New Co-directors for the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases

Dr Lea-Ann Kirkham and Dr Chris Blyth have been appointed as Co-Directors

The Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases has appointed two new Co-directors – Dr Lea-Ann Kirkham and Dr Chris Blyth.

Dr Kirkham is an infectious diseases microbiologist and Co-head of the Centre’s Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease Group, while Dr Blyth is a paediatrician and Co-head of the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology.

After six years in the role, outgoing Director Dr Tom Snelling is confident that the newly-appointed Co-directors will excel in their positions.

“Dr Kirkham and Dr Blyth are already well-respected infectious disease researchers and excellent leaders who bring together complementary backgrounds and skillsets,” says Dr Snelling.

“Dr Blyth has the benefit of being hands on with the patients in a clinical setting whilst participating in the latest research on influenza, pneumonia and immunisation, whilst Dr Kirkham brings essential knowledge as a microbiologist in the laboratory, collaborating closely with clinicians to develop the most effective vaccines and therapies to treat and prevent respiratory and middle ear infections.

“Their combined knowledge and experience will ensure the Wesfarmers Centre continues to thrive as a global centre of children’s infectious disease research”.

Dr Kirkham and Dr Blyth will take up their positions as of 1 July, 2019.

First published Thursday 13 June 2019.

Introducing our New Co-directors

Dr Lea-Ann Kirkham

Dr Lea-Ann Kirkham is an internationally respected infectious diseases microbiologist and Co-head of the Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease Group at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases. Her vision is to develop improved therapies, including vaccines and vaccine schedules, to significantly reduce the global burden of childhood ear and lung diseases.

Originating from Scotland, Dr Kirkham has always had a passion for infectious diseases research. Her PhD research at Glasgow University led to development of a vaccine antigen to prevent pneumonia and meningitis, and Dr Kirkham is dedicated to sharing her broad range of knowledge and experience in this field by mentoring early career researchers and guiding their career progression.

Dr Chris Blyth

Dr Chris Blyth is Head of Infectious Diseases at Perth Children’s Hospital and Co-head of the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases. As a paediatrician working with patients in a clinical setting, Dr Blyth has first-hand knowledge of deadly diseases affecting children and is heavily involved in the latest national and global research on influenza, pneumonia and immunisation.

Dr Blyth completed his PhD at the University of Western Australia by focusing on the WA preschool influenza vaccination program, and this work was instrumental in influencing national influenza policy and ensuring all children aged under five years receives a free flu vaccine.

Dr Blyth is a vocal advocate for childhood immunisation and is dedicated to educating the general public about the benefits of immunisation through media interviews and online articles.