Abiodun Ogunniyi

Abiodun Ogunniyi

School of Animal and Veterinary Science

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

My research program broadly aims to gain a deep understanding of how bacterial pathogens interact with their hosts to cause disease. I then apply the information gleaned from such investigations to prevent or treat the infections through vaccination or using new antimicrobial agents and novel biocides. I also integrate food safety, environmental, human and animal health research as a “One Health” approach to managing infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens (superbugs) through antimicrobial stewardship, for better public health outcomes. To achieve these objectives, I use a combination of molecular, cellular and immunological techniques and imaging of light-emitting microorganisms during infection in living mice (in vivo bioluminescence imaging).

I have a keen interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis, with emphasis on the characterisation of virulence factors and evaluating the potential of candidate vaccine antigens.  My PhD was conducted under the joint supervision of Professor Paul Manning, Professor Ieva Kotlarski, and Associate Professor Renato Morona and entailed the functional characterisation of the SefA protein of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis.

I carried out my postdoctoral work in Professor James Paton’s laboratory from March 1997 to December 2009 on the molecular analysis of pneumococcal pathogenesis, and became an independent Senior Research Fellow in January 2010.

I joined the Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology (ACARE; Director - Prof Darren Trott) in January 2015, where my research focusses on efficacy assessments of new broad-spectrum antimicrobials to address the rising incidence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. I also assess efficacy evaluation of biocides (such as the pH-neutral electrolysed oxidising water) for wide application in health, agriculture and food industries.

Throughout my research career, I have contributed significantly to the design and execution of research projects, international research grant applications and development of new technologies. I have significantly harnessed my expertise and experience to supervise and mentor numerous Honours, MSc and PhD candidates, and I actively collaborate with national and international colleagues and postdoctoral fellows to achieve mutual success in our research activities.

A significant aspect of my research also involves extensive engagement and consultation with Industry to promote research translation into community benefit through commercialisation.

I have a series of interwoven projects in my research program:

In vitro activity testing of novel antimicrobial agents and development of bioluminescent mouse models for preclinical testing of the agents to treat bacterial and fungal infections

Molecular analysis of bacterial pathogenesis

Efficacy evaluation of new biocides

Serotype-independent pneumococcal vaccines

In vivo gene expression

 

 

  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2024 - ongoing Associate Professor The University of Adelaide
    2023 - 2028 Chief Investigator The University of Adelaide
    2023 - 2026 NHMRC Externally-Funded Research Fellow The University of Adelaide
    2022 - ongoing Group leader, novel drug discovery and preclinical evaluation program The University of Adelaide
    2017 - 2020 Senior Research Fellow (C) University of South Australia
    2015 - 2023 University Senior Postdoctoral Researcher (C) The University of Adelaide
    2010 - 2014 Senior Research Fellow (C) The University of Adelaide
    2001 - 2009 Senior Research Officer (B) Women's and Children's Hospital and The University of Adelaide
    1997 - 2000 Research Officer (A) Women's and Children's Hospital

  • Awards and Achievements
    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2024 Award ASA 2024 Travel Award Australian Society for Antimicrobials Australia AU$2,500.00
    2022 Fellowship Fellow, Australian Society for Microbiology (FASM) The Australian Society for Microbiology Australia -
    2012 Achievement Research Career Development Network (RCDN) Achievement Award The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2007 Award Research Career Development Network (RCDN) Travel Award The University of Adelaide Australia -
    1991 Scholarship Equity and Merit Scholarship Award Australian International Development Assistance Bureau (AIDAB, now Australian Agency for International Development [AusAID]) Australia -

  • Language Competencies
    Language Competency
    English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
    Yoruba Can read, write, speak and understand spoken

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    1991 - 1996 The University of Adelaide Australia PhD
    1987 - 1989 Obafemi Awolowo University Nigeria MSc
    1982 - 1986 University of Jos Nigeria BSc (First Class Honours)

  • Certifications
    Date Title Institution name Country
    2022 Fellow, The Australian Society for Microbiology (FASM) The Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM) Australia

  • Research Interests
    Antimicrobial Resistance Bacteriology Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Clinical Microbiology Drug discovery Gene Expression Medical Bacteriology Medical Microbiology Vaccinology Veterinary Microbiology

Funding Scheme

CI/PI/AI Names

Amount Funded

Years of Funding

Project Title

NHMRC Ideas Grant (APP2020758)

Ogunniyi A, Garg S, Woolford L, Soares da Costa T

$981,046

2023-2025

A novel dual therapy approach to treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections

IC220100050: ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ARC ITTC)

