Research excellence

The School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences undertakes research with an overarching goal of improving human and animal health, food production, food quality and nutrition, and forensic investigation.  

Our research interests are strongly built around multi-disciplinarity, with our academics collaborating with numerous research institutions and industry bodies locally, nationally and internationally. Current projects are funded both by industry and government bodies, such as the National Health and Medical Research Council.  

Our key research strengths lie in anti-microbial resistance and bacterial disease, parasitic disease, newborn sepsis and immunology, tick-borne disease, tissue fibrosis, food quality, crop production and innovative forensic investigational approaches in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.  

Biomedical Science

  • Anti-Microbial Resistance and Bacterial Disease: This theme focuses on understanding and combatting bacterial diseases and antimicrobial resistance, with notable work in the Anti-microbial Resistance and Infectious Disease Laboratory led by Abraham and Coombs, and the C. difficile Laboratory under Riley's direction.
  • Parasitic Disease and Tick-Borne Disease: Research within the Cryptick Laboratory (Oskam) and Parasitology group (Ash) address significant parasitic and tick-borne diseases affecting both humans and animals.
  • Newborn Sepsis and Immunology: The Sepsis Diagnostics Research Group (Currie) is dedicated to advancing diagnostic methods and understanding the immune responses in newborn sepsis.
  • Tissue Fibrosis: The Tissue Repair Group (Prêle) investigates the mechanisms and treatment strategies for tissue fibrosis, contributing to improved therapeutic approaches.
  • Food Quality and Crop Production: Research in this area aims at enhancing food quality and crop yield, with notable work in the Rhizobium Laboratory (Terpolilli).
  • The School also hosts specialized research groups in cell signalling (Ingley), haemostasis (Adams), molecular microbiology (Reeve), toxicology (Maker), and vertebrate functional morphology and evolution (Warburton), showcasing the diversity and depth of its research initiatives.

Collaborating Research Centres and Institutes

Forensic Science

Murdoch University conducts extensive research in various areas of forensic science, including forensic biology, forensic chemistry, toxicology, and crime scene science.

  • Forensic DNA Analysis Our research includes high-resolution trace DNA analysis and forensic DNA profiling, and focuses on improving the accuracy and reliability of DNA evidence used in criminal investigations.
  • Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology This involves the analysis of chemical substances found at crime scenes, including toxicology, trace analysis, and the identification of illicit drugs and hazardous materials.
  • Digital and Cyber Forensics Murdoch is also advancing in digital and cyber forensics, addressing the growing need to investigate cybercrimes and includes the recovery and analysis of data from digital devices.
  • Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology This involves the examination of human remains to determine identity and cause of death. It includes the study of skeletal remains and the investigation of clandestine graves.
  • Innovative Forensic Investigational Approaches Murdoch's researchers are developing new methods for forensic investigations in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. This includes the use of advanced technologies and methodologies to improve the collection and analysis of forensic evidence.
  • Collaborative Research Murdoch collaborates with various research institutions and industry bodies, both locally and internationally. This collaboration enhances the scope and impact of their forensic science research and includes partnerships with law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories 

Collaborating Research Centres and Institutes

Food Science and Nutrition

Murdoch University's team in Food Science and Nutrition is committed to advancing knowledge in food science and nutrition contributes to healthier and more sustainable food systems. The team is actively engaged in innovative research in Food Science and Nutrition, focusing on several key areas:

  • Nutritional Profiling and Food Quality We are dedicated to understanding the nutritional composition of various foods, including emerging foods like quinoa. We work on extending the shelf life of food products while maintaining their nutritional quality and flavour.
  • Food Safety and Anti-Nutritional Compounds Our research includes identifying and reducing anti-nutritional compounds in foods, and is crucial for improving food safety and enhancing the nutritional value of food products
  • Food Product Development We are involved in developing novel food products, focusing on substituting plant proteins for animal proteins, aiming to create healthier and more sustainable food options
  • Sensory Evaluation The sensory evaluation of horticultural crops is another important area of research, involving assessing the taste, texture, and overall sensory experience of food products to ensure they meet consumer preferences
  • Collaborative Research and Facilities Murdoch collaborates with various research institutions and industry partners. Our facilities, including the newly constructed Research and Development building, provide specialist science laboratories and bench-scale production facilities for food science and nutrition research
  • Impact on Health and Wellbeing We also explore the role of food and nutrition in human health, disease prevention, and sports performance including studying the impact of nutrition on the human microbiome and overall wellbeing

Collaborating Research Centres and Institutes