Applied Microbial Genomics

At the Applied Microbial Genomics Unit, we work on the applications of whole-genome sequencing as a research, surveillance, and diagnostics tool for bacterial infections. We employ advanced population-genomics approaches to characterise the genetic basis of bacterial phenotypes and adaptation, with a particular focus on antibiotic resistance, and use genomic surveillance approaches to study the epidemiology of bacterial pathogens. We also work in the development of bioinformatics pipelines and standards for the analysis and interpretation of bacterial genomic data, and in the identification of genetic markers for surveillance and diagnosis of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance. We work collaboratively with molecular bacteriologists, laboratory scientists, infectious diseases clinicians, public health labs and other microbial genomics groups to deliver our research projects.