Blaskovich M (CI) Trott D (CI), Henderson I (CI) Amirali Popat A (CI), Guo J (CI) Elliott A (CI), Soares Magalhaes R (CI), Turni C (CI), Wilson D (CI), Ogunniyi A (CI), Soares da Costa T (CI), Parekh H (CI), Ziora Z (CI), De Cerqueira G (PI), Page S (PI), van Merkestein R (PI), Boot-Handford M (PI), Sceats M (PI), Bright M (PI), Chandrasekaran N (PI)

$4,508,426

2023-2027

ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (ARC CEA-StAR)

Contract Research (UA227512); Contracting Party: Invion Limited and RMWC Unlimited Innovation Pty Ltd

Ogunniyi AD (CI) Trott DJ (CI)

$74,019

PLUS

Contract Variation 1

($50,713)

2022-2023

Evaluation of the in vitro antimicrobial activity of 5 photodynamic therapy compounds against Gram-positive, Gram-negative (including periodontitis-causing bacteria) and fungal pathogens.

Research Roadmap Grant Scheme 2021, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Adelaide

Wilson DW (CI), O’Handley R (CI), Richter K (CI), Gancheva MR (CI), Ogunniyi AD (CI), Sheppard AE (CI), Ebrahimie E (CI), Abraham R (CI), Trott DJ (CI)

$37,000

2022

Deciphering the mechanism of action of a new class of cell membrane-active antimicrobials: a pathway to widespread applications in human and animal health

ICERA DSTG To Neoculi Pty Ltd

Page SW (CI), Trott D (CI), Garg S (CI), Ogunniyi AD (CI)

$339,963

2021-2022

Tier 2 Priority: Enhanced Human Performance – Operating in CBRN Environments

Contract Research (UA216024); Contracting Party: Zoetis Indonesia

Ogunniyi AD (CI)

$32,556

2021

Zoetis Lincospectin Checkerboard / FIC studies

Contract Research Variation 1 (UA194233-S02); Contracting Party: Botanix Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Ogunniyi AD (CI)

$42,594

2019

Cannabidiol MIC and MBC against clinical isolates of canine otitis externa in Australia and time-kill assay against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213

Contract Research (UA194233); Contracting Party: Botanix Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Ogunniyi AD (CI)

$19,546

2019

Efficacy testing of synthetic cannabidiol in a bioluminescent murine model of Staphylococcus aureus scald wound infection

Contract Research (UA172503); Contracting Party: The University of Queensland

Trott D (CI); Ogunniyi AD (CI)

$12,000

2018

Efficacy trials of MCC5145 against S. pneumoniae D39 bacteraemia using a bioluminescent intraperitoneal mouse model of sepsis

Contract Research (UA172408); Contracting Party: CSIRO

Trott D (CI); Ogunniyi AD (CI)

$33,150

2018

Literature Review on the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food in Australia and New Zealand

Contract Research (UA183243-S01); Contracting Party: Bayer Australia Ltd

Trott D (CI); Ogunniyi AD (CI)

$47,911

2018

Mastitis Product Registration (benzyl penicillin) MIC Study

DEBRA Australia

Kopecki Z (CI), Cowin A (CI), Vasilev K (CI), Ogunniyi AD (CI)

$40,000

2018

Safe and intelligent dressings for treatment of infected wounds

Research Themes Investment Scheme (101796) Seed Funding, University of South Australia

Thomas N (CI), Prestidge C (CI), Ogunniyi AD (CI), Kopecki Z (CI), Cowin A (CI), Wormald PJ (PI)

$40,000

2018

Re-sensitising resistant bacteria against antibiotics: Giving new power to failing medicines.

Research Themes Investment Scheme, University of South Australia

Kopecki Z (CI), Cowin A (CI), Venter H (CI), Garg, S (CI), Coad B (CI) Page, S (PI), Trott D (CI), Ogunniyi AD (PI)

$40,000

2018

New in vivo technologies for preclinical assessment of novel antimicrobial drugs against wound infections

Research Themes Investment Scheme Development Funding, University of South Australia

Donner E (CI), Short M (CI), Williams C (CI), Ogunniyi AD (CI), Djordjevic S (PI) Reynolds B (PI), King B (PI)

$82,788

2018-2020

Antimicrobial resistance burden in migratory and resident bird species in the northern Adelaide coastal zone

Partnership Enabling Grant Scheme, Division of Information Technology Engineering and the Environment, University of South Australia

Lombi E (CI), Wedding B (CI), Smith E (CI), Myers B (CI), Condina M (CI), Ogunniyi AD (CI)

$36,000

2018

Use of hydrodynamic cavitation for degradation of PFAS, pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in contaminated waters

ORG121561: AMPC Research Grant; Australian Meat Processor Corporation

Trott D (CI); Deo P (co-CI); Khazandi M (co-CI); Ogunniyi A (co-CI)

$30,000

2016

Twin Oxide Cabinet Microbiological assessment

FND000138: DIIS - Innovation Connections; Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation & Science

