Population Health and Immunity

Structure of proteins in the parasite Giardia

Our division uses population-based and experimental studies to investigate human biology and disease.

We apply advanced scientific technologies to high-quality, well-conducted epidemiologic studies of human populations. This combination enables us to uncover fundamental biological insights that can lead to the development of new tools for treatment and diagnosis.

We are involved with a number of large clinical studies, including projects in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, Bangladesh and Malawi.

Our work includes:

analysis of the effects of malaria on the immune system
studies of the role of the microbiome in development of diabetes and on child growth and development
discovering new genetic causes of epilepsy and stuttering
clinical trials in maternal and child nutrition and malaria prevention
designing new tests for infections for people living in Australia and the developing world
discovering new treatments for intestinal parasites and other infections

The division also includes the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Anaemia Detection and Control.