Research & Achievements

Our research aims are directed to understanding the interactions between adaptable pathogens, drugs and the human host at the genetic, cellular and clinical levels. Discoveries to date have been in the fields of:

  • HIV infection
  • Hepatitis C (HCV)
  • drug hypersensitivity and
  • long-term drug toxicity

Our research paradigm is a model of integrated clinical patient care, experimental biology and innovation in statistical analysis and this multidisciplinary approach has underpinned key scientific achievements:

  • Discovery of the relationship between human genetic diversity and HIV diversity leading to a rational approach to vaccine design appropriate to specific regions of the world.
  • Discovery of a genetic test that predicts a life threatening allergic reaction to the anti-HIV drug abacavir - one of the first examples of personalised medicine to be implemented globally.
  • Discovery of the link between a group of anti-HIV drugs and fat wasting disease.
  • Formulation of treatment strategies that prevent long term drug toxicity.
  • Bringing together internationally recognised expertise in clinical immunology, experimental biology and biomedical statistics to address the complex problem of accurately reflecting dynamic biological processes in populations.
  • Dissemination of research findings to the widest possible scientific audience via plenary presentations at major international conferences and by publications (more than 1000) in journals such as Science, Nature and The Lancet.
  • Generating the largest repository of population data on HIV and human genetic diversity.
  • Becoming a world leader in laboratory automation and high throughput host and pathogen genomics.
  • Securing participation in the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise initiative via the Gates Foundation and collaboration with the NIH.
  • Developing collaborations with leading national and international research groups, including Microsoft Research, on HIV vaccine design and commercial and public sector vaccine development programs.
  • Forging strong relationships with industry including Microsoft Corporation, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies.