Honours and PhD Projects Available for 2027!
Please click here to read through the projects on offer for 2027.
CIIDIR specific projects are outline below, please contact the respective supervisors if you are interested or contact ciidir@deakin.edu.au and we can assist you.
2027 Honours Projects
Genomic epidemiology of the neglected malaria parasite, Plasmodium malariae
Supervisor: Professor Alyssa Barry
Plasmodium malariae is a neglected malaria parasite, overshadowed by P. falciparum and P. vivax. The symptoms from P. malariae infections are often mild or absent, necessitating sensitive and targeted screening to detect these infections. Using these methods, studies reveal increased prevalence of P. malariae in areas where other species have decreased. Despite this, P. malariae infection dynamics and relationship to other species remains poorly understood. With advanced sequencing techniques we aim to describe the epidemiology and infection dynamics of this understudied parasite. Understanding these patterns is crucial for ensuring that all species are targeted in ongoing malaria elimination efforts.
This project aims to characterise the genetic diversity of P. malaria populations in Papua New Guinea to measure transmission dynamics and validate markers for tracking infections over time and space. The results will contribute to the development of molecular tools for P. malariae surveillance to support malaria control efforts. This can inform more effective public health strategies and contribute to the global effort to control and eventually eliminate malaria of all species.
The association between host immunogenetics (Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)) and parasite diversity
Supervisor: Dr Kirsty McCann
Malaria remains a major global health burden, with vaccines such as RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine and R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine providing only moderate, short-lived protection. Host genetic factors, particularly variation in Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system, play a critical role in shaping immune responses to infection. Certain polymorphisms are associated with protection against severe malaria, influencing antigen presentation and antibody acquisition. However, the extent to which HLA variation accelerates the development of clinical immunity remains unclear. This project will investigate how HLA polymorphisms contribute to antibody responses and protection in malaria-endemic populations, with the aim of informing improved vaccine design and population-specific interventions.
Using published whole genome sequence data already available, this project will:
- Identify HLA types (class I or II) and determine HLA diversity in a malaria endemic cohort.
- Compare HLA diversity with parasite diversity of Plasmodium falciparum.
Does the rate of haemolysis affect outcome in SAB?
Supervisor: Dr Carly Botheras
Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (SAB) have a 30-day mortality rate of 18% and can present in a myriad of ways, prompting novel investigations in the role of S. aureus on the progression of an infection. S. aureus has numerous toxins that can target the blood cells including red blood cells, but these toxins are not universally present in all strains. Therefore, the rate of haemolysis in vitro vary between isolates and could be a potential marker of more virulent strains and could therefore be a marker of more severe disease.
Research question: Do haemolysis rates differ in S. aureus isolates from differing presentations of SAB?
Rationale: S. aureus genes vary in proportion across isolates allowing for differing phenotypes. This may be an avenue of reasoning behind why some cases of SAB present differently and may affect outcome.
Routine Blood tests in Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections.
Supervisor: Dr Carly Botheras
Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (SAB) have a 30-day mortality rate of 18% and can present in a myriad of ways, prompting novel investigations to manage infection. The first seven days are important for the progression of SAB as most diagnostic tests are performed. Routine blood tests are performed throughout an admission but are not frequently read and used as a marker for severity of infection. This Study assesses routine blood tests over the first seven days of a SAB presentation to see if there are patterns or numbers that are associated with poor outcomes.
Do routine blood test markers change over the first seven days of admission in SAB.
Rationale: Routine Blood tests are already collected and may provide a cost-effective marker of disease progression in SAB.
Hypothesis: platelet and clotting related factors will be differentiated between differing presentations of SAB.
Screening compounds for activity against malaria parasites
Supervisor: Dr Natalie Counihan
Malaria is one of the worlds most devastating infections causing ~400,000 deaths and ~216 million infections each year. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT) are currently recommended by the WHO as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated infection with the most deadly form of malaria (Plasmodium falciparum). However, emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance is a major cause for concern and poses a threat to malaria control efforts. There is an urgent need to identify new drugs that will be effective against resistant parasite strains, or can be combined with artemisinin to resensitise resistant parasites.
