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  5. Angus Watson
Our people

Angus Watson

Research assistant

Working groups

angus.watson@burnet.edu.au
+61402422279
Angus Watson

Background

Angus is a research assistant in the Burnet Diagnostics Initiative (BDI). He is passionate about disease elimination, novel therapeutic treatments, and developing point of care tests. Angus has worked in the diagnostic sector for several years with infectious disease relating to both human (SARS CoV-2, Bacteroides sp., JEV), and animal health (FMD, LSD, BVD).

Angus’ MSc in the Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology (MAPP) at La Trobe University examined the immune mechanisms and susceptibility of Australian molluscs following viral challenge.

Qualifications

  • 2023: MSc (Virology/Microbiology), La Trobe University, Australia
  • 2022: Hons (Virology/Microbiology), La Trobe University, Australia
  • 2021: BSc, La Trobe University, Australia

Positions

  • 2024–current: Burnet Diagnostic Initiative – Burnet Institute
    2023–2024: Zip Diagnostics

Awards

  • 2022: La Trobe Higher Degree Research (HDR) Symposium Best Poster Runner-Up  
  • 2021: La Trobe R.D. Schnagl Award
  • 2021: Australian Society for Parasitology Undergraduate Prize
  • 2021: Australian Society of Microbiology (ASM) Microbial Art Prize

Publications

Watson A, Agius J, Ackerly D, Beddoe T, Helbig K. The Role of Anti-Viral Effector Molecules in Mollusc Hemolymph. 2022 Feb 23;12(3):345. doi: 10.3390/biom12030345. PMID: 35327536; PMCID: PMC8945852.

Watson A. Examining the Immune Mechanisms and Susceptibility of Abalone Following Viral Challenge. 2023 Jul 12. Thesis

Burnet publications

15 Apr 2025

Reducing the impact of HaHV-1 in Australian abalone: the role of age and immune priming

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Angus C Watson

01 Jan 2023

Supplementary Data. Effector Molecule Analysis.xlsx

Figshare

Angus C Watson

23 Feb 2022

The Role of Anti-Viral Effector Molecules in Mollusc Hemolymph

Biomolecules

Angus C Watson

Current projects

Development of a novel antibody for treatment and prevention of respiratory disease
Open to students

Development of a novel antibody for treatment and prevention of respiratory disease

We’re developing a novel class of antibody and delivery technologies to provide enhanced protection and therapeutic performance for coronaviruses and other respiratory infections.

Liver health screening test

Liver health screening test

A rapid point-of-care (POC) test for liver disease biomarkers could improve the management of acute and chronic liver disease and reduce the progression to liver cancer in Australia and globally.

Diagnosis of active syphilis
Open to students

Diagnosis of active syphilis

We're developing point-of-care diagnostics for active syphilis, aiming to transform syphilis management globally and contribute to World Health Organization goals.

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