The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) acknowledges recent reporting regarding its koala chlamydia vaccine research and reiterates its commitment to rigorous, transparent and evidence‑based science.

UniSC strongly supports Professor Peter Timms and the wider research team. This vaccine work, undertaken over more than a decade, reflects deep expertise, robust governance and a clear commitment to evidence‑based research. Professor Timms is widely recognised nationally and internationally as a leading authority on chlamydial disease. 

UniSC’s research into chlamydia in koalas builds on three decades of work and has produced a growing body of peer‑reviewed publications. The University continues to work closely with regulators, partners and the wider scientific community to further validate and refine this promising research. 

Vaccine development is an iterative process. As new data emerge, it is standard scientific practice to reassess, refine and, where necessary, correct analyses. UniSC researchers have been transparent in acknowledging minor data errors, have updated analyses, and are progressing these through established peer‑review processes. 

Updated analysis continues to show a significant difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated koalas in reducing disease development. In relation to survival, there is a trend of a lower death rate in the vaccinated group. However, due to the reduced sample size this result is no longer statistically significant. 

Questions relating to one analysis do not define this program. They are being addressed through the same rigorous scientific review, refinement and oversight that have underpinned this work from the outset. This is how credible science is conducted. 

Research data have been made available for other scientists to examine and build upon, while also balancing the need to protect commercially sensitive information and intellectual property as the research process continues. 

The vaccine roll-out has not been suspended. It is not currently being used while UniSC’s manufacturing partner produces a high-quality batch of the vaccine to Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) standards. Once the batch is ready, it will be tested for safety and immunogenicity, initially in healthy koalas. If it passes this stage, it will then be evaluated fully in a group of wild koalas for safety, immune and protective response. 

The research program is progressing through appropriate manufacturing and regulatory stages, including the production of a new batch that meets APVMA standards. This will undergo further safety and immune response testing before any future field evaluation. 

UniSC recognises the important role of universities in the development of vaccines that have a public good, but may not have a commercial market. We are one of several universities working on the development of a koala chlamydia vaccine and we wish them all success in addressing this important issue.  

UniSC remains confident in the integrity of its koala chlamydia vaccine research and its potential to contribute to the long-term protection of koala populations.