VRL research programs

UNSW’s Virology Research Lab is a leading force in research on congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) in Australia, integrating national surveillance with laboratory-based research.  

The Australian Paediatrics Surveillance Unit (APSU) has helped track cCMV cases for more than 20 years. Led by Professor William Rawlinson, the VRL  continues to contribute to this important work  by mapping the incidence, genetic features and clinical aspects of cCMV.  This infection is a leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disorders. Investigations into how cytomegalovirus  crosses the placenta and affects fetal brain development has led to greater understanding and evaluation of diagnostic and prevention methods.  Our congenital CMV research also evaluates antiviral therapies and supports the development of better newborn screening methods. 

Project duration: January 1999–ongoing 

Project publications & output:

Read Prof. Rawlinson’s publications on cCMV on the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit site.

The ENDIA Study is an Australian longitudinal cohort study that tracks approximately 1500 babies who have a first-degree relative with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). By collecting biological samples and lifestyle data from pregnancy through early childhood, ENDIA seeks to uncover modifiable factors that could one day prevent T1D before it develops. 

At VRL, we investigate fetal and early-childhood viral exposures that might trigger T1D. This work is led by Professor Maria Craig. As a multisite collaborative effort, ENDIA also aims to identify multiple other environmental and gene interactions – including nutrition, the human microbiome, body composition and immune function  –  that trigger early immune attacks on insulin-producing cells and are detectable by measuring islet autoantibodies (islet autoimmunity).  

Project duration: February 2013–ongoing 

Project publications & output:

Read Prof. Craig and VRL staff publications on the ENDIA website.

The H2Seq study is a national Australian program using viral genomic sequencing to improve detection, tracking and response to HIV and hepatitis C viruses.  

Dr Alice Michie and Dr Charles Foster are senior VRL staff contributing to the H2Seq Project by integrating genomic and epidemiological data to better expand access and sharing for cluster identification.  

H2Seq identifies transmission patterns, outbreaks and drug-resistance mutations in near real time. The project also aims to build national infrastructure, including standardised protocols, bioinformatics pipelines and data-sharing frameworks. This will enable faster, more precise public health action that will work toward eliminating HIV and HCV by 2030. 

Project duration: December 2022–ongoing 

Project publications & output:

Read more about the H2Seq project on the Communicable Diseases Genomics Network website.

The VRL played a central role in Australia’s COVID-19 response through rapidly establishing high-throughput PCR testing and molecular assays. Our lab also provided diagnostic surveillance capacity for hospitals and public health units. 

Dr Alice Michie has contributed to national genomic surveillance by sequencing SARS-CoV-2 samples to track variants, transmission chains and outbreaks. The VRL continues to participate in Commonwealth- and state-funded wastewater surveillance programs, advising state and federal authorities on testing strategies, variant identification and laboratory standards. 

Together, these efforts continue to strengthen clinical diagnostics, public health decision-making and Australia’s capacity to respond to pandemic and outbreak scenarios.  

Project duration: 2019–ongoing 

Project publications & outputs: 

Read Dr Michie’s Microbiology Australia focus paper on the CSIRO’s ConnectSci site.

At the VRL, we study the epidemiology, evolution, and pathogenesis of clinically important respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and influenza viruses (IFV).  

These pathogens are major causes of acute respiratory disease across the lifespan, with infants, older adults and immunocompromised individuals at highest risk of severe outcomes. 

Led by Dr Gregory Walker, the VRL’s work integrates molecular diagnostics and viral genomics to understand transmission dynamics, viral evolution and determinants of disease severity. This research is supported by VRL students Julia Herkes and Xinye (Emma) Wang, whose projects have resulted in peer-reviewed publications and meaningful contributions to respiratory virus surveillance and public health response. 

Project period: Ongoing – with a focus on an RSV surge in NSW in 2022. 

Project publications & outputs:

Read Clinical, Genomic, and Immunological Characterization of RSV Surge in Sydney, Australia, 2022, co-authored by VRL researchers, on the American Academy of Pediatrics website.