Emeritus Professor Warren Grubb

Warren Grubb joined WAIT in 1979 and was among the first to obtain National Health and Medical Research Council grants, which contributed to the Institute’s case for university status. His molecular genetic studies on methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or golden staph led to the development of world-leading policies to prevent its spread in hospitals.  Through his research, episodes of MRSA and VRE ‘superbug’ outbreaks have been contained, saving patient lives and reducing health care costs. 

Grubb’s research on MRSA continues to this day and publications by his group and collaborators contribute substantially to the high Excellence in Research Australia rating for Microbiology at Curtin. He was also a Foundation member of the University’s Research and Development Committee and the Faculty of Health Science’s Human Research Ethics Committee, and was awarded Emeritus status in 2003.  He received the Faculty of Health Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.