Rate Professor Freya Fowkes

Professional Summary: Professor Freya Fowkes

Professor Freya Fowkes is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a focus on infectious disease epidemiology, particularly malaria. Her work bridges laboratory science and public health, contributing significantly to global health research and policy.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Fowkes holds advanced degrees in science and public health, equipping her with a robust foundation for her interdisciplinary research. Specific details of her degrees include:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry, University of Melbourne
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Parasitology, University of Melbourne
• Master of Public Health, Monash University

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Fowkes specializes in the epidemiology and immunology of malaria, with a focus on understanding immune responses to Plasmodium infections and their implications for vaccine development and disease control. Her research interests include:

• Malaria epidemiology and immunity
• Infectious disease surveillance and control
• Global health and public health interventions

Career History and Appointments

Professor Fowkes has held numerous prestigious positions across academic and research institutions, reflecting her expertise and leadership in her field. Key appointments include:

• Professor, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne (current)
• Head, Malaria and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Burnet Institute, Melbourne
• Honorary Fellow, Burnet Institute
• Previous research roles at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Fowkes has been recognized for her contributions to infectious disease research through various awards and fellowships, including:

• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Career Development Fellowship
• Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award (2011), recognizing outstanding young researchers

Key Publications

Professor Fowkes has authored numerous high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals. A selection of her notable works includes:

• Fowkes, F.J.I., et al. 'Immunity to Malaria in an Era of Declining Malaria Transmission.' Parasitology, 2016.
• Fowkes, F.J.I., et al. 'The Relationship Between Anti-merozoite Antibodies and Incidence of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.' PLoS Medicine, 2010.
• Richards, J.S., & Fowkes, F.J.I., et al. 'Association Between Naturally Acquired Antibodies to Erythrocyte-Binding Antigens of Plasmodium falciparum and Protection from Malaria.' Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2010.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Fowkes’ research has significantly advanced the understanding of malaria immunity and epidemiology, influencing vaccine development strategies and public health policies in malaria-endemic regions. Her work is widely cited and has contributed to international collaborations aimed at reducing the global burden of malaria. She is recognized as a leader in integrating immunological data with epidemiological models to inform disease control strategies.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Fowkes actively engages with the academic and public health communities through various roles and contributions, including:

• Invited speaker at international conferences on malaria and infectious diseases
• Member of advisory committees for malaria research and global health initiatives
• Editorial board member and peer reviewer for leading journals in epidemiology and parasitology