Dr Gobert is an internationally recognised researcher in the field of helminth biology, and more specifically transcriptional profiling of the blood fluke Schistosoma. Schistosomiasis is a major human disease of tropical and sub-tropical countries. He has published extensively in peer reviewed journals, and contributed to two book chapters, in the fields of parasitology and cellular/molecular biology. His research interests cover a range of fields including Leishmania detection, schistosome calcium homeostasis and drug design, microbiomes and helminths, schistosome induced hepatic granuloma formation and resolution, and helminth tegumental structure/function. Overall his research agenda and expertise falls under the broad banner of host-parasite interactions, and the use of transcriptomics, functional genomics and cellular biology. He has active research collaboration with groups in Australia, USA, Thailand, China and Tanzania. His local research collaborations include the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, NUI-Galway, Kingston University, and the Sanger Institute.

Editorial Board

Molecular and Biochemcial Parasitology, Special Contents Editor (since 2021)

BMC Infectious Diseases (Since 2020)

Experimental Parasitology (since 2009)

PLoS One (Associate Editor 2011-2015)

Awards

2008: NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia) Parasitology Network Travel Bursary.

2006: Australian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Visits Program.

2005: Travel Award, NHMRC Australia.

2002: Howard Florey Centenary Research Fellowship, NHMRC Australia.

1998: 5th Biennial Goodchild Award, Australian Society for Electron Microscopy.

1998: Dean’s Award for Excellence, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology.

My research is primarily focused on host-pathogen interactions, specifically schistosome parasites and hepatic inflammation/granuloma formation. I am particularly interested in the identification of specific parasite factors that suppress host fibrosis and inflammation, which could represent valuable cellular regenerative options for a broad range of hepatic diseases, beyond those caused by helminths.

I am interested in exosome biology, and investigating miRNA and protein populations packaged within these structures derived from parasites. The impact of exosomes on the host microenvironment and immunopathology is a particular research priority.

I lead research projects investigating how the Calcium Signalling Pathway is pivotal to the mode of action of the anthelmintic praziquantel in schistosomes. Specific components within this pathway represent pivotal factors essential for parasite survival after drug administration. The targeting of these components represent an important strategy for the future development of new anthelmintic compounds.

I strive to answer biological questions investigating the molecular and cellular aspects of parasite disease. I utilise leading research methods such as transcriptomics (microarray and RNAseq), advanced microscopy (including electron microscopy and laser microdissection capture) and gene atlasing, and have published in the areas of immunological signaling and regulation, as associated with parasite induced hepatic fibrosis. I am interested in further expanding my research into antigen processing and presentation in the liver, using in vitro, ex vivo and in vitro techniques I have recently established.