global impact.

Professor Norelle Daly is a structural biologist whose research focuses on the discovery of peptides inspired by molecules found in nature, including plants, parasites and venomous animals. Her work investigates how these natural molecules interact with the human body and can be engineered into new therapeutic tools. Research from her group is helping drive the development of novel treatments for wound healing and inflammation.

Professor Roslyn Hickson is a mathematical modeller whose work uses data and disease modelling to inform policy and practice from a biosecurity and One Health perspective. Her research focuses on emerging, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, with outputs that support decision-making in public health preparedness and response.

Associate Professor Stephan Karl’s research focuses on malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases in the Pacific and Papua New Guinea (PNG). With extensive in-country experience, his work strengthens disease surveillance and vector control strategies to reduce transmission and improve health outcomes across the region.

Associate Professor Tessa Knox is a public health specialist who has worked with the World Health Organization, local government, private sector and academia. Her work spans vector surveillance and control, outbreak response, communications and capacity building, supporting health ministries across the Pacific to improve preparedness and response to infectious disease threats.

Dr Amanda Murphy is an entomologist whose work supports surveillance, control, and capacity building for dengue, malaria, and other mosquito-borne diseases across the Asia-Pacific region. Her research focuses on translating data and evidence into practical public health action that strengthens disease prevention and response.

Dr Roland Ruscher is an immunologist whose research investigates how specialised immune cells in the gut support health throughout life. In particular, he investigates how the microbiome, ageing, and the intestinal environment shape immune function, with the goal of informing new approaches to inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

Professor Jamie Seymour is a toxinologist studying venomous marine animals and the effects of their toxins on humans, with an interest in their potential biomedical applications. His research looks at improving treatments for stings and investigating how venom compounds could inform therapies for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.