David Sharkey

Research Interests

Fertility and Conception Men's Health Pregnancy and Birth Immunology Reproduction Obstetrics and Gynaecology Reproductive medicine Fertility

Dr David Sharkey

NHMRC Postdoctoral Researcher (B)

School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science

College of Health

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

Dr David SharkeyPhD (Medicine), Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide.Thesis entitled: Seminal plasma regulation of the post-coital inflammatory response in the human cervix'Supervisors; Professor Sarah Robertson and Professor Robert Norman

David is an emerging research leader in the field of clinical reproductive immunology, currently serving as a senior research fellow at The University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine. After completing his PhD at the University of Adelaide in 2005 under the mentorship of Professors Sarah Robertson AO and Robert Norman AO, David has dedicated over two decades to advancing our understanding of how male seminal fluid interacts with the female immune system. His pioneering research has led to significant breakthroughs, including demonstrating that seminal fluid triggers an immune response in the female cervix post-coitus. As a chief investigator on recently awarded NHMRC Project and Ideas Grants, David is at the forefront of investigating the role of semen-derived factors in establishing the immune tolerance necessary for a successful pregnancy, solidifying his position as a key innovator and leader in this critical area of study.

Date Position Institution name
2025 - 2028 Genea Human Research Ethics Committee Genea
2019 - ongoing NHMRC Senior Research Associate University of Adelaide
2017 - 2017 Robinson Researrch Institute Career Development Fellow University of Adelaide
2011 - 2016 NHMRC Research Associate University of Adelaide
2010 - 2011 Visiting Research Fellow Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
2005 - 2010 Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate University of Adelaide

Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
2015 Achievement High Performance Researcher Program - - -
2011 Award Travel award, Society for Reproduction and Fertility - - -
2011 Award Travel Award, Research Centre for Reproductive Health University of Adelaide - $500
2010 Award Travel Award, Research Centre for Reproductive Health University of Adelaide - -
2010 Achievement Robinson Research Institute Mentor Program Training - - -
2009 Achievement Researcher Education and Development, Future Research Leaders Course University of Adelaide - -
2009 Award Travel Award, Research Centre for Reproductive Health University of Adelaide - $295
2008 Award Overseas Conference Travel Award, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Adelaide - $1000
2008 Award Travel Award, ARC / NHMRC Research Network in Genes and Environment in Development (NGED) - - $1000
2008 Award Travel Award, Research Centre for Reproductive Health University of Adelaide - $1000
2008 Achievement Higher Degree Research Supervisor Induction Course University of Adelaide - -
2008 Achievement Australian Society for Medical Research Professional Development Workshop - - -
2007 Award Travel Award, Research Centre for Reproductive Health - - $1000
2007 Award Travel Award, ARC / NHMRC Research Network in Genes and Environment in Development (NGED) - - $1000
2007 Award Overseas Conference Travel Award, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Adelaide - $1500
2006 Award Travel Award, Society for Reproduction and Fertility (SRF) - - £500
2004 Scholarship Postgraduate Travel Award, Faculty of Health Sciences Travel Scholarship - - $1500
2003 Award Holden Young investigator Award - - -
2002 Award Junior Scientist Award - - -
2000 Award Student Poster Award - - $250
2000 Award Travel Award, Australian Society for Medical Research - - $150

Date Institution name Country Title
2000 - 2005 University of Adelaide Australia PhD
1999 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology – First Class