Can we identify new compounds that inhibit growth of Plasmodium parasites? We have a selection of compounds and supplements that can be included in a screen for inhibition of parasite growth. The project will be divided into 2 aims.
- Screen selected compounds using an in vitro infection model of blood stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites.
- Select 1-3 compounds that inhibit P. falciparum growth and test them using an in vivo model of malaria using a rodent malaria model.
Contribution of novel malaria rhoptry proteins to parasite survival and disease
Supervisor: Professor Tania de Koning-Ward
Malaria is caused by infection of red blood cells (RBCs) by Plasmodium parasites, leading to ~400,000 deaths and ~216 million infections each year. The ability of Plasmodium to invade and renovate its host RBC guarantees its success as a pathogen and relies upon proteins secreted from the rhoptry organelle to achieve this. A recent proteomic study identified potential new rhoptry proteins and proteins that may assist with rhoptry protein trafficking and/or secretion. This project aims to functionally dissect the contribution of some of these newly identified rhoptry proteins to rhoptry protein trafficking, host cell invasion and renovation of the host red blood cell, with the overarching view to examining their potential as malaria vaccine/drug targets.
Hypothesis: The rhoptry organelle comprises novel essential proteins that enable malaria parasites to invade and remodel their host cell. This hypothesis will be tested in the following aims.
- Decipher the function of several putative rhoptry proteins to determine their contribution to parasite survival, invasion and host cell renovation.
- Examine the polymorphism of some of the novel rhoptry proteins and their ability to generate an immune response in malaria-exposed individuals.
Dissecting how malaria parasites hijack host pathways to survive
Supervisor: Dr Chathuranga Kiramage
Malaria parasites remodel the host red blood cell by exporting a large number of proteins into the host cytosol, where they support parasite survival and virulence. However, how these parasite proteins are post-translationally regulated once they are exported into the red blood cell remains poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that host ubiquitin pathways might be hijacked by the parasite to contribute to this regulation. Our preliminary data and ongoing mass spectrometry analyses have identified host E3 ubiquitin ligases associated with parasite proteins at the host-parasite interface. In addition, published ubiquitome datasets report ubiquitination of several exported parasite proteins. Thus, we hypothesise that host E3 ligases may modify exported proteins to control their stability and function during infection. Testing and confirming direct protein-protein interactions between parasite and host proteins is essential before defining the detailed molecular mechanisms.
We hypothesise that host E3 ligases are utilised by malaria parasites to modify their proteins to regulate their stability or activity. This project will identify and validate interactions between host E3 ubiquitin ligases and exported malaria proteins. Protein candidates will be selected from preliminary and published datasets and protein-protein interaction will be tested using molecular and biochemical approaches.
Feasibility of SPOTFIRE R/ST testing in managing acute respiratory infections
Supervisor: Dr Sajal Saha
Diagnostic uncertainty regarding the cause of acute respiratory infections, including group A streptococcus sore throat infections, leads to unnecessary use of antibiotics and development of antimicrobial resistance in primary care. Only around 20% of sore throat infections (ranging from 5% to 15% in adults and from 20% to 30% in children) are caused by group A streptococci. However, up to 70% of sore throat cases are treated with inappropriate antibiotics. Likely, 30-50% prescriptions are inappropriate in respiratory infections in primary care. Molecular diagnostic testing has been recognised as a potential strategy to optimise antimicrobial use in patients with respiratory infections. However, point-of-care testing service is not routinely available in primary care in Australia to improve antibiotic stewardship in acute respiratory infection. Understanding the feasibility and clinical utility of SPOTFIRE R/ST point-of-care testing is critical.
Is SPOTFIRE R/ST point-of-care testing feasible to implement into routine care?
