Roy Hall

Biography

I received my BSc with Hons from the Department of Microbiology at UQ in 1980. I then joined QIMR as a research associate and later enrolled as a PhD student through James Cook University of Nth Queensland, studying the antigenic structure of mosquito-borne flaviviruses and developing novel methods for their detection and diagnosis. After receiving my PhD in 1989, I spent 5 years at UWA working with Prof John Mackenzie studying the structure and function of viral proteins, and developing recombinant viral vaccines and rapid diagnostics for mosquito-borne viruses. I joined UQ as an NHMRC Senior Research Officer in 1995 and continued to work in the area of mosquito-borne viruses. I am currently Professor of Virology at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and founding member of the Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre at UQ.

Research Interest

A major research interest in my lab has been the study of the structure and function of flavivirus proteins with a focus on their role in viral pathogenesis and their potential as targets for antivirals and diagnostics. These studies focus on two globally important mosquito-borne pathogens, West Nile virus and Chikungunya virus. These studies have recently led to the development of novel vaccine candidates, potent immunotherapy agents and new diagnostic assays. Another major theme of my research is viral ecology and epidemiology. This includes isolation and genetic characterisation of new arthropod-borne viruses and assessment of their distribution and activity by serological surveys and surveillance. These studies have led to the discovery of several new mosquito-borne viruses in Australia and spawned major projects for the development of novel reagents and methodologies to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of viral detection and disease diagnosis. Collaborating institutions include: Vet School (UQ), Qld Health, QIMR, UWA, University of Sydney, Berrimah Vet Labs (Darwin), AAHL (Geelong), CDC and CSU (Fort Collins, Colorado), University of Glasgow, University of Auckland. Secondary Research Areas: Infection and Immunity Molecular Genetics and Genomics Science Education