Our division aims to gain knowledge and make discoveries that will aid in the prevention, treatment and management of infectious diseases. 

The infections we research represent major global and national problems, including those that particularly affect our Indigenous communities. 

Much of our research is dedicated to making fundamental discoveries that will have broad impact across many different infections. This includes infections that have developed resistance to conventional treatments. 

The nature of our research spans performing work in the laboratory, doing field work in diverse countries and remote areas, and testing new therapies all the way to the clinic.

Health impact 

Immune health and infection: Burkholderia, chronic infections, cryptococcosis, cryptosporidium, hepatitis B, HIV, HTLV-1, influenza, malaria, Mycobacterium ulcerans, sepsis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, vaccines

Division news

• Researchers capture ‘key’ to deadly malaria infection
• Parasite makes quick exit when researchers 'remove the handbrake'
• First malaria-human contact mapped with Nobel Prize-winning technology
• Protein 'gatekeeper' may open door to better malaria treatments
• Immunology and infection experts elected to the AAHMS

Division head

Associate Professor Chris Tonkin (Acting)

Lab heads

Associate Professor Justin Boddey

Dr Anna Coussens

Professor Alan Cowman

Associate Professor Diana Hansen

Professor James McCarthy

Professor Wai-Hong Tham

Division coordinator

Stella Kyvetos