Year Citation
2025 Roff, A. J., Davies, A. N., Clifton, V. L., Stark, M. J., Tai, A., Robinson, J. L., . . . Gatford, K. L. (2025). Pregnancy does not affect progression of mild experimental asthma in sheep. The Journal of Physiology, 603(5), 1241-1261.
DOI Scopus2 WoS2 Europe PMC2
2025 Tamessar, C. T., Parameswaran, S., Torres-Arce, E., Weidenhofer, J., Zhang, H. M., Mulhall, J. E., . . . Schjenken, J. E. (2025). Advancing Understanding of the Protein Composition of Human Seminal Extracellular Vesicles. Proteomics, 11 pages.
DOI
2024 Tully, C. A., Alesi, S., McPherson, N. O., Sharkey, D. J., Teong, X. T., Tay, C. T., . . . Mousa, A. (2024). Assessing the influence of preconception diet on male fertility: a systematic scoping review. Human Reproduction Update, 30(3), 243-261.
DOI Scopus12 WoS11 Europe PMC8
2024 Moldenhauer, L. M., Foyle, K. L., Wilson, J. J., Wong, Y. Y., Sharkey, D. J., Green, E. S., . . . Robertson, S. A. (2024). A disrupted FOXP3 transcriptional signature underpins systemic regulatory T cell insufficiency in early pregnancy failure. iScience, 27(2), 108994-1-108994-23.
DOI Scopus7 WoS6 Europe PMC6
2024 Tamessar, C. T., Anderson, A. L., Bromfield, E. G., Trigg, N. A., Parameswaran, S., Stanger, S. J., . . . Schjenken, J. E. (2024). The efficacy and functional consequences of interactions between human spermatozoa and seminal fluid extracellular vesicles. Reproduction and Fertility, 5(4), e230088-1-e230088-20.
DOI Scopus10 WoS8 Europe PMC6
2023 Green, E. S., Moldenhauer, L. M., Groome, H. M., Sharkey, D. J., Chin, P. Y., Care, A. S., . . . Robertson, S. A. (2023). Regulatory T cells are paramount effectors in progesterone regulation of embryo implantation and fetal growth. JCI insight, 8(11), 1-19.
DOI Scopus23 WoS22 Europe PMC21
2023 Lyons, H. E., Arman, B. M., Robertson, S. A., & Sharkey, D. J. (2023). Immune regulatory cytokines in seminal plasma of healthy men: A scoping review and analysis of variance. Andrology, 11(7), 1245-1266.
DOI Scopus12 WoS8 Europe PMC12
2023 Castleton, P., Gyawali, P., Mathews, N., Mutuku, S. M., Sharkey, D. J., & McPherson, N. O. (2023). MiOXSYS® andOxiSperm® II assays appear to provide no clinical utility for determining oxidative stress in human sperm—results from repeated semen collections. Andrology, 11(8), 1566-1578.
DOI Scopus15 WoS13 Europe PMC11
2022 Castleton, P. E., Deluao, J. C., Sharkey, D. J., & McPherson, N. O. (2022). Measuring Reactive Oxygen Species in Semen for Male Preconception Care: A Scientist Perspective. Antioxidants, 11(2), 1-23.
DOI Scopus48 WoS38 Europe PMC29
2022 Moldenhauer, L. M., Jin, M., Wilson, J. J., Green, E. S., Sharkey, D. J., Salkeld, M. D., . . . Robertson, S. A. (2022). Regulatory T cell proportion and phenotype are altered in women using oral contraception. Endocrinology, 163(9), 1-20.
DOI Scopus9 WoS8 Europe PMC8
2021 Tamessar, C. T., Trigg, N. A., Nixon, B., Skerrett-Byrne, D. A., Sharkey, D. J., Robertson, S. A., . . . Schjenken, J. E. (2021). Roles of male reproductive tract extracellular vesicles in reproduction. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 85(2), e13338-1-e13338-12.
DOI Scopus67 WoS61 Europe PMC46
2021 Schjenken, J. E., Sharkey, D. J., Green, E. S., Chan, H. Y., Matias, R. A., Moldenhauer, L. M., & Robertson, S. A. (2021). Sperm modulate uterine immune parameters relevant to embryo implantation and reproductive success in mice. Communications Biology, 4(1), 1-14.
DOI Scopus47 WoS46 Europe PMC46
2021 Schjenken, J. E., Moldenhauer, L. M., Sharkey, D. J., Chan, H. Y., Chin, P. Y., Fullston, T., . . . Robertson, S. A. (2021). High fat diet alters male seminal plasma composition to impair female immune adaptation for pregnancy in mice. Endocrinology, 162(10), 1-20.
DOI Scopus34 WoS28 Europe PMC21
2021 Foyle, K. L., Sharkey, D. J., Moldenhauer, L. M., Green, E. S., Wilson, J. J., Roccisano, C. J., . . . Robertson, S. A. (2021). Effect of Intralipid infusion on peripheral blood T cells and plasma cytokines in women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. Clinical and Translational Immunology, 10(8), e1328-1-e1328-17.
DOI Scopus6 WoS6 Europe PMC6
2020 Wahid, H. H., Chin, P. Y., Sharkey, D. J., Diener, K. R., Hutchinson, M. R., Rice, K. C., . . . Robertson, S. A. (2020). Toll-like receptor-4 antagonist (+)-naltrexone protects against carbamyl-platelet activating factor (Cpaf)-induced preterm labor in mice. American Journal of Pathology, 190(5), 1030-1045.
DOI Scopus17 WoS17 Europe PMC17
2020 Sorvina, A., Shandala, T., Wang, S., Sharkey, D. J., Parkinson-Lawrence, E., Selemidis, S., & Brooks, D. A. (2020). CDKI-73 is a novel pharmacological inhibitor of Rab11 cargo delivery and innate immune secretion. Cells, 9(2), 1-17.
DOI Scopus9 WoS8 Europe PMC8
2019 Chin, P. Y., Dorian, C., Sharkey, D. J., Hutchinson, M. R., Rice, K. C., Moldenhauer, L. M., & Robertson, S. A. (2019). Toll-like receptor-4 antagonist (+)-naloxone confers sexually dimorphic protection from inflammation-induced fetal programming in mice. Endocrinology, 160(11), 2646-2662.
DOI Scopus16 WoS13 Europe PMC14
2019 Kedzior, S., Bianco-Miotto, T., Breen, J., Diener, K. R., Donnelley, M. W., Dunning, K. R., . . . Rumbold, A. R. (2019). It takes a community to conceive: an analysis of the scope, nature and accuracy of online sources of health information for couples trying to conceive. Reproductive Biomedicine and Society Online, 9, 48-63.
DOI Scopus11 Europe PMC12
2019 Nisenblat, V., Sharkey, D., Wang, Z., Evans, S., Healey, M., Maria Ohlsson Teague, E., . . . Louise Hull, M. (2019). Plasma miRNAs display limited potential as diagnostic tools for endometriosis. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 104(6), 1999-2022.
DOI Scopus46 WoS41 Europe PMC37
2018 Sharkey, D., Glynn, D., Schjenken, J., Tremellen, K., & Robertson, S. (2018). Interferon-gamma inhibits seminal plasma induction of colony stimulating factor 2 in mouse and human reproductive tract epithelial cells. Biology of Reproduction, 99(3), 514-526.
DOI Scopus24 WoS22 Europe PMC20
