The team

Mr Charith Abeyratne

  • PhD Candidate
  • The University of Queensland


Charith Abeyratne is a PhD student at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) at The University of Queensland, under the supervision of Dr. Sean Bisset. A graduate of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Charith holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree and gained clinical experience as a companion animal and wildlife veterinarian at the University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where he also developed a particular interest in wildlife health and disease. Charith combines his clinical experience working as a veterinarian with a research background in animal pathogen surveillance and combating antimicrobial resistance to develop innovative approaches for the treatment and prevention of diseases of both veterinary and public health importance.

His PhD research focuses on developing advanced antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an alternative to conventional antimicrobial treatment for bacterial skin infections and periodontal disease in animals. Working in collaboration with his industry partner, INVION, he is evaluating a portfolio of novel photodynamic compounds with the aim of developing an effective light-activated antimicrobial therapy that can eliminate pathogenic bacteria while reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance development. Beyond improving the management of skin and periodontal infections, his research has broader implications for the treatment of other bacterial diseases of veterinary significance and, potentially, human health.

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