Is SPOTFIRE R/ST point-of-care testing clinically useful to optimise antimicrobial use in patients with acute respiratory infections?
What are the challenges and opportunities of the testing?
Exploring Clinician Experiences of using Point-of-Care C-reactive Protein Testing for Respiratory Infections in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study
Supervisor: Dr Sajal Saha
Diagnostic uncertainty in acute respiratory infections (ARIs), including sore throat, contributes to inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and antimicrobial resistance in primary care. Point-of-care tests such as Afinion™ 2 (C-reactive protein) and FebriDx® (C-reactive protein and myxovirus resistance A) may support clinical decision-making and antimicrobial stewardship. However, successful implementation depends on clinician acceptance, workflow integration, and perceived usefulness. Understanding clinician experiences and implementation challenges is essential to support broader adoption in primary care settings.
What are clinicians’ experiences and perceptions towards implementing C-reactive protein point-of-care tests for managing acute respiratory infections in primary care, and what barriers and facilitators influence their integration into routine clinical practice?
Unleashing new therapeutic weapons to fight influenza virus infection
Supervisor: Professor John Stambas
Seasonal influenza viruses have re-emerged to significantly impact human health after lockdowns were lifted following the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective oral antiviral treatments, such as Tamiflu/Relenza that target virus protein have been used as the first line of treatment for influenza patients when symptoms first appear. They do however have limitations as this is only a short therapeutic window and are prone to development of anti-viral resistance. In recent studies, host proteins have also been implicated in influenza virus disease outcomes. Over the past two decades, inhibition of immune cell checkpoint proteins such as the programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) have resulted in clinical breakthroughs in cancer, HIV and EBV by regulating immune cell function.
Improving or developing new therapeutic strategies is critical to ensure adequate protection against ongoing seasonal epidemics and future pandemics.
Research Question: Does combination therapy using antivirals and anti-PD-L1 impact influenza pathogenesis?
- To investigate viral load kinetics in our in vitro models following combination therapy.
- To investigate the expression of cytokines and host immunity-related genes following combination therapy.
STOP THE FLU: Uncovering host-pathogen interactions involved in control of virus infection
Supervisor: Professor John Stambas
Influenza is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. Each year influenza virus infections have a substantial impact on both the economy and the healthcare system. Recent studies have suggested that host proteins play a crucial role in virus replication and could prove viable therapeutic targets. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent avian influenza outbreaks emphasize the necessity for expansion of novel interventions to be incorporated in the influenza response ‘toolbox’. Targeting of host proteins following infection provides a rapid and universal approach that has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with severe disease. This honours project will identify and investigate the impact of host protein gene expression on virus kinetics following influenza virus infection using established pulmonary cell culture models.
Does host protein expression influence influenza virus kinetics?
- To use relevant in vitro influenza virus infection models to investigate host protein expression kinetics following influenza virus infection.
- To determine the impact of host protein expression on virus kinetics and cytokine responses following influenza virus infection.
Compliance with guideline-based screening in infants born to women living with hepatitis C
Supervisor: Associate Professor Amanda Wade
In Australia, pregnant women are offered antenatal hepatitis C testing as the risk of vertical transmission is 4-6%. Infants born to hepatitis C positive mothers are recommended to have antibody testing from 12 months of age. However, rates of infant testing have been low due to disengagement and a long latency to recommended testing. Rates of testing in infants born to hepatitis C positive mothers at Barwon Health are unknown. In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence that hepatitis C treatment is safe in pregnancy, and guidelines are expected to change to enable treatment during pregnancy.
This study will identify gaps in current follow-up of infants born to mothers with hepatitis C, a population at risk of preventable long-term morbidity. The findings will inform local protocols.
Aims:
- To determine the proportion of infants born to women with hepatitis C at Barwon Health who have received screening in line with current guidelines.
- To determine the proportion of pregnant women living with hepatitis C who have been linked to specialist antenatal viral hepatitis care.
