Congratulations to our 2025 Seed Grant Recipients
The Centre for Pathogen Genomics is excited to announce the recipients of our inaugural Seed Grant Scheme. This initiative aims to stimulate collaboration and enhance genomics capacity across the Asia-Pacific by funding research that addresses regional health priorities, including antimicrobial resistance, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and One Health challenges.
The inaugural round will support 11 innovative research projects that exemplify scientific excellence, foster regional collaboration, and align with the vision and objectives of the Centre. Each of the awarded projects demonstrates a commitment to using genomics for real-world impact, advancing local expertise, and building stronger regional research networks.
Congratulations to the following individuals for their leadership and commitment to advancing pathogen genomics research in Australia and the Asia–Pacific region.
Awarded Projects
1. Genomic epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant organisms in Sri Lanka
Lead Applicants: Dr. Courtney Lane and Keeley Allen
This project will investigate the genomic epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant organisms in Sri Lanka, providing data to inform national AMR surveillance and hospital infection control strategies.
2. Custom Hybrid-Capture Metagenomic Sequencing for Paediatric CNS Infections in Low-Resource Settings: A Vietnam Pilot
Lead Applicant: Dr. Prashanth Ramachandran
Developing and validating a hybrid-capture metagenomic sequencing approach for diagnosing paediatric CNS infections in Vietnam, this study will help to advance the use of precision pathogen detection in resource-limited settings.
3. Genomic Surveillance of Dengue Virus Imported in Victorian Returned Travellers (DIVRT)
Lead Applicant: Dr. Kathryn Edenborough
This project will utilise genomic sequencing to bolster regional dengue virus surveillance, thereby improving understanding of the diversity and circulation patterns of dengue virus among Pacific Island Countries.
4. Genomic Insights into Enterococcus and Salmonella from Cattle and Poultry in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Lead Applicant: Dr. Khrisdiana Putri
A One Health investigation into antimicrobial resistance in livestock-associated bacterial pathogens, providing genomic evidence to guide AMR mitigation efforts in agricultural settings.
5. Exploring Hidden Reservoirs of Malaria Parasite Diversity in Humans
Lead Applicant: Dr. Mun Hua Tan
Using genomic and molecular tools, this project will explore the diversity of the hidden splenic parasite reservoir, generating novel insights to guide the development of more effective malaria control strategies.
6. Genomic Epidemiology of Enteric Pathogens from Human Clinical Infections and Water Sources in Papua New Guinea
Lead Applicants: Tilda Thomson and Dr. Courtney Lane
This study will apply genomic sequencing to understand the transmission dynamics of enteric pathogens across human and environmental sources in PNG, improving local surveillance capacity.
7. Investigation of Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance in Fiji: A One Health Approach
Lead Applicant: Dr. Aneley Getahun Strobel
Combining genomic, clinical, and environmental data, this project will investigate the mechanisms underpinning the transmission of AMR pathogens in Fiji to inform national AMR strategies.
8. Coordinated Multi-Country Genomic Snapshot of Antimicrobial Resistant Pathogens: A Pilot Study of Carbapenemase-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Bhutan, Nepal and Papua New Guinea
Lead Applicant: Dr. Sarah Baines
A regional collaboration to generate a genomic snapshot of high-risk AMR pathogens, creating a model for coordinated multi-country AMR genomic research.
9. Capacity Building for Whole Genome Sequencing of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis and Assessment of 10-Color Xpert MTB/XDR Assay for Second-Line Drug Resistance in Bhutan
Lead Applicant: Dr. Patiyan Andersson
This capacity-building project will implement whole-genome sequencing and assess the utility of drug susceptibility testing to understand the transmission dynamics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Bhutan.
10. Genetic and Structural Diversity Underlying Distinct Disease Outcomes of HTLV-1 Infection
Lead Applicant: Dr. Natasha Jansz
Investigating genomic and structural variations of HTLV-1 subtypes, this project will advance understanding of viral evolution and pathogenesis and identify determinants of disease outcomes
11. Genomic Bioprospecting of Antimicrobial, Probiotic, and Extremophilic Bacteria from Nepal
Lead Applicant: Dr. Jake A. Lacey
This project will explore microbial diversity in Nepal to identify bacteria with antimicrobial, probiotic, or extremophilic properties for potential health and biotechnology applications.
