The Univeristy of Melbourne The Royal Melbourne Hopspital

A joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital

EDUCATION

Research Projects

Project: Population genomics of endemic Streptococcus pyogenes

Davies Group

Through linking genome sequencing with epidemiology, we aim to examine the evolutionary relationship between disease causing Streptococcus pyogenes clones within remote communities of Australia to those from other geographical regions around the globe. We also aim to identify genetic signatures associated with different disease states (such as acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis) and tissue tropism. Projects are available for students interested in pathogen genomics including genomic epidemiology, phylogenetics, comparative genomics and bacterial pathogenesis. Findings from this work will be used to define community transmission chains, identify disease signatures and inform vaccine approaches to combat streptococcal disease.

Contact project supervisor for further
information and application enquiries

Project Supervisor

Dr Mark Davies

Project Co-supervisor

Professor Steven Tong

Project availability
PhD/MPhil
Master of Biomedical Science
Honours

Davies Group

mark.davies1@unimelb.edu.au

4 vacancies

Themes
Antimicrobial Resistance
Bacterial and Parasitic Infections
Cross Cutting Disciplines
Discovery Research
Computational Science and Genomics
Global Health
Indigenous Health
Public Health

The Davies group aims to apply genome sequencing methodologies and bioinformatics approaches to understand the evolution and transmission of bacterial pathogens. This knowledge can help facilitate a global understanding of pathogen evolution, in addition to informing public health interventions to reduce the disease burden associated with bacterial pathogens. A particular focus of our group is understanding disease processes within regions where disease burden is the highest.


Davies Group Current Projects