Dr Grace Burns is a postdoctoral researcher in Immunology and Microbiology, working in the Centre of Research Excellence in Digestive Health. Her research focuses on the immune system’s role in gastrointestinal diseases, particularly how small intestinal homeostasis imbalances contribute to inappropriate immune responses, gut-brain interactions, and food allergies/intolerances.

Awarded her PhD in 2021, Grace’s work centered on immune pathways driving functional dyspepsia (FD) symptoms. Her research highlights that FD, often diagnosed based on self-reported symptoms and negative endoscopic results, is linked to disruptions in homeostasis and immune activation. She has identified a potential diagnostic marker in the small intestinal microbiota alterations and explored immune cell population differences between FD patients and controls to better understand disease mechanisms.

Grace earned a Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathology)/Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology double degree from Charles Sturt University in 2015, followed by a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours First Class) in 2016 at Newcastle, where she studied immune responses to food proteins post-antibiotic treatment.

Despite being early in her career, Grace has published over 30 papers, secured more than $100k in funding as a lead investigator, and co-supervises three PhD students. She has also supervised six Honours candidates to first-class completion.

Grace actively contributes to the peer review process for leading gastroenterology journals and engages in community outreach, including seminars on gastrointestinal disorders and gut health. She has presented the HMRI Poo Palace at HMRI Open Days and the Newcastle Show, showcasing her research and community education initiatives.