Dr Kurtis Budden is an early career researcher in the Immune Health Research Program. He received his PhD in Immunology and Microbiology from the University of Newcastle in 2020, for his work investigating the use of microbial metabolites to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Since then, his work has expanded to investigate the broader involvement of the lung and gastrointestinal microbiome in a range of chronic diseases, including asthma, COPD, lung cancer and healthy ageing.

In particular, his work has focused on investigating the modification of the microbiome and host immune functions by targeted dietary interventions. This has included both fundamental (basic) research and clinical trials.

Recently, he has begun investigating the impact of pollution and bushfire smoke on immune function and the airways, and is establishing models to investigate liver disease in cystic fibrosis.

Kurtis is passionate about seeing medical research used to alleviate human suffering, particularly in under-served communities, and hopes that his research will be a part of that process. He is also enthusiastic about helping students and young researchers to develop to their full potential. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.