The Centre for Microbiome Research focuses on understanding the complex relationships between microbiomes and human health, ecosystems, and agriculture. Researchers investigate how microbial communities influence various conditions, from gut health to disease prevention and environmental sustainability. The centre employs cutting-edge techniques in genomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology to explore microbial diversity and function. By collaborating with industry and health sectors, the centre aims to translate research findings into practical applications, such as probiotics and biotechnological innovations. Through interdisciplinary approaches, the Centre for Microbiome Research seeks to enhance our understanding of microbiomes, contributing to improved health outcomes and sustainable practices.

Website

https://research.qut.edu.au/cmr/

Organisation type

University Research Centre

Number of research staff

20-100 research staff

Address

Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane 4103

Strengths and capabilities

• Comprehensive human microbiome data collection
• Advanced microbial analysis techniques
• Integration of genetic and environmental factors
• Longitudinal health impact studies
• Disease-specific microbiome research
• High-throughput sequencing capabilities
• Personalized medicine research
• Robust biobanking infrastructure
• Multi-disciplinary research collaborations
• Advanced bioinformatics and data analysis
• Clinical trial support and integration
• Microbiome-driven therapeutic development
• Extensive sample diversity and representation
• Environmental and lifestyle factor assessment
• High-quality sample preservation techniques

Facilities and major equipment

• Physical Containment Class 2 (PC2) laboratory
• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Systems
• Metagenomics Workstations
• Bioinformatics Infrastructure
• High-Performance Computing Cluster
• Culture Collection Facility
• Microbial Cultivation Laboratory
• Flow Cytometry Facility
• Microscopy Facilities
• Synthetic Biology Laboratory
• Environmental Sampling Equipment

Lead researchers

• Prof Gene Tyson an internationally recognised expert in the development and application of meta-omic and bioinformatic approaches to understand microbial communities in clinical and environmental systems.

• Dr Suzanne McCusker has extensive experience working in International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-accredited laboratories

• A/Prof. Simon McIlroy is a microbial ecologist specialising in the development and application of methods for the visualisation and characterisation of microorganisms within their natural environment

• Prof Phil Pope is an expert in microbiome research at QUT, focusing on gut health and rumen microbiomes in livestock, exploring their roles in disease prevention and enhancing agricultural sustainability.

• A/Prof Ben Woodcroft is a microbiologist specialising in microbial ecology, metagenomics, and the role of microbiomes in health and environmental sustainability through innovative research and collaboration.

• Dr. Luis Pedro Coelho is a researcher at QUT specializing in microbial genomics and bioinformatics, focusing on microbial community dynamics and their implications for health and environmental sustainability.

• A/Prof Sonia Henriques is a microbiome researcher at QUT, focusing on gut health and the role of proteins in microbial interactions, aiming to develop targeted interventions for improved health outcomes.

Key science sectors

More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:

• Biotechnology
• Environment and nature
• Health and medical