Public Health

The Doherty Institute is a national leader in public health microbiology and virology, housing Victoria’s two accredited public health laboratories, VIDRL and MDU PHL. These laboratories provide essential diagnostic services, pathogen genomics, and training programs that support both routine and emerging public health responses. Their work includes the detection and characterisation of infectious agents, genomic sequencing to track disease evolution and outbreaks, and capacity building through education and technical support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Doherty Institute played a critical role in diagnostics and outbreak detection, being the first laboratory to grow SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture outside of China and share it globally, the first laboratory to establish a COVID-19 PCR test in Australia and utilising the power of genomic sequencing and epidemiological data to track cases linkages. 

Diagnostic innovation is a cornerstone of the Doherty Institute’s public health work, driving faster, more accurate and scalable solutions to detect infectious diseases. Researchers and clinicians collaborate to develop and validate cutting-edge diagnostic tools and workflows that respond to both emerging threats and routine public health needs. From testing the efficacy of rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 and deploying mobile testing labs in partnership with the Victorian Department of Health, to developing a rapid CRISPR-based test for mpox and improved detection methods for Japanese encephalitis, our public health experts strive to improve diagnosis of diseases that impact us everyday.  

Surveillance is critical tool in public health response used to inform outbreak investigation efforts. Data collection and analysis capabilities allow for real-time tracking of disease patterns and rapid response to emerging threats. The Doherty Institute has responded swiftly to outbreaks of Japanese Encephalitis Virus,, mpox, and other infectious diseases, leveraging genomics and diagnostics to inform public health actions. Surveillance programs extend beyond Australia, with strengthened respiratory disease monitoring in the Pacific and genomic capacity building across the Indo-Pacific region. 

Our epidemiological modelling team applies mathematical and computational methods to inform public health policy and decision-making. This work was instrumental in shaping Australia’s COVID-19 response, including forecasting vaccine uptake. Modelling outputs have supported local, national, and regional strategies by predicting disease spread, evaluating intervention effectiveness, and guiding resource allocation. This capability continues to be vital in preparing for future pandemics and managing ongoing public health threats. 

The Doherty Institute is committed to improving health outcomes through community-focused care and tailored public health strategies. The Victorian Tuberculosis Program delivers coordinated clinical and public health services to support patients and prevent transmission, particularly in high-risk and marginalised populations. The WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis leads national and global efforts to eliminate hepatitis B and C through surveillance, treatment access, and capacity building. The Doherty Institute aims to ensure initiatives are culturally appropriate, and grounded in lived experience, leveraging expertise through our Community Advisory Board.