Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research
CIIDIR is a new initiative of the Deakin University and Barwon Health partnership that will leverage existing strengths in human infectious disease, microbiome and immunology research. Find out moreAbout
Fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration
Led by Infection, Immunity and Cancer (IIC) researchers Professor Alyssa Barry and Professor Eugene Athan, CIIDIR will foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to conduct innovative, locally relevant and internationally important research. This work will enhance the prevention, control and treatment of some of our most challenging infectious diseases like staphylococcal infections, COVID-19 and Buruli ulcer and immune-mediated diseases such as food allergies, asthma and childhood-onset diabetes).
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Research Pillars
Molecular Microbiology
Fundamental research on host-pathogen and medical device interactions to uncover biological pathways that are critical for infection and inflammation.
Immunity and Inflammation
Basic and translational research on immunity and inflammation, and microbial diversity (pathogens and microbiome) to inform vaccine and biomarker development and therapeutic interventions.
Population Health and Biology
Epidemiology and surveillance to understand patterns of disease and disease transmission in human populations, and development of innovative approaches for surveillance.
Clinical and Public Health Research
Clinical studies of infectious disease and immune disorders. Including implementation and operational research on public health interventions.Latest News & Events
World Mosquito Day 2025: Celebrating Science, Collaboration, and Innovation
On August 20, the Ian Potter Auditorium at the University of Melbourne was buzzing with energy as researchers, public health experts, students, and community members gathered to mark World Mosquito Day. This annual day of recognition commemorates Sir Ronald Ross’s 1897 discovery that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria parasites, a breakthrough that laid the foundationCIIDIR celebrates Day of Immunology 2025
The Day of Immunology (DOI), established in 2005 by the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS) was a huge success leading to the even being expanded worldwide since 2007. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology (ASI) has been celebrating DOI since 2009. The aim of DOI is to connect what scientists are learning
Exploring new targets for the next generation of malaria vaccines
Despite the World Health Organisation‘s efforts to promote treatment and control of malaria worldwide, cases are still on the rise and drug resistance has emerged in many endemic regions. There has been significant effort in developing vaccines to treat malaria however these have had limited and short-lived efficacy. With World Malaria Day celebrated onSubscribe to our newsletter
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