Lyman Tze Kin Ngiam

Dr Lyman Tze Kin Ngiam is a bacteriophage biologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland. His research focuses on understanding bacteriophage–bacterial pathogen interactions, particularly involving ESKAPE pathogens, with the goal of developing effective phage-based biocontrol and therapeutic strategies to combat the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Central to Dr Ngiam’s work is the study of bacteriophage biology, including phage-bacteria interactions and bacterial defence mechanisms against bacteriophage.

His current research aims to translate fundamental phage biology that can be applied as novel antimicrobial agent. This includes investigating phage optimisation strategies, such as phage training and the use of adjuvants including antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides, to improve phage efficacy and therapeutic potential. In parallel, Dr Ngiam is actively exploring the biotechnological applications of bacteriophages as sustainable bicontrol agent and diagnostics within the agricultural and livestock sectors.

Alongside his phage-based research, Dr Ngiam is also engaged in industry-based multidisciplinary and translational projects within CeASTAR, with strong emphasis on addressing antimicrobial resistance. These projects include development of surveillance tool to monitor AMR in the environment, investigation of novel compounds for disinfection of animal shed and eradication of biofilms in water distrbibution system.