Hepatitis B management during immunosuppression at Barwon Health: a cohort study
Supervisor: Associate Professor Amanda Wade
The past 10 years has seen a revolution in the therapeutic use of immunosuppressive agents. All people undergoing significant immune suppression should be tested for hepatitis B infection as viral reactivation and associated flares of hepatitis can occur, which can be fatal. Use of new immunosuppressive agents for a multitude of conditions has expanded the pool of practitioners initiating immunosuppressive agents. Management of people living with hepatitis B undergoing immunosuppression is guidelines based and often requires specialist care. The Viral Hepatitis Service at Barwon Health is the largest public service in the region, contributing data on > 300 people to the national REACH-B study.
With increased prescribing of immunosuppressive agents, reviewing hepatitis B management during immunosuppression to inform and optimise testing and linkage to care protocols.
Aims:
- Identify the proportion of patients at Barwon Health prescribed immunosuppressive agents that have had a hepatitis B test, and if positive, referred for specialist care.
- Identify the proportion of patients with hepatitis B receiving immunosuppression at the Viral Hepatitis Service being managed according to guidelines.
2027 PhD Projects
Genomic epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Papua New Guinea
Supervisor: Professor Alyssa Barry
Tackling malaria in the Asia-Pacific region involves a number of key challenges related to increasingly heterogeneous malaria transmission, the presence of a large reservoir of infected but asymptomatic individuals, and the development of drug resistance. The predominance of Plasmodium vivax infections also poses the challenge of relapsing malaria caused by P. vivax hypnozoites (dormant parasites). Epidemiological and surveillance programs in Papua New Guinea over almost two decades have resulted in a large sample set covering a period of transmission decline and resurgence. An understanding of how malaria control efforts impact the parasite population, and identifying possible causes of resurgence is crucial to eliminating malaria.
Through genomic analysis of Plasmodium vivax isolates collected in Papua New Guinea, this project aims to:
- Harmonize and optimise genetic marker panels for use in PNG and comparison to data from other countries
- Measure parasite population genetic structure over time and space.
- Measure the prevalence of putative P. vivax drug resistance markers over time
- Combine the data to understand how drug resistance impacts parasite transmission dynamics.
Development of Nanopore sequencing based clinical metagenomics for diagnosis of infectious diseases
Supervisor: Professor Alyssa Barry
Life-threating infections such as bacterial meningitis, septic shock, and lower respiratory tract infections require rapid and accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. Traditional culture methods are slow, often taking 48-72 hours, and PCR, while faster, can only detect known pathogens, missing novel or unexpected organisms potentially resulting in delays in the initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Metagenomics sequencing overcomes these limitations by enabling comprehensive and unbiased detection of all pathogens in a sample. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing is particularly promising due to its affordability, portability, fast library preparation, and real-time data output, providing actionable results even before sequencing is complete. The use of ONT-based metagenomics for direct pathogen identification from biological fluids marks a significant advancement, offering timely and precise diagnostics that can transform patient management and outcomes.
Could a Nanopore sequencing system (developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies) based platform be developed and optimized to be used as the routine diagnostic service for the metagenomics detection and characterization of pathogens from CSF, blood and lower respiratory tract infection?
PredictR: Understanding the emergence and spread of antimalarial resistance in Plasmodium falciparum
Supervisor: Professor Alyssa Barry
Emerging resistance of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum to all available antimalarial treatments is an ongoing threat to the control and elimination of the disease. Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs) were introduced in the early 2000s, however growing resistance to artemisinin monotherapies and the partner drugs used in ACTs threatens to reverse gains made against malaria in the last two decades. Whilst artemisinin (ArtR) and multi-drug resistance has been predominantly confined to the Greater Mekong Subregion where P. falciparum transmission is low to moderate, recent evidence of emerging ArtR in Africa and Papua New Guinea (PNG) where transmission is high, is a major threat to the effective treatment and control of malaria. Two sub-projects are available:
- Genomic epidemiology of ArtR in PNG. Genomic analysis of isolates collected in ongoing epidemiological surveys.