2018 Schumacher, A., Sharkey, D. J., Robertson, S. A., & Zenclussen, A. C. (2018). Immune cells at the fetomaternal interface: how the microenvironment modulates immune cells to foster fetal development. Journal of Immunology, 201(2), 325-334.
DOI Scopus110 WoS99 Europe PMC95
2017 Sharkey, D., Tremellen, K., Briggs, N., Dekker, G., & Robertson, S. (2017). Seminal plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-3 (IFNG) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) fluctuate over time within men. Human Reproduction, 32(7), 1373-1381.
DOI Scopus23 WoS23 Europe PMC21
2017 Glynn, D., Heng, K., Russell, D., Sharkey, D., Robertson, S., Anand-Ivell, R., & Ivell, R. (2017). Male seminal relaxin contributes to induction of the post-mating cytokine response in the female mouse uterus. Frontiers in Physiology, 8(422), 422-1-422-12.
DOI Scopus10 WoS8 Europe PMC9
2017 Nadeau-Vallée, M., Chin, P., Belarbi, L., Brien, M., Pundir, S., Berryer, M., . . . Chemtob, S. (2017). Antenatal suppression of il-1 protects against inflammation-induced fetal injury and improves neonatal and developmental outcomes in mice. Journal of Immunology, 198(5), 2047-2062.
DOI Scopus104 WoS99 Europe PMC87
2017 Robertson, S., Zhang, B., Chan, H., Sharkey, D., Barry, S., Fullston, T., & Schjenken, J. (2017). MicroRNA regulation of immune events at conception. Molecular Reproduction and Development, 84(9), 914-925.
DOI Scopus25 WoS24 Europe PMC22
2016 Schjenken, J. E., Zhang, B., Chan, H. Y., Sharkey, D. J., Fullston, T., & Robertson, S. A. (2016). miRNA Regulation of Immune Tolerance in Early Pregnancy. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 75(3), 272-280.
DOI Scopus46 WoS44 Europe PMC41
2016 Robertson, S., & Sharkey, D. (2016). Seminal fluid and fertility in women. Fertility and Sterility, 106(3), 511-519.
DOI Scopus189 WoS167 Europe PMC140
2016 Sharkey, D. J., Tremellen, K. P., Briggs, N. E., Dekker, G. A., & Robertson, S. A. (2016). Seminal plasma transforming growth factor-β, activin A and follistatin fluctuate within men over time. Human Reproduction, 31(10), 2183-2191.
DOI Scopus43 WoS38 Europe PMC33
2015 McGuane, J. T., Watson, K. M., Zhang, J., Johan, M. Z., Wang, Z., Kuo, G., . . . Hull, M. L. (2015). Seminal plasma promotes lesion development in a xenograft model of endometriosis. American Journal of Pathology, 185(5), 1409-1422.
DOI Scopus13 WoS10 Europe PMC9
2015 Schjenken, J., Glynn, D., Sharkey, D., & Robertson, S. (2015). TLR4 signaling is a major mediator of the female tract response to seminal fluid in mice. Biology of Reproduction, 93(3), 68-1-68-13.
DOI Scopus86 WoS73 Europe PMC66
2015 Sharkey, D., Schjenken, J., Mottershead, D., & Robertson, S. (2015). Seminal fluid factors regulate activin A and follistatin synthesis in female cervical epithelial cells. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 417(Dec), 178-190.
DOI Scopus17 WoS15 Europe PMC14
2014 Dasari, P., Sharkey, D., Noordin, E., Glynn, D., Hodson, L., Chin, P., . . . Ingman, W. (2014). Hormonal regulation of the cytokine microenvironment in the mammary gland. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 106, 58-66.
DOI Scopus17 WoS17 Europe PMC18
2013 Robertson, S., Prins, J., Sharkey, D., & Moldenhauer, L. (2013). Seminal fluid and the generation of regulatory T cells for embryo implantation. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology (Print), 69(4), 315-330.
DOI Scopus159 WoS135 Europe PMC123
2012 Dunning, K., Watson, L., Sharkey, D., Brown, H., Norman, R., Thompson, J., . . . Russell, D. (2012). Molecular filtration properties of the mouse expanded cumulus matrix: controlled supply of metabolites and extracellular signals to cumulus cells and the oocyte. Biology of Reproduction, 87(4), 1-10.
DOI Scopus23 WoS23 Europe PMC20
2012 Sharkey, D., Macpherson, A., Tremellen, K., Mottershead, D., Gilchrist, R., & Robertson, S. (2012). TGF-β mediates proinflammatory seminal fluid signaling in human cervical epithelial cells. Journal of Immunology, 189(2), 1024-1035.
DOI Scopus156 WoS147 Europe PMC136
2012 Sharkey, D., Tremellen, K., Jasper, M., Gemzell-Danielsson, K., & Robertson, S. (2012). Seminal fluid induces leukocyte recruitment and cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression in the human cervix after coitus. Journal of Immunology, 188(5), 2445-2454.
DOI Scopus302 WoS282 Europe PMC257
2007 Sharkey, D., Macpherson, A., Tremellen, K., & Robertson, S. (2007). Seminal plasma differentially regulates inflammatory cytokine gene expression in human cervical and vaginal epithelial cells. Molecular Human Reproduction, 13(7-8), 491-501.
DOI Scopus238 WoS230 Europe PMC223
2004 Sharkey, D. J., Jasper, M. J., Tremellen, K. P., Gemzell-Danielsson, K., & Robertson, S. A. (2004). Pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression is induced within the human cervix following insemination. BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION, 221.
WoS3
2004 Glynn, D. J., Sharkey, D. J., & Robertson, S. A. (2004). Interferon-gamma inhibits female reproductive tract responsiveness to seminal plasma.. BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION, 242.
WoS6
2002 Robertson, S., Ingman, W., O'Leary, S., Sharkey, D., & Tremellen, K. (2002). Transforming growth factor β — a mediator of immune deviation in seminal plasma. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 57(1-2), 109-128.
DOI Scopus257 WoS225 Europe PMC186
2001 Robertson, S., & Sharkey, D. (2001). The role of semen in induction of maternal immune tolerance to pregnancy. Seminars in Immunology, 13(4), 243-254.
DOI Scopus149 WoS137 Europe PMC108
- Schjenken, J. E., Moldenhauer, L., Sharkey, D., Chan, H. Y., Chin, L., Fullston, T., . . . Robertson, S. (n.d.). High fat diet alters male seminal plasma composition to impair female immune adaptation for pregnancy in mice.
DOI
- Moldenhauer, L., Jin, M., Wilson, J., Green, E., Sharkey, D., Salkeld, M., . . . Robertson, S. (n.d.). Regulatory T cell proportion and phenotype are altered in women using oral contraception.
DOI

