ANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGIES & DRUG DELIVERY PLATFORMS
With
Associate Professor Aaron Elbourne, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Melbourne, Australia | January 2026
Dr Aaron Elbourne is an ARC DECRA Fellow, Jack Brockhoff ECR Fellow, and Associate Professor within the School of Science at STEM Hub. A leader in nanomaterials, soft matter science, and interface research, Aaron’s work addresses critical challenges in health and the environment.
Since becoming an independent researcher, Aaron has held continuous funding from prestigious funders, including the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). His research is characterised by its interdisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, materials science, and engineering. His pioneering contributions to colloid therapeutics and soft matter science have driven advancements in diagnostic tools, antimicrobial technologies, and therapeutic delivery systems. His expertise in studying nanomaterial interactions with synthetic and biological membranes has been instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into impactful applications.
Aaron is a dedicated mentor to early-career researchers (ECRs) and students, having supervised and trained numerous postgraduate and doctoral candidates. He has played a key role in securing funding for student training initiatives, including joint PhD scholarships and National Industry PhD programs, which emphasise collaboration between academia and industry.
With a strong focus on translational research, Aaron’s work bridges the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. His leadership in creating innovative technologies, fostering academic-industry partnerships, and empowering future researchers underscores his commitment to advancing science and creating a meaningful impact.
Source: Supplied
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8562-7325
-
Investigating the benefits of donor human milk for preterm infants
Together, SAHMRI and Lifeblood are leading a consortium to revolutionise the way human milk, and novel products made from human milk, are used as nutritional and medical interventions to improve health outcomes in vulnerable infants, but with potential application for a diverse range of medical indications.
Currently, babies who are born early preterm – before 32 weeks – are given donor milk when their own mother’s milk is not available or in short supply. Whether donor milk is beneficial for babies born just a few weeks early is unclear, as very little research has been undertaken with these babies.
The GIFT Trial will soon commence as an investigation between SAHMRI, the University of Adelaide, the Red Cross Lifeblood Milk Bank conducted at five sites across three states in Australia.
-
Healthcare associated infection prevention
Professor Philip Russo is an internationally regarded expert in healthcare associated infection prevention, and led the recently completed the Australian National Healthcare Associated Infection Point Prevalence Survey, the first in Australia for 34 years. He is also Past President of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC), the peak body for Infection Prevention and Control professionals in the Australasian region.
-
In his father’s footsteps as a kidney transplant specialist
Since he was a young child, Dr Collins, has been interested in kidney failure and kidney transplants in particular. His father was also a kidney specialist, and he used to sit by the phone when his father, was on call and ringing people who were being offered a kidney transplant. The joy in their voices through this interaction created a lasting and profound impact on Dr Collins. This carried through his career and today he continues to seek better outcomes for Kidney patients.