Trott D (CI); Ogunniyi A (co-CI); Khazandi M (co-CI)

$100,000

2015-2016

Investigation of ECAS4 technology for improving water quality and shelf life in the seafood industry

ARC Linkage grant

JC Paton (CI), AD Ogunniyi (CI), M Alsharifi (PI), TR. Hirst (PI)

$275,000

2012-2015

A single vaccine for influenza and pneumonia

Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation Project Grant

AD Ogunniyi (CI), LK Mahdi (AI)

$70,000

2012-2013

Molecular analysis of alpha-glycerophosphate oxidase: Role in pneumococcal meningitis

NHMRC Project Grant

JC Paton, AD Ogunniyi

$1,106,169

2010-2015

Molecular analysis of pneumococcal pathogenesis

Meningitis Research Foundation (UK)

AD Ogunniyi, JC Paton, LK Mahdi

UK£196,773

($437,000)

2008-2011

Characterization and vaccine potential of pneumococcal virulence factors expressed during meningitis

Channel 7 Research Foundation grant

UH Stroeher (CI), AD Ogunniyi (AI)

$47,000

2008

Characterisation of Virulence Genes of Streptococcus pneumoniae Involved in Otitis Media

NHMRC Equipment Grant

JC Paton, R Morona, AW Paton, AD Ogunniyi, AR Jilbert, SR McColl

$61,000

2008

Grant to purchase small equipment

Women’s and Children’s Hospital Research Foundation

AD Ogunniyi, JC Paton

$40,000

2000

Regulation of capsule expression in Streptococcus pneumoniae

Women’s and Children’s Hospital Research Foundation

JC Paton, AD Ogunniyi

$30,000

1999

Regulation of capsule expression in Streptococcus pneumoniae

 

Although I am a Research-only academic, I gave 2 lectures each to 2nd year Biomed, 3rd year Infection and Immunity A and MSc Biotech students annually from 2011 until the end of 2014 at The University of Adelaide. I was also involved in setting and marking exam questions for 3rd year Infection and Immunity A and MSc Biotech courses and was occasionally involved in tutorials for the MSc Biotech students during that period. I have also given a total of 13 lectures to 3rd year Infection and Immunity students at The University of South Australia (4 lectures in 2017, and 3 lectures each in 2018, 2019 and 2020). Collectively, these activities have allowed me to interact closely with all academic staff, students and colleagues, leading to exchange of ideas and problem solving as well as gaining familiarity with modern approaches to tertiary education and opportunity to attract and recruit prospective Honours, MSc and PhD students.

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2024 Principal Supervisor Preclinical evaluation of new derivatives of the anticoccidial drug robenidine as novel antibacterial agents Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Sayara Bista
    2023 Principal Supervisor Identification of pneumococcal serotype-independent antigenic regions and mobile genetic elements driving antimicrobial resistance gene mobility Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Mr Gabriel Temitope Sunmonu
    2022 Co-Supervisor New antimicrobial formulations and their efficacy for canine otitis externa and other fungal infections. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Bhumi Savaliya

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2018 - 2022 Co-Supervisor Pre-Clinical In Vitro and In Vivo Testing of Novel Antimicrobials for the Treatment of Bacterial Infections Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Hang Thi Nguyen
    2012 - 2017 Co-Supervisor Development of a Novel Co-vaccination Approach for Pneumococcal and Influenza Infections Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Rachelle Babb
    2010 - 2016 Co-Supervisor Characterisation of Streptococcus pneumoniae opacity phase variation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Melissa Hui Chieh Chai
    2010 - 2013 Co-Supervisor Molecular Characterisation of the Polyhistidine Triad Proteins of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Charles Plumptre
    2006 - 2010 Co-Supervisor Pathogenesis of Streptococcus pneumoniae Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Lauren McAllister
    2003 - 2007 Co-Supervisor Differential Expression of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Genes during Pathogenesis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Kim Suk Le Messurier

  • Other Supervision Activities
    Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
    2017 - ongoing Co-Supervisor The effect of hospital effluent on the antimicrobial resistance ecology of waste water. University of South Australia - Master - Ms Hong Nguyen

  • Committee Memberships
    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2023 - ongoing Member Innovation and research sub-committee, South Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan South Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan (SAAMRAP) Australia
    2022 - 2024 Member The University of Adelaide Animal Ethics Committee (Science) The University of Adelaide Australia
    2022 - ongoing Member Australian Society for Microbiology, South Australia Branch Australian Society for Microbiology Australia
    2021 - ongoing Member School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Committee The University of Adelaide Australia

  • Memberships
    Date Role Membership Country
    2021 - ongoing Member Australian Society for Antimicrobials (ASA) Australia
    2009 - ongoing Member Australian Society for Microbiology Australia
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