Specialist expertise for research innovation
Our researchers have expertise in:
- molecular diagnostics
- vaccine technology
- pathogen genomics and transcriptomics
- therapeutic discovery, and
- the molecular basis of disease.
Whether you are a researcher, industry partner, or government agency, we can help you develop new technologies and products, conduct innovation research, and access cutting-edge equipment and expertise.
Detection and diagnostics
We're transforming how disease is detected in humans, animals and plants. By developing rapid, cost effective diagnostics we strengthen biosecurity, improve industry resilience and enable faster, better informed, clinical decisions.
Featured projects
Pigs healthier and farmers wealthier: How a UniSC invention can help
A University of the Sunshine Coast invention to keep pigs healthy and put more money in the pockets of farmers has received almost $500,000 in Federal Government funding.
Speedier, more cost-effective testing for equine breeding diseases in Australia
It’s imperative to reduce the ongoing risk as invasive species cost billions of dollars in lost productivity, lost trade, control measures and in environmental impacts.
Aspergillus nucleic acid detection
Patented nucleic acid tech detects and prevents Aspergillus in human and plant health, presenting a major commercial opportunity for partners.
Rapid diagnostic panfungal PCR assay for detection of fungal infections
UniSC’s novel panfungal PCR assay enables rapid, low-cost, accurate detection of infections in humans and animals, creating a major commercial opportunity.
Study finds liquid rapidly inactivates coronavirus for faster and potentially life-saving testing
A Queensland research collaboration has identified a simple way to safely kill coronavirus in patient diagnostic samples by using a unique preparation liquid – developed by UniSC – that has the potential to save lives by speeding up testing, leading to faster test results and faster treatment.
Prevention and therapeutics
We're developing new vaccines, molecular tools and therapeutic innovation to prevent infection, protect species and improve health.
Featured projects
World first: UniSC’s koala vaccine approved to fight deadly disease
In a world first, Australia’s veterinary medicine regulator has approved a vaccine – developed by UniSC – to protect koalas from infection and death caused by chlamydia.
Yeast nucleic acid detection for the treatment and prevention of candidiasis
Patented nucleic acid tech rapidly detects yeast causing candidiasis in humans and animals, creating a major diagnostic commercial opportunity.
Featured publications
Phillips, S., Hanger, J., Grosmaire, J. et al. (2024) Immunisation of koalas against Chlamydia pecorum results in significant protection against chlamydial disease and mortality npj Vaccines 9, 139
Ahmed M, Pollak NM, Hugo LE et al. (2022) Rapid molecular assays for the detection of the four dengue viruses in infected mosquitoes Gates Open Res 2022, 6:81
Pollak NM, Olsson M, Ahmed M, Tan J, Lim G, Setoh YX, Wong JCC, Lai YL, Hobson-Peters J, Macdonald J, McMillan D. (2023) Rapid Diagnostic Tests for the Detection of the Four Dengue Virus Serotypes in Clinically Relevant Matrices Microbiol Spectr 11:e02796-22
In the news
Antioxidant ‘bee glue’ creates buzz for new Australian industry
A nutrient-rich product discovered in honeybee hives across Australia could generate a new homegrown health industry, following UniSC-led research.
Scientists deliver UniSC vaccine to wild koalas
A koala chlamydia vaccine created and tested at the University of the Sunshine Coast is a step closer to protecting large populations of koalas in the wild.
Spotlight on unusual and elusive wildlife for Threatened Species Day
The University of the Sunshine Coast is focusing on animals in danger of disappearing forever and quirky species that deserve the limelight, in the lead up to National Threatened Species Day.
Vote for UniSC’s koala vaccine researchers in the Shaping Australia Awards
Queensland’s world-first koala vaccine is in the running for a major national innovation award – and the public can help by voting.
World first: UniSC’s koala vaccine approved to fight deadly disease
In a world first, Australia’s veterinary medicine regulator has approved a vaccine – developed by UniSC – to protect koalas from infection and death caused by chlamydia.
Pigs healthier and farmers wealthier: How a UniSC invention can help
A University of the Sunshine Coast invention to keep pigs healthy and put more money in the pockets of farmers has received almost $500,000 in Federal Government funding.
New study to improve diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung disease
A UniSC research team has received a prestigious $921,000 national grant for a $1.5 million project that aims to more effectively diagnose and treat infections associated with an incurable lung disease.
UniSC scientists named STEM superstars
A love of science has led two researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast down two very different career paths – but today they share the same national honour.
Focus on healthier people and planet proves winning formula for UniSC
From a ‘game-changing’ koala chlamydia vaccine to a trial of a needle-free flu vaccine, the University of the Sunshine Coast’s success in research and bioinnovation has been recognised in the Life Sciences Queensland GENE Awards.
Ten years of research proves chlamydia vaccine can save lives of wild koalas
The largest and longest-ever survey of wild koalas has confirmed a chlamydia vaccine, developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast, can protect the animals from developing and dying from the disease.
Funding to roll out vaccine to fight deadly koala chlamydia
University of Sunshine Coast researchers are taking the fight to save Australia’s koalas from the devastating effects of chlamydia to a vital next stage, with funding to turn a research version of its koala chlamydia vaccine into a veterinary-approved product to protect the nation’s most at-risk populations.
Study finds liquid rapidly inactivates coronavirus for faster and potentially life-saving testing
A Queensland research collaboration has identified a simple way to safely kill coronavirus in patient diagnostic samples by using a unique preparation liquid – developed by UniSC – that has the potential to save lives by speeding up testing, leading to faster test results and faster treatment.
New rapid test for deadly mosquito-borne virus
University of the Sunshine Coast researchers have developed a rapid portable test for one of the world’s fastest-spreading mosquito-borne diseases, following funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Research Foundation
Research develops test for bat-borne virus in Asia
University of the Sunshine Coast-led research has developed a simple dipstick test to screen for a highly infectious, potentially deadly virus transmitted by bats to humans and pigs in Asia.
Top honour for USC professor on great quest to save koalas
University of the Sunshine Coast Professor of Microbiology Peter Timms who is leading vaccine development to safeguard Australia’s iconic koala from extinction has been named a Queensland Great.
Science Week: USC scientists talk about impact
Exciting and impactful science is underway at USC Australia, with researchers available to speak ahead of and during National Science Week from 14 to 22 August.
Women in science publication features USC researchers
Two USC researchers feature in a new national publication aimed at highlighting the important work of women scientists at regional universities.
Video: New vaccine gives fresh hope to save the koalas
ABC News 7.30
There's been great success in the fight to save koalas in Queensland. Tom Hartley went looking for koalas with a research team that's been having a big impact.
Watch
Video: Creating vaccines to save koalas
Contact us
- Email: tbc
- Phone:
Address
UniSC Sunshine Coast
90 Sippy Downs Drive
Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia