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: Improving responses to antimicrobial-resistant sexually-transmitted infections using genomics

Williamson Group

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is rising in both developed and developing regions. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) compromises current STI diagnostic and treatment strategies and as such, there is a need for new approaches to combat AMR STIs. In this project, we will apply metagenomic approaches to the rapid detection of AMR in Neisseria gonorrhoeae directly from clinical specimens, using a combination of both short and long-read sequencing. These diagnostic approaches will improve responses to AMR STIs, aiding in the prevention of AMR development and spread, and improving patient outcomes.

Contact project supervisor for further
information and application enquiries

Project Supervisor

Dr Shivni Pasricha

Project Co-supervisor

Professor Deborah Williamson

Project availability
Master of Biomedical Science

Williamson Group

deborah.williamson@unimelb.edu.au

2 vacancies

Themes
Viral Infectious Diseases
Antimicrobial Resistance
Cross Cutting Disciplines
Discovery Research
Computational Science and Genomics
Public Health

The Williamson group is established within the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Melbourne and works closely with the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL). The group focuses on the application of microbial genomics to public health microbiology. Their research interests include the molecular epidemiology of infections caused by antimicrobial resistant pathogens, particularly sexually-transmitted infections, and the translation of genomic technologies to diagnostics and questions of public health importance.