Starkey - Urinary Tract Disease Research
As part of the Bladder and Kidney Health Discovery Program we employ a range of cutting-edge experimental models and tools to answer fundamental questions for translational outcomes in urinary tract diseases. We take a multidisciplinary approach to progress new diagnostics and treatments for debilitating urinary tract infections and rare kidney stone disease. We value our partnership with philanthropy, leading Australian patient advocacy groups and international industry to advance community awareness and new therapeutic avenues for urinary tract diseases.
Our research
The Urinary Tract Disease Research Group investigates the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cystinuria, two major and often overlooked causes of chronic kidney disease and reduced quality of life. We combine immunology, molecular diagnostics, preclinical modelling, and translational research to deliver solutions that directly address unmet clinical needs.
Our work spans fundamental discovery through to preclinical testing, with a strong emphasis on biomarker discovery, host‑directed therapies, and next‑generation diagnostic tools. We collaborate closely with clinicians, patient‑advocacy groups, philanthropy, and international industry partners to ensure our research has real‑world impact.
Current Research Themes
Our people
Laboratory Head
Current grants
- NHMRC Ideas Grant: Therapeutic targeting of cytokines for severe urinary tract infection and associated complications
- NHMRC Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance: Phage-Antimicrobial combination Strategies for management of multidrug-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae
- International pharma: New treatments for cystinuria
