Research Interest: Prof. Richard Dick Strugnell is a distinguished microbiologist specializing in the intersection of microbiology and immunology, with a keen focus on bacterial molecular biology. Strugnell leads the ‘Bacterial Pathogenesis and Host Responses’ laboratory at School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne. He completed his PhD from Monash University. His research primarily centres on Salmonella enterica and Klebsiella pneumoniae, delving into their physiological behaviours, biofilm formation processes, and how they adapt during intracellular growth. The core objective of Strugnell’s work is to devise innovative interventions which includes the development of new antimicrobials, inhibitors to prevent bacterial adhesion, immunomodulatory drugs, biological agents, and more effective vaccines. He has authored and coauthored more than 300 papers in different journals. He has been appointed as the Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2025 Honours List for his distinguished service in medicine especially in the field of microbiology, immunology and vaccinology. He was also the recipient of various awards including C.J. Martin Fellowship. His research has been instrumental in uncovering the intricate ways bacteria interact with the mammalian host, particularly focusing on the innate, secretory/excretory, and adaptive immune systems as well as bacterial secretion systems, and metabolic pathways. Currently the two active projects under Strugnell are “Polysaccharide-Targeting Nano antibiotics: A New Approach to Kill Gram-Negative Superbugs” and “Differential Function of the Chemokines CCL17 and CCL22 in the Context of Vaccination and Immunoparalysis in Sepsis”. Throughout his career, Strugnell has traversed the academic and industrial landscapes, including a tenure at Wellcome Biotech, and has also served in public service roles. He has held senior executive positions and has been involved in curriculum development, along with serving on numerous boards and committees at various levels.