- Discovering genetic determinants of P. falciparum artemisinin resistance.
This project aims to define the genetic determinants underlying ArtR and how it has emerged and is spreading in PNG. The project will confirm if malaria parasite variants from PNG with mutations that may cause and/or modulate drug resistance are resistant to current antimalarial treatments. This knowledge will enable surveillance of markers that contribute to the spread of resistance and development of a mathematical model that predicts where drug resistance may emerge.
The association between host immunogenetics (HLA), parasite diversity and protection against malaria
Supervisor: Dr Kirsty McCann
Malaria remains a major global health burden, with vaccines such as RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine and R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine providing only moderate, short-lived protection. Host genetic factors, particularly variation in Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system, play a critical role in shaping immune responses to infection. Certain polymorphisms are associated with protection against severe malaria, influencing antigen presentation and antibody acquisition. However, the extent to which HLA variation accelerates the development of clinical immunity remains unclear. This project will investigate how HLA polymorphisms contribute to antibody responses and protection in malaria-endemic populations, with the aim of informing improved vaccine design and population-specific interventions.
This project will include lab work and bioinformatics to understand human genetic diversity in the context of malaria:
- Development of long read sequencing and analysis of HLA diversity in a malaria endemic cohort.
- Association with parasite diversity and T-cell epitopes and looking into any associations between parasitemia levels and clinical symptoms.
- Association between HLA and immune responses to specific genotypes.
Investigating associations between the maturation of the gut microbiome and child health outcomes
Supervisor: Dr Martin O’Hely
Emerging evidence links the bacteria, fungi, yeasts, metabolites and viruses that colonise the gut, to brain development and function during early life. Preclinical studies suggest that disturbances in the maternal and infant gut microbiomes affect early life brain development. However, the relevance of these findings to humans remains uncertain. Mitochondria, cellular structures which evolved from intracellular microbes, are the primary source of cellular energy and are also a critical part of the brain’s rapid growth during early life. Both mitochondrial DNA and the gut microbiome are transmitted from the mother. However, although the concept of microbiome-mitochondrial crosstalk is gaining traction, its potential relevance to early-life development remains underexplored.
- Identify maternal prenatal and infant microbiome features associated with child developmental and health outcomes.
- Identify measures of cellular energetics and mitochondrial function obtained from cord blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in their relation to child developmental and health outcomes.
- Identify microbiome products with the potential to influence early life development via cellular mitochondrial function.
Investigating associations between the maturation of the gut microbiome and child health outcomes
Supervisor: Dr Martin O’Hely
The gut microbiota of a newborn infant is typically a very simple microbial community which diversifies and develops rapidly over the first years of life, and continues to evolve throughout childhood and adolescence. A mature microbiota is a complex community of bacteria and other microbes which can only be fully described using high-dimensional techniques, but lower dimensional summaries can be useful. One such is the microbiota age which compares a child’s microbiota to those of children of a similar age, potentially identifying delayed or advanced microbiota evolution. Differences between calendar age and microbiota age have been linked to immune-related conditions such as asthma and food allergy, and with the richness of data available from the Barwon Infant Study we wish to investigate whether links exist with other conditions, or with exposures during pregnancy and early life.
- Characterise the maturation of the infant gut microbiome using shotgun metagenomic data;
- Identify child developmental and health outcomes that are associated with atypical maturation of the gut microbiome;
- Identify gestational and early-life exposures which are associated with atypical maturation of the gut microbiome;
- Determine the extent to which early-life exposures’ associations with later child health can be explained by their effects on the maturation of the gut microbiome.
