About CEAStAR

We are focused on addressing the global problem of antimicrobial resistance in the environment and agribusiness.

An Industrial Transformation Training Centre

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to global health, food security, and environmental sustainability. Most efforts against combating AMR are focused on human infections and on the development of new antibiotics for the clinical pipeline. However, AMR is a multifaceted problem that affects humans, animals, and our shared environments. As such, an integrated, multidisciplinary approach is needed to optimise the health of people  animals, and the environment. It requires a ‘One Health’ approach where programs, policies, legislation, and research are designed and implemented by multiple sectors working together to achieve better health outcomes.

To address this critical area of need, CEAStAR was established in July 2023 with the support of the Australian Research Council and Centre Partners. CEAStAR is training a new cohort of industry-ready researchers and working with industry to develop solutions that will deliver novel new antibiotics, alternatives to antimicrobials, and contribute to improving animal health. These outcomes will position Australia as a global leader in developing long-term, sustainable solutions to antimicrobial resistance, thereby alleviating the burden on the environment and human health.

 

To position Australia as a global leader in developing long-term, sustainable solutions to antimicrobial resistance, CEAStAR will:

  • Advance industry-driven projects that deliver commercially viable solutions to mitigate the adverse impacts of AMR.
  • Train the next generation of industry-ready researchers in the fundamentals of AMR.
  • Establish and enhance linkages between diverse multidisciplinary research group and companies to strengthen capabilities of Australian agricultural and environmental industries to combat AMR.
  • Provide scientific and public education on AMR.

Governance

The Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing the overall strategic direction, management, and operations of the Centre as well as the delivery of the research program. The Executive Committee formally reports to the ARC through The University of Queensland Research Office. The Committee will also communicate with the Participating Organisations to inform and/or consult regarding matters arising from the Centre Advisory Board, Training and Development Sub-committee, and any other sub-committees they deem necessary to support the Centre’s functions.

The Executive Committee is comprised of:

  • Prof Mark Blaskovich, Centre Director
  • Prof Darren Trott, Centre Deputy Director & Animal Health Theme Leader
  • Dr Conny Turni, Microbiology Theme Leader
  • A/Prof Amirali Popat, Formulation Technology Theme Leader
  • Prof Jianhua Guo, Water and Environmental Technology Theme Leader
  • Dr Bicheng Yang, Industry Representative
  • Ms Veah Tapat, Centre Manager

Advisory Board was established to provide an external consultative body to support the Centre in achieving its goals. Providing strategic advice to the Executive Committee on implementation of Centre Operations, Participating Organisation engagement, and the overall Research Program, the board will help the Centre in fostering collaborations and maximising its impact.

The Advisory Board is comprised of the Director of Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) or his delegate and at least two external Scientific Advisory representatives.

  • Prof Denise Doolan, The University of Queensland
  • Dr Jeff Watts, Zoetis
  • Dr Amelia Vom, MTPConnect, SABRE Alliance

The Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) supports university researchers to partner with industry in priority areas for Australia, with two funding schemes. The Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ITTC) focuses on supporting Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students and postdoctoral researchers to gain practical skills and experience through engagements and placements within industry. CEAStAR is an ITTC.

The Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which we meet.

We pay our respects to their Ancestors and descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.

We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.