Dr Chris McMillan is a virologist who researches novel vaccine designs and delivery for viruses, including Polio, seasonal influenza, flaviviruses such as Dengue virus, as well as novel and emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and highly-pathogenic avian influenza.

His work uses a range of vaccine modalities, including recombinant proteins, virus-like particles, and more recently nucleic acid vaccines (DNA and mRNA).

To maximise vaccine efficacy, his research explores delivery of these vaccines using a high-density microarray patch delivery platform, which results in targeted vaccine delivery to the immune-rich layers of the skin. Recent work involves delivery of nucleic acid vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza via the microarray patch system to create a potent, agile vaccine platform system to aid in Australia’s preparedness for future pandemics.