Anukriti Mathur, a lead researcher and PHD student from The John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) has received the 2019 Australian Society for Microbiology Nancy Millis Award (NSW/ACT).

Ms Mathur’s research has uncovered how Bacillus Cereus, found in bacterial infections such as food poisoning, interacts with our immune system and how to treat it.

"We discovered the toxin directly binds to the cell and punches holes to kill the cell, the immune system responds to the infection and has a reaction,” said Ms Mathur.

"Because we now know how the bacteria and the toxins work, we can fight it and find ways to use the immune system against it."

The bacteria is commonly found in household foods and will grow if