Giel van Dooren

Giel van Dooren is a fellow at the Australian National University's Research School of Biology. His research focuses on Apicomplexa, intracellular parasites that significantly impact human health and economic prosperity globally. These parasites include Plasmodium, the malaria-causing agent, and Toxoplasma gondii, an opportunistic pathogen. His lab primarily investigates Toxoplasma, as it provides a more accessible platform for addressing key biological questions. The lab aims to understand how these parasites acquire nutrients from host cells and convert them into essential building blocks for proliferation. Van Dooren's work also explores the development of new treatments targeting these processes. He teaches courses in cell biology and parasitology and coordinates graduate programs within the division of Biomedical Science and Biochemistry.

Giel van Dooren is a researcher in the field of Evolution, Cell Biology, and the study of Mitochondria, Transporters, and Toxoplasma. His work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular processes in parasites, particularly in Plasmodium and Toxoplasma species. He investigates the functions of organelles such as the apicoplast and mitochondrion, their metabolic roles, and the dynamics of protein import and transport. His research also explores the evolutionary origins of these organelles and their interactions with host cells during infection. Van Dooren's studies contribute to the understanding of parasite biology and potential therapeutic targets for diseases like malaria and toxoplasmosis.