Given the large diversity of microorganisms in the marine environment, it’s likely that they have evolved new resistance mechanisms against natural antibiotics. In this project, we use classical microbiological approaches and also high-throughput screening and functional analysis to discover new genes for antibiotic resistance and describe the potential of these genes to be transferred to pathogenic bacteria. 

This research is particularly important in the light o“ “superbu”s” that are resistant to most existing antibiotics and that cause substantial problems in the health system.

People

Priming fish with microbial communities to enhance health and digestibility

We investigate aquaculture, looking at how healthy microbia develop in commercial aquaculture species and the strategies needed to promote these microbes.

Bio-prospecting marine microbial diversity for new antimicrobial drugs

Novel bioactives can be used widely to address antibiotic resistance. We examine these microbial communities to discover new therapies.

Improving technologies for inland aquaculture in Papua New Guinea

This project provides support and training for PNG farming communities, helping them to increase protein consumption through fish farming.