Year Citation
2019 How to Prepare the Endometrium to Maximize Implantation Rates and IVF Success (2019). . Cambridge University Press.
DOI

Year Citation
2025 Sharkey, D. J., Lyons, H. E., Chan, H. Y., & Robertson, S. A. (2025). Seminal Fluid Interaction with Female Reproductive Tract Epithelial Cells: In Vitro Models for Human. In M. Álvarez-Rodríguez (Ed.), Spermatology: Methods and Protocols (Vol. 2897, pp. 663-673). New York, NY, USA: Humana Press.
DOI
2025 Chan, H. Y., Schjenken, J. E., Sharkey, D. J., & Robertson, S. A. (2025). Assessing Seminal Fluid Interaction with Female Reproductive Tract Tissues: In Vivo and In Vitro Models for Mouse. In M. Álvarez-Rodríguez (Ed.), Spermatology: Methods and Protocols (Vol. 2897, pp. 649-662). New York, NY, USA: Humana Press.
DOI
2019 Sharkey, D. J., & Robertson, S. A. (2019). Sex and immune receptivity for embryo transfer. In G. Kovacs, & L. Salamonsen (Eds.), How to prepare the endometrium to maximize implantation rates and IVF success (pp. 151-158). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
DOI Scopus1
2018 Schjenken, J. E., Sharkey, D. J., & Robertson, S. A. (2018). Seminal Vesicle—Secretion. In Encyclopedia of Reproduction Volume 1 6 Second Edition (Vol. 1, pp. 349-354).
DOI
2018 Schjenken, J. E., Sharkey, D. J., & Robertson, S. A. (2018). Seminal vesicle-Secretion. In M. K. Skinner (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Reproduction (pp. 349-354). Academic Press.
DOI Scopus7
2015 Robertson, S. A., Sharkey, D. J., Schjenken, J. E., Care, A. S., & Moldenhauer, L. M. (2015). Pathways for activating implantation tolerance in early pregnancy.. In G. CHAOUAT (Ed.), Immunology of Pregnancy (Vol. 2, pp. 1835-1874). Bentham Science Publishers.
DOI Scopus36
2006 Robertson, S., Bromfield, J., Glynn, D., Sharkey, D., & Jasper, M. (2006). Actions of seminal plasma cytokines in priming female reproductive tract receptivity for embryo implantation. In Gil Mor (Ed.), Immunology of Pregnancy (pp. 148-158). New York: Springer.
DOI