Improving skin health and scabies control in Central Australian Communities
Supervisor: Professor Eugene Athan
Scabies infestation causes a significant burden of disease in Central Australian communities. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) represented 2.1% of ASH admissions during 2014. 82.6% occurred in Indigenous patients (n = 382) with an estimated incidence of 18.9 per 1, 000 people years compared to the non-Indigenous population of 2.9 per 1000, with an incident rate ratio of 6.6 (95% confidence interval 5.1-8.5). Complications include skin and soft tissue infections including Group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Annualised incidence of 24.2 intensive care unit admissions per 100 000 population. These infections also predispose to acute rheumatic fever. Scabies control measures have been successfully piloted in Northern Australia and Pacific Islands.
What is the burden of scabies in Central Australian communities?
What is the burden of skin and soft tissue infection in Central Australian communities presenting to health care?
Will a co-design approach to scabies control be safe, acceptable and cost effective to Central Australian communities?
SNAPPIER Improving patient outcomes of staphylococcal cardiac device infections
Supervisor: Professor Eugene Athan
Electronic cardiac devices (CD), such as pacemakers and defibrillators, are increasingly used for the treatment of heart disease globally. Infection of CDs, most caused by Staphylococcus aureus, is a devastating complication with high morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. The diagnosis and management of CD infection is complex and usually requires complete removal of the electronic system. This can only be performed in a handful of centres internationally by expert interventionists. Currently, there is no clear guideline for when a potentially infected CD should be removed. The creation of a clinical decision guideline will benefit clinicians and patients across Australia and internationally by improving treatment efficiency, reduce the burden on the procedure of device removal, shorten hospital stays and reduce mortality rates. This study aims to produce a guideline identify which patients with a suspected Staphylococcal CD infection require removal to improve patient outcomes.
What are the key factors that predict cardiac device infection during a S. aureus bloodstream infection?
What is the role of biofilm production of S. aureus isolates in a high throughput in vitro biofilm model as a potential novel biomarker of cardiac device infections?
Optimising the microbiologic laboratory surveillance testing of endoscopes in Australia
Supervisor: Professor Eugene Athan
Fiber-optic endoscopy has revolutionized modern health care in all areas of medicine and surgery for over 50 years. As a reusable medical device one the potential risks is possible transmission of infection between patients. Modern reprocessing and high-level disinfection practices all significantly minimise this risk. A key part of further eliminating the risk of endoscopic transmission of infection between patient use is routine Microbiological surveillance of endoscopes. There are differing methods for Microbiologic sampling as part of a quality program. These include filtration of endoscopic fluids samples and centrifugation. This new method offers improved sensitivity of detecting possible bacterial contamination. Comparison of centrifugation vs filtration methods for different bacterial concentrations of P. Aeruginosa for detecting organisms at all concentrations.
- We will analyse different microorganisms currently processing endoscopy samples to compare culture results concurrently between centrifugation vs filtration to look at effect of time between sample collection and culture results.
- We will study whether our lower reported contamination rate actually translates to a lower rate of endoscopy related infections.
- We will determine if filtration versus centrifugation are feasible methods to be incorporated into the workflow of a clinical micro.
Improving antimicrobial stewardship in acute pharyngitis infections utilising novel Group A Streptoc
Supervisor: Dr Sajal Saha
Diagnostic uncertainty regarding the cause (e.g., group A streptococcus) of sore throat or pharyngitis infections leads to unnecessary use of antibiotics and development of antimicrobial resistance in primary care. Group A streptococci lead to 700000 worldwide deaths annually. Only around 20% of sore throat infections (ranging from 5% to 15% in adults and from 20% to 30% in children) are caused by group A streptococci. However, up to 70% of sore throat cases are treated with inappropriate antibiotics. The limited capacity of primary care GPs and pharmacists in detecting group A streptococci is a challenge for rational antibiotic use in patients with pharyngitis. Molecular GAS testing has been recognised as a potential stewardship strategy to optimise antimicrobial use in patients with pharyngitis. However, point-of-care GAS testing screening and treatment service is not routinely available for pharyngitis management in general practice and community pharmacy in Australia.
Is point-of-care GAS testing feasible? Is point-of-care GAS testing effective?
