Help shape the future of infectious diseases research

Team: Centre for Pathogen Genomics

Time Commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours per month, including a 1.5 hour meeting every two months

Location: Meetings will be held online

Eligibility: We welcome applications from community members with an interest in infectious diseases research, including people with lived experience and those involved in community organisations or advocacy. While a background in science or medical research is not required, previous experience in community engagement is highly advantageous.

Centre for Pathogen Genomics

Infectious diseases are among the greatest threats to global health, highlighted by the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent global outbreaks of mpox. Across the Asia-Pacific, infectious diseases such as typhoid fever, tuberculosis and dengue fever continue to have major impact on local communities, while the increasing spread of drug-resistant infections poses an additional challenge. Research is required to provide much needed data, tools and strategies to reduce the massive health and economic burden of infectious diseases across the region.

Pathogen whole genome sequencing (pathogen genomics) refers to the sequencing and analysis of the entire genetic code of micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. Some of these micro-organisms can cause disease and are known as pathogens. Genomic sequencing helps us understand how infectious diseases emerge, evolve and spread. This approach can also be used to rapidly and accurately determine the cause of an infection, track the spread of a disease within the community, and identify genetic changes that affect the ability of a pathogen to cause disease, respond to antibiotics, or escape vaccine-induced immunity.

The Centre for Pathogen Genomics is focussed on using pathogen genomics to address major infectious disease challenges globally including antimicrobial resistance, pandemic threats, food and waterborne pathogens and respiratory pathogens such as tuberculosis. Bringing together diverse expertise across research and public health, the Centre strives to ensure that pathogen genomics delivers meaningful real-world impact through research, innovation, and initiatives that strengthen genomics capability and improve access to this powerful technology, with a strong focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

Community Advisory Board Member role and engagement

The Centre for Pathogen Genomics Community Advisory Board (CAB) brings together community members to provide advice and guidance on the Centre's research and capacity-building activities. The CAB helps ensure that the Centre's work is informed by and responsive to community needs and focused on delivering meaningful health outcomes.

As a CAB members you will:

• Provide input, feedback and advice on the Centre research and capacity building projects and initiatives
• Work with the Centre team to help ensure projects are relevant, inclusive and responsive to community needs
• Share your perspectives, experience and community knowledge to help shape research priorities and outcomes
• Participate in meetings and relevant training / development activities to support your contribution to the CAB

You do not need a scientific or research background to apply. We value diverse perspectives, lived experience and a willingness to contribute to discussions about improving infectious disease research.

Please review the Position Description before applying.

Submit an Expression of Interest

Applications close on 14 September. Expressions of interest will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage applicants to submit an expression of interest at their earliest convenience.

Information provided in the as part of the Expression of Interest process will not be publicly distributed and will be held on a secure database.  If you have any questions about this role or the Community Advisory Board, please contact Lisa Ioannidis, Manager of the Centre for Pathogen Genomics at centre-pathogen@unimelb.edu.au.