Dr Li Zhang is an Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She completed an MBBS at Fudan University (Shanghai) and a PhD at the University of Cambridge. Following her PhD, she undertook postdoctoral research at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, National University of Singapore, before joining UNSW. Prior to her PhD study Dr Zhang worked as a clinician at the China–Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing.  

 A/Prof Zhang leads a research program on gut pathogens and inflammatory disease. Her pioneering research on human-hosted Campylobacter species, particularly Campylobacter concisus, has led to the identification of two genomospecies, plasmid-encoded virulence factors and links with inflammatory bowel disease. A second major research focus is Aeromonas species, emerging human enteric pathogens; her team has shown Aeromonas is among the most common bacterial causes of gastroenteritis in Australia and is investigating pathogenic mechanisms, sources of infection, and targeted strategies for prevention and treatment.