Projects per year
Personal profile
Biography
Matt is a Lecturer and Research Group Leader in the School of Biological Sciences with interests in Medical Microbiology and Environmental Microbiology. Matt's research studies how pathogenic bacteria sense and respond to changes in their environment (ie. the human body) and how they exploit diverse niches to grow and proliferate. Matt also has expertise in studying metabolic pathways for nitrogen and sulphur cycling in environmentally-relevant bacteria, and how these microbial processes contribute to regulation of our climate.
Key Research Interests
Research Interests:
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Understanding novel mechanisms of virulence and pathogenesis in Group B Streptococcus
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Defining new ways that bacteria can make or break the important osmolyte dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP)
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Investigating molecular mechanisms of nitrous oxide (N2O) production, a potent global-warming gas released by bacteria
Career
- Lecturer in Microbiology, UEA (2022-present)
- Senior Research Fellow, Griffith University, Australia (2019-2022)
- Research Fellow, Griffith University, Australia (2014-2018)
- Post-doctoral Research Associate, UEA (2011-2014)
- PhD in Molecular Microbiology, UEA (2007-2011)
- BSc Hons, Biological Sciences, UEA (2004-2007)
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
External positions
Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Griffith University Queensland
25 Nov 2022 → …
Senior Research Fellow, Griffith University Queensland
1 Jan 2019 → 5 Aug 2022
Research Fellow, Griffith University Queensland
1 Feb 2014 → 31 Dec 2018
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
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A new understanding of nitrogen metabolism in pathogenic and environmental bacteria
1/02/25 → 31/01/26
Project: Training
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A new understanding of nitrogen metabolism in pathogenic Streptococcus
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Cultural Bureau, London
1/10/24 → 30/09/25
Project: Training
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A new role for amino acid pathways in subverting metal stress in Streptococcus
14/08/24 → 13/08/26
Project: Research
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Understanding novel ways that bacteria drive virulence by subverting metal ion intoxication
1/01/23 → 31/12/26
Project: Research
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Exploring the role of arginine catabolism in Zn homeostasis in Streptococcus
3/07/23 → 25/08/23
Project: Research
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A convergent evolutionary pathway attenuating cellulose production drives enhanced virulence of some bacteria
Nhu, N. T. K., Rahman, M. A., Goh, K. G. K., Kim, S. J., Phan, M-D., Peters, K. M., Alvarez-Fraga, L., Hancock, S. J., Ravi, C., Kidd, T. J., Sullivan, M. J., Irvine, K. M., Beatson, S. A., Sweet, M. J., Irwin, A. D., Vukovic, J., Ulett, G. C., Hasnain, S. Z. & Schembri, M. A., 21 Feb 2024, In: Nature Communications. 15, 1, 1441.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Citations (Scopus)7 Downloads (Pure) -
Alterations in cell arrangements of group B streptococcus due to virulence factor expression can bias estimates of bacterial populations based on colony count measures
Thapa, R., Goh, K. G. K., Desai, D., Copeman, E., Acharya, D., Sullivan, M. J. & Ulett, G. C., 24 Apr 2024, In: Microbiology. 170, 4, 001453.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile8 Downloads (Pure) -
An opportunistic pathogen under stress: How Group B Streptococcus responds to cytotoxic reactive species and conditions of metal ion imbalance to survive
Goh, K. G. K., Desai, D., Thapa, R., Prince, D., Acharya, D., Sullivan, M. J. & Ulett, G. C., May 2024, In: FEMS Microbiology Reviews. 48, 3, fuae009.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open AccessFile5 Downloads (Pure) -
Resisting death by metal: Metabolism and Cu/Zn homeostasis in bacteria
Sullivan, M. J., Terán, I., Goh, K. G. K. & Ulett, G. C., Feb 2024, In: Emerging Topics in Life Sciences. 8, 1, p. 45-56 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)13 Downloads (Pure) -
Dual RNA sequencing of group B Streptococcus-infected human monocytes reveals new insights into host–pathogen interactions and bacterial evasion of phagocytosis
Sullivan, M. J., Prince, D., Goh, K. G. K., Katupitiya, L., Gosling, D., Crowley, M. R., Crossman, D. K. & Ulett, G. C., 6 Feb 2023, In: Scientific Reports. 13, 2137.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile6 Citations (Scopus)7 Downloads (Pure)
Prizes
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Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award
Sullivan, Matthew (Recipient), 2024
Prize: Fellowship awarded competitively
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Australian Society of Microbiology, Professional Member (MASM)
Sullivan, Matthew (Recipient), Mar 2019
Prize: Election to learned society
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Best Poster, Streptococcal Infections LISSSD 2017
Sullivan, Matthew (Recipient), Oct 2017
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Industry Supported Travel Award
Sullivan, Matthew (Recipient), 2018
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Young Scientist Travel Award, ESCMID
Sullivan, Matthew (Recipient), Oct 2017
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Activities
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Quadram Institute Student Science Showcase
Matthew Sullivan (Keynote/plenary speaker)
11 Dec 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Invited talk
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UEA BIO Research Colloquium
Matthew Sullivan (Invited speaker)
14 Jul 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference
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National Health and Medical Research Council (External organisation)
Matthew Sullivan (Member)
Jun 2023 → Aug 2023Activity: Membership › Peer review panel
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Microbes In Norwich
Matthew Sullivan (Speaker)
9 Feb 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference
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17th BacPath Conference, Brisbane
Matthew Sullivan (Organiser)
2022Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference
Press/Media
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Australian Women's Weekly Article
1/02/18
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Media Coverage or Contribution
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Radio Interview, BBC Radio 4 Farming Today
26/09/13
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Media Coverage or Contribution