Year Citation
2023 Moldenhauer, L. M., Linthwaite, S., Foyle, K. L., Sharkey, D. J., McCormack, C. D., Robertson, S. A., & Hull, M. L. (2023). Elevated Insulin and Insulin Resistance is Associated with Altered T Regulatory Cell Parameters in Women with Recurrent Miscarriage. In REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES Vol. 30 (pp. 98A). Brisbane, AUSTRALIA: SPRINGER HEIDELBERG.
2023 Sharkey, D. J., & Robertson, S. A. (2023). The role of seminal plasma in supporting successful embryo implantation. In JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY Vol. 158 (pp. 1 page). FRANCE, Paris: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD.
DOI WoS1
2023 Sharkey, D. J., & Robertson, S. A. (2023). Seminal fluid and the female immune response - an update on the male contribution to pregnancy beyond fertilisation. In JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY Vol. 159 (pp. 12-13). ELECTR NETWORK: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD.
DOI
2008 Sharkey, D., & Robertson, S. (2008). Follistatin mRNA expression is regulated by seminal fluid TGFβ in human Ect1 cervical epithelial cells. In BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION Vol. 78 (pp. 97-98). Kona, HI: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
DOI WoS1
2008 Sharkey, D., & Robertson, S. (2008). Identification of TGFβ as a major active factor mediating seminal fluid signalling in human cervical epithelial cells. In BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION Vol. 78 (pp. 284). Kailua Kona, HI: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
DOI WoS1
1978 GAY, C. V., SHARKEY, D. J., & SCHRAER, H. (1978). CARBONIC-ANHYDRASE LEVELS IN OSTEOCLAST-RICH BONE. In FEDERATION PROCEEDINGS Vol. 37 (pp. 272). FEDERATION AMER SOC EXP BIOL.
WoS1

Year Citation
2018 Robertson, S. A., Sharkey, D. J., Tremellen, K. P., & Dekker, G. A. (2018). Interferon-G in seminal fluid - An 'anti-tolerance' signal in women?. Poster session presented at the meeting of JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY. Aalborg, DENMARK: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD.
DOI
2017 Nadeau-Vallee, M., Chin, P. -Y., Belarbi, L., Brien, M. -E., Pundir, S., Beaudry-Richard, A., . . . Chemtob, S. (2017). Antenatal Suppression of Interleukin-1 Protects Against Inflammation-Induced Fetal Injury and Improves Neonatal and Developmental Outcomes in Mice.. Poster session presented at the meeting of REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES. Orlando, FL: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC.
2017 Nadeau-Vallee, M., Chin, P. -Y., Belarbi, L., Brien, M. -E., Pundir, S., Berryer, M. H., . . . Chemtob, S. (2017). PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF A NOVEL NONCOMPETITIVE IL-1 RECEPTOR-BIASED LIGAND IN AN INFECTION-AND INFLAMMATION-INDUCED PRETERM BIRTH AS WELL AS IN FETAL INJURY AND DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES. Poster session presented at the meeting of ACTA PAEDIATRICA. WILEY.
2010 Sharkey, D. J., & Robertson, S. A. (2010). TGFβ superfamily members BMP-15, GDF-9 and Activin A act as seminal fluid signalling agents in human cervical epithelial cells. Poster session presented at the meeting of JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY. Palm Cove, AUSTRALIA: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD.
DOI
2010 Sharkey, D. J., & Robertson, S. A. (2010). Sperm and seminal plasma differentially regulate cytokine and chemokine protein expression by human cervical epithelial cells. Poster session presented at the meeting of JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY. Palm Cove, AUSTRALIA: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD.
DOI

Year Citation
2023 Robertson, S., Rasi Ghaemi, S., Sharkey, D., McPherson, N., & Vasilev, K. (2023). PCT/AU2024/050764, SPERM SORTING DEVICE AND METHOD. Australia.
2004 Robertson, S., Sharkey, D., Tremellen, K., & Glynn, D. (2004). WO/2004/026333, Treatment and diagnosis of a reproductive disorder by measuring or inhibiting interferon-&gammad. Australia.

Year Citation
- Lyons, H., Arman, B., Robertson, S., & Sharkey, D. (n.d.). Supporting Dataset 1 from: Immune regulatory cytokines in seminal plasma of healthy men: A scoping review and analysis of variance.
DOI

Year Citation
- Nisenblat, V., Sharkey, D., Wang, Z., Evans, S., HEALEY, M., Ohlsson-Teague, E. M. C., . . . Hull, L. (n.d.). Supplementary Material from: Plasma microRNAs display limited potential as diagnostic tools for endometriosis.
DOI

Year Citation
2025 Ghaemi, S. R., Sharkey, D. J., McPherson, N. O., Alemie, M. N., Vasilev, K., & Robertson, S. A. (2025). A surface-engineered microfluidic device for antibody-mediated negative selection of high-quality sperm for assisted reproduction.
DOI
Competitive Research Funding
2025-2028

NHMRC Ideas Grant

Project: Sperm - a novel role in human reproduction beyond fertilisation

APP2036636: Chief Investigator A 

(held with CIB Dr John Schjenken - University of Newcastle)

 AUD $1,781,257
2025-2027

NHMRC Development Grant

Project: A functionalised surface device for spermatozoa selection in assisted reproductive medicine.

APP039862: Chief Investigator D 

(held with CIA - Prof Sarah Robertson, CIB - Prof Krasimir Vasilev, CIC - Dr Soraya Rasi Ghaemi, and CID - Dr Nicole McPherson nee Palmer)

 AUD $820,607
2024-2026

NHMRC Ideas Grant

Project - Novel determinants of male fertility carried by seminal fluid extracellular vesicles

APP2019934: Chief Investigator B 

(held with CIA - Dr John Schjenken: University of Newcastle)

 AUD $899,842
 

NHMRC Project Grant

Project - The male partner contribution to pregnancy immune tolerance immune deficit in women.

APP1139509: Chief Investigator E

(held with CIA - Prof Sarah Robertson, CIB - Prof Kelton Tremellen, CIC- Prof Michelle Lane, CIE - Prof Simon Barry, and CIF - Prof Gus Dekker)

 $1,516,657
2010 

Recipient of Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Skills Competency Training Award

Project: Influence of seminal fluid and Chlamydia trachomatis infection on endocervical
epithelial cell cytokine production in vitro.


(Research project and initiation of new collaboration with A/Prof Alison Quayle and
Dr Lyndsey Buckner at Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, USA)

 AUD $7,500
2009 Recipient of inaugural Robinson Research Institute Early Career Research Grant                   
Project: Is Activin A involved in the post-coital inflammatory response in the human cervix?		 AUD $10,000
2008

Recipient of Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Colin Matthews 

Early Career Research Grant

Project: The post-coital inflammatory response in the human cervix: A potential role for Follistatin?

 AUD $10,000


 

Supervision of Research Students and teaching Experience 
2022 - Present Guest Lecturer - Research Spotlight Seminar: Principles of Human Health and Disease (PHHD)
2011 - Present   Teaching of the “Data Management and Introduction to Laboratory Safety” and “Patenting Research - working through the process” tutorials into the Human Reproductive Health III, Research Project in Reproductive Health and Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours courses
2005 - Present Co-supervisor of Honours students from the Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine
2005 - Present Supervision of Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Summer Vacation Research Scholars (4)
2000 - 2004 1st and 2nd year Medical Tutor and Examiner - Problem Based Learning, Department of Medicine,
The University of Adelaide
2000 Microbiology and Immunology practical course demonstrator and assessor for 2nd year Bachelor of Science students and 3rd year Medical students

                             

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2024 Co-Supervisor Significance of impaired immune tolerance for infertility in men. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Shreetha Ramasubramanian
2024 Co-Supervisor Significance of impaired immune tolerance for infertility in men. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Shreetha Ramasubramanian

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2020 - 2025 Co-Supervisor Functionalised surfaces for spermatozoa selection in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Soraya Rasi Ghaemi

Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
2023 - ongoing External Supervisor Novel determinants of male infertility carried by seminal plasma extracellular vesicles University of Newcastle - Doctorate Full Time Dr Elizabeth Torres Arce

Date Role Committee Institution Country
2022 - 2025 Council Society for Reproductive Biology Council Society for Reproductive Biology Australia
2019 - ongoing Secretary Society for Reproductive Biology Council Society for Reproductive Biology Australia
2019 - ongoing Member New Frontiers For A Healthy Start To Life Organising Committee Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide Australia
2018 - ongoing Member American Society for Reproductive Immunology Program Organising Committee American Society for Reproductive Immunology United States
2015 - 2016 Member Adelaide Medical and Nursing School – Look and Feel Workgroup - -
2010 - 2013 Member School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health – IP and Commercialisation Committee - -
2010 - 2012 Co-Chair School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health Research Seminar Series - -
2008 - 2012 Co-Chair Robinson Research Institute ECR / MCR Professional Development Program - -
2008 - ongoing Member Australian Society for Medical Research - -
2007 - 2012 Representative School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Research Committee - -
2007 - 2012 Representative School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health - -
2007 - 2012 Representative Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - -
2000 - 2002 Member Australian Society for Medical Research - -

Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
2017 - ongoing Editor Frontiers in Endocrinology - -
2017 - ongoing Editor Frontiers in Physiology - -
2017 - ongoing Editor Frontiers in Physiology - -
2015 - ongoing Editor Journal of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility - -

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