Clinical and Health Systems Research

The Doherty Institute’s clinical trials program brings cutting-edge science into hospitals and communities, translating research into real-world impact. Our team leads investigator-driven and industry-sponsored studies across a range of infectious diseases – including tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis C, and bloodstream infections – working closely with patients, clinicians, and health services to improve treatment outcomes and inform global best practices.  

From understanding how infectious diseases spread within households to trialling different antibiotics in patients hospitalised with acute infections, our research spans both prevention and treatment. 

By integrating laboratory insights with clinical expertise, our trials help shape the future of disease prevention and care – locally and globally. 

The Doherty Institute is a national leader in developing human challenge models –an innovative research approach where volunteers are safely exposed to infectious agents under controlled conditions to accelerate the development of vaccines and treatments. 

A key strength of the Institute lies in its extensive research into selecting appropriate clinical isolates –the specific strains of bacteria or viruses used in these trials. This process involves rigorous scientific analysis to ensure the chosen isolate is safe, stable, and representative of real-world infections. Our researchers are at the forefront of this work, helping to define the standards and methodologies that underpin ethical and effective human challenge studies. 

Doherty Clinical Trials Limited is advancing challenge models for diseases such as influenza and Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A). These models offer a powerful platform for testing new therapeutics and vaccines in early-stage development, providing critical insights into disease progression, immune response, and treatment efficacy.  

Through this pioneering work, the Doherty Institute is helping to reshape how infectious diseases are studied and managed – bringing faster, more targeted solutions to global health challenges. 

The Doherty Institute is focused on making healthcare more effective, equitable, and responsive to real-world needs. Our health systems research investigates how treatments and models of care perform outside the lab – within hospitals, clinics, and communities –ensuring they are not only scientifically sound, but also practical, affordable, and accessible. 

By partnering with health services and clinical networks, we help design and evaluate care pathways that improve outcomes for people affected by infectious diseases and complex immune conditions, including allergic reactions to antibiotics. This work involves assessing cost-effectiveness, identifying gaps in service delivery, and supporting evidence-based decision-making that puts patients at the centre of care. 

 Our work also spans developing support systems for healthcare workers in various settings. The Guidance clinical decision support system is used in more than 50 hospitals, enabling clinicians to choose the right treatment, reduce the spread of drug-resistant infections, and meet national quality and accreditation standards.  

Through this work, we aim to strengthen the connection between research and practice, ensuring that innovations in infectious disease management translate into tangible benefits for patients and the health system.