Dr Gough Au

Dr Gough Au is a Senior Research Consultant/Project Manager in the International Program at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP). The International Program is responsible for implementing laboratory capacity-building projects across the Asia-Pacific region and is comprised of a skilled, diverse team of project leads with technical expertise, supported by technical advisors and locally engaged staff who provide country-specific support.

Dr Au has over 18 years of virology research experience in both an academic and industry setting at The University of Newcastle (Australia) and Viralytics Ltd respectively. Gough’s background is in picornavirus research and the development of a novel naturally-occurring oncolytic virus for the treatment of human cancers (Viralytics Ltd/The University of Newcastle).
More recently, Dr Au has worked as a Research Scientist with the Dangerous Pathogens Team, delivering impactful research on zoonotic and emerging viruses of high consequence to human health. The team has expertise working with a range of Risk Group 4 pathogens including filoviruses and henipaviruses, developing and refining animal models for testing new therapeutics and vaccines. Starting in January 2020, the team played an important role in the development of a ferret model for SARS-CoV-2 and performed pre-clinical testing of several vaccine candidates in partnership with CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), contributing strongly to the global COVID-19 response.