ANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGIES & DRUG DELIVERY PLATFORMS
With
Associate Professor Aaron Elbourne, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Melbourne, Australia | January 2026
Dr Aaron Elbourne is an ARC DECRA Fellow, Jack Brockhoff ECR Fellow, and Associate Professor within the School of Science at STEM Hub. A leader in nanomaterials, soft matter science, and interface research, Aaron’s work addresses critical challenges in health and the environment.
Since becoming an independent researcher, Aaron has held continuous funding from prestigious funders, including the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). His research is characterised by its interdisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, materials science, and engineering. His pioneering contributions to colloid therapeutics and soft matter science have driven advancements in diagnostic tools, antimicrobial technologies, and therapeutic delivery systems. His expertise in studying nanomaterial interactions with synthetic and biological membranes has been instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into impactful applications.
Aaron is a dedicated mentor to early-career researchers (ECRs) and students, having supervised and trained numerous postgraduate and doctoral candidates. He has played a key role in securing funding for student training initiatives, including joint PhD scholarships and National Industry PhD programs, which emphasise collaboration between academia and industry.
With a strong focus on translational research, Aaron’s work bridges the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. His leadership in creating innovative technologies, fostering academic-industry partnerships, and empowering future researchers underscores his commitment to advancing science and creating a meaningful impact.
Source: Supplied
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8562-7325
-
Next-generation NK cell-based immunotherapies for hard-to-treat cancers
Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes is an internationally recognised leader in cancer immunotherapy and natural killer (NK) cell biology. Based at The University of Queensland, he leads innovative research focused on developing next-generation NK cell-based immunotherapies for hard-to-treat cancers, including sarcomas and neuroblastoma.
-
Junior Fellowship to develop vaccine for bacteria that cause ear infections
Dr Erin Brazel has a background in molecular and translational microbiology, with a focus on developing new ways of preventing and treating bacterial diseases. Recently Dr Brazel has been awarded a Junior Fellowship by the Passe & Williams Memorial Foundation.
The fellowship enables outstanding individuals to obtain postdoctoral training under the supervision of an experienced clinical or scientific researcher, with the view to establishing a research career in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in Australia and/or New Zealand.
-
Visceral pain and the gut-brain axis
Professor Stuart Brierley is Director of the Visceral Pain Research Group, Director of the Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, and Theme co-Leader of Lifelong Health at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).
Prof Brierley is an international expert on the ‘gut-brain axis’ and chronic visceral pain mechanisms. Current investigations are on a individual cell type called the enterochromaffin cell, and it helps signal pain and anxiety from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain.
