Kate Seib wins prestigious ASM Frank Fenner Award

Dr Kate Seib in a laboratory
2016 ASM Frank Fenner recipient Dr Kate Seib

A Griffith University microbiologist has been recognised for her distinguished contributions to microbiology research in Australia.

Dr Kate Seib, from theInstitute for Glycomics, is the winner of this year’sAustralian Society for Microbiology (ASM) Frank Fenner Award.

“It’s a tremendous honour to be receiving this award, but at the same time it also demonstrates the outstanding work of my research team and collaborators, and the valuable contribution that the funding agencies and industry partners have made to my research,” Dr Seib said.

“I am extremely grateful to the funders and supporters of my research who recognise the importance of finding new vaccine targets for diseases which cause meningitis, gonorrhoea and middle ear infections.

“Studying these diseases is essential as they affect such a large number of people worldwide.”

The prestigious accolade is given annually by ASM to an outstanding microbiologist in a formative stage of their career.

Dr Seib’s extensive research includes investigating the processes involved in host colonisation and disease, which aim to identify therapeutic targets of mucosal pathogens including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitides, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Escherichia coli.


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She has published over 40 scientific papers, including in high-ranking journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,PLoS Pathogens, andPLoS Genetics, which combined together, have accrued more than 1457 citations to date.

Institute for Glycomics Director Professor Mark von Itzsteincongratulated Dr Seib on her outstanding achievement.

“We are delighted that Kate is this year’s recipient of this annual premier award,” Professor von Itzstein said.

“It is a significant recognition of her work and she joins a prestigious who’s who of Australian microbiology.”