Australian Fulbright distinguished chair to conduct RNA vaccine research at K-State
Friday, Sept. 13, 2024
MANHATTAN — Distinguished researcher Garry Myers from Australia's University of Technology Sydney is at Kansas State University this fall to significantly enhance ongoing research in biosecurity and synthetic RNA vaccines as part of the Australian-American Fulbright Commission.
Myers, who is the director of the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, is being hosted by the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, or NABC, at K-State's Biosecurity Research Institute for a five-month visit. He serves as the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in agriculture and life sciences at K-State.
Myers' visit aligns with his ongoing work to develop innovative mRNA vaccines targeting agriculture and biosecurity needs. With a background in microbial genomics and pathogenesis, Myers has made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of infectious diseases and the development of vaccines.
His work during this visit will focus on building capacities to leverage synthetic mRNA technology to develop multivalent vaccines for livestock, combat antimicrobial resistance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cattle.
"Kansas State University is the ideal environment for advancing this critical research," Myers said. "The resources available nearby, including the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor and the connectivity through the NABC, will enable us to push the boundaries of what's possible in agricultural biosecurity and vaccine development."
The Fulbright project that Myers is leading will explore the development of synthetic RNA vaccines specifically designed to address significant challenges in agriculture, such as antimicrobial resistance and methane emissions in livestock. His research aims to produce cost-effective, scalable solutions that can be rapidly deployed to mitigate biosecurity threats.
Myers will collaborate closely with Kansas State University researchers and other key stakeholders throughout his visit. This partnership will strengthen the relationship between the University of Technology Sydney and Kansas State University, fostering international collaboration in the fields of agriculture and biosecurity.
"We are thrilled to host Dr. Garry Myers and champion his innovative research at Kansas State University," said Marty Vanier, director of the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center. "His work has the potential to advance the way we approach biosecurity and vaccine development, and we are excited to be a part of this important effort."
Myers' research has been supported by significant funding, including a recent $1.4 million grant from the NSW Tech Central Infrastructure Fund for the establishment of the Vaccine & RNA Design Centre at the University of Technology Sydney. His work at Kansas State University will build on this foundation, utilizing the unique resources and expertise available to develop next-generation solutions for global biosecurity challenges.
"K-State is proud of our 10-plus-year partnership with Fulbright Australia to sponsor and host the only Fulbright Distinguished Chair in the United States — the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in agriculture and life sciences," said Grant Chapman, associate provost for international programs.
K-State is the first U.S. educational institutional partner of the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, which gives two Australian researchers the opportunity to undertake cutting-edge research at Kansas State University every year. The Office of International Programs manages the Fulbright Australia partnership, which is central to the global engagement activities of the university.
To arrange collaborative efforts, contact Adrian Self, operations research analyst at the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, at amself@k-state.edu or 785-236-0676.
