Project: Population genomics of endemic Streptococcus pyogenes
Davies Group
Streptococcus pyogenes is one of the leading infectious disease agents in the world. The disease burden is alarmingly high within the Top End of Australia where the epidemiology of infection contrasts that of other geographical regions. Through linking genomics with epidemiology, we aim to examine the evolutionary relationship between disease causing Streptococcus pyogenes clones within remote communities of Australia. Furthermore, we will apply statistical genetic models to identify genetic signatures associated with different disease stats and/or tissue tropism. Unlocking these mysteries is key to informing public health intervention strategies including the development of informed vaccine programs within disease endemic regions.
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Davies Group
3 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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Integrative infectious disease phylodynamics
PhD/MPhil
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Population genomics of endemic Streptococcus pyogenes
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Evolution of streptococcal pathovars
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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Using genomics to investigate the transmission of skin pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in a ‘One Health’ setting
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