Is point-of-care GAS testing cost-effective?
To reduce antimicrobial use in patients with acute sore throat or pharyngitis infections?
What are the implementation barriers for the routine integration of testing in primary care?
Placental and cord blood mechanisms at the interface between maternal and infant health
Supervisor: Dr Luba Sominsky
In mammalian pregnancy, the placenta is a conduit between the environment, the mother and the developing foetus. Placental pathology is linked with pregnancy complications and adverse foetal development, with the foetal brain being particularly vulnerable. These effects may result in part from limited availability of nutrients and oxygen for mitochondrial energy generation in the foetus, leading to progressive oxidative stress during critical periods of foetal brain development. Cord blood mononuclear cells can memorise and reflect metabolic alterations during pregnancy, as well as in exposure to environmental and lifestyle factors. However, studies integrating the investigation of placental and cord blood biological pathways at the interface of maternal and infant health are scarce. Such research has implications for identifying potential modifiable prenatal pathways to improve the health and wellbeing of mothers and their children.
- Determine associations between maternal lifestyle factors (mental health, diet, exposure to plastic chemicals and others) and placental and cord blood functional signatures.
- Determine associations between placental transcriptome signature, cord blood bioenergetics and child health outcomes.
- Determine if placental and cord blood functional signatures mediate the associations between maternal lifestyle factors and child health outcomes.
How to Apply for Honours or PhD?
An overview of the Honours program (H413)
The Honours course in the School of Medicine is designed to build upon the skills and knowledge obtained from the completion of a three-year undergraduate degree. The program aims to provide students with the opportunity to pursue an independent investigative research project in the areas of health and medicine along with relevant coursework. This will enable students to expand their depth of knowledge in their chosen research area and provide a suitable qualification for entry into a Higher Degree by Research program (Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) and a wide variety of other career options. The School of Medicine program is a Type A Honours Degree, leading to award of a Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Honours). This program, which comprises both coursework units and a research thesis, is undertaken over one year full-time. Each student is allocated a primary research supervisor and in many circumstances a co-supervisor. Details on Entry Requirements are available here.
Applying for H413 – Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours)
To apply for the course, please follow the steps below:
Select and preference four research projects
Review the list of research projects that the school is offering for 2027. Please note that each project indicates whether a project is offered for Graduate Certificate of Health and Medical Research, Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours), Master of Philosophy and/or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
For those Honours projects that you are interested in, you must personally contact the named supervisor to discuss the proposed project. The supervisor’s contact details are provided together with the project description. This will enable you to gauge whether the research project aligns with your career goals and enables the supervisor to establish whether you have the appropriate aptitude and academic background to undertake and complete the research project.
As most projects are chosen by more than one student, you must select four research projects, listing your most preferred project first.
Complete the project preference form
Please complete the online project preference form. This form is a mandatory part of your application for this course and must be submitted before the closing date for applications.
Submit an online application
All prospective students MUST also apply directly to Deakin University. Submit an online application at https://apply.deakin.edu.au/direct-applications. Closing dates for applications is 22 October 2026.
Project allocation
Students will be allocated a project based on a combination of student preferences, supervisor’s student preferences and a mid-credit (>65%) average for the Level 3 and Level 4 Deakin units or in final year units of undergraduate study.
Successful candidates will be advised of their offer during mid-November to mid-December 2026. Please note that we are not always able to allocate a project to every applicant. The projects on offer within the School of Medicine reflect the expertise and research that is currently undertaken by the prospective supervisors at Deakin and at our affiliate institutes.
It must be noted that due to the nature of research, the focus and direction of a research group may change over time and the final project may not necessarily be exactly as described. Please view the Frequently Asked Questions document for further information.
Opportunities
Job opportunities
Job positions will be posted as they become available.
Seed Grants
At this stage, seed grants are given internally to those who are full members of CIIDIR.
PhD/Honours
PhD and Honours opportunies will be advertised as they become available if you are intersted in pursuing a career in research.