Erin Brazel is a Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide, where she leads the Molecular & Translational Microbiology Group, and is also Director of Microbiology at GPN Vaccines. Her research focuses on understanding host-pathogen interactions and applying these insights to the design and development of novel vaccines and therapeutics. She has over ten years’ experience in pneumococcal biology and translational microbiology, spanning from fundamental mechanisms of pathogenesis to the preclinical evaluation of new vaccine candidates. Erin completed her PhD in pneumococcal biology and therapeutic development at the University of Adelaide in 2020 and has since established a growing team of researchers and graduate students working across fundamental biology, vaccine design and translational strategy. She has secured more than $1 million in research, fellowship and student support funding and is a co-inventor on three patents in Streptococcal vaccine design. In 2024, she received the prestigious Passe & Williams Foundation Fellowship.

The Brazel Lab investigates how bacteria cause disease and how we can better prevent or treat these infections. Our work spans molecular microbiology and translational research, with a strong focus on developing new tools to combat antimicrobial resistance. We study bacterial pathogens that impact both human and animal health, particularly those that drive infection burden and are difficult to treat with existing therapies.

We are a multidisciplinary group of microbiologists, biochemists, and translational researchers working to connect fundamental discovery with real-world impact.

Brazel Lab Group Photo 2024, L-R: Jack Basso, Dr Nicholas Maczuga, Rachel Chin, Kate Whyte, Dr Erin Brazel, Catherine Scougall, Dr Chloe Gates, and Carla Gallasch.

Fundamental Research in Bacterial Pathogenesis

Our lab studies the molecular mechanisms that underlie bacterial virulence, host interaction, and adaptation to different environments within the body. We use a combination of microbiological, biochemical, and immunological approaches to explore how bacteria survive and persist in the host.

One area of focus is how bacteria sense their surroundings and adjust their behaviour accordingly - including through cell-to-cell communication systems like quorum sensing. These systems allow bacteria to coordinate activities such as biofilm formation, immune evasion, and the production of virulence factors. By understanding these communication networks, we aim to uncover new ways to target and disrupt bacterial infections.

Vaccine Design and Development

We also work on the development of whole cell inactivated vaccines targeting priority bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus suis. Our group leads efforts in vaccine design, optimisation, and preclinical testing, with an emphasis on serotype-independent approaches that overcome the limitations of current vaccines in terms of coverage, cost, and scalability.

Our team collaborates closely with GPN Vaccines to align research activities for clinical and commercial development. This includes our lead pneumococcal vaccine candidate, Gamma-PN3, which is currently in Phase I clinical trials. Other vaccines developed in the lab include Gamma-HI (targeting respiratory and ear infections), Gamma-SU (for use in swine), and Gamma-OM, a multi-pathogen formulation under development to prevent childhood otitis media, supported by the Passe & Williams Foundation.

Mentoring and Research Training

Training and mentorship are a key part of our work. We support early-career researchers through hands-on experience in both academic and industry-linked research, with opportunities to build skills in experimental design, critical thinking, and translational science.

Students interested in undertaking Honours, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or PhD research in the Brazel Lab at the University of Adelaide are encouraged to get in touch to discuss current opportunities: erin.brazel@adelaide.edu.au