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.
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Davies Group
4 vacancies
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 intervention to reduce the disease burden associated with bacterial pathogens. Current projects address key research questions such as: is there a genetic difference between strains causing different disease manifestations? What is driving the emergence and dissemination of bacterial pathogens? Do host immune factors govern disease severity? Our research closely aligns with key international collaborators including the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the United Kingdom.
Davies Group Current Projects
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Population genomics of endemic Streptococcus pyogenes
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Unravelling the drivers of group A streptococcal pandemics
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Detecting natural selection in bacterial genomic data
Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Real-time phylogenetics and epidemiology in SARS-CoV-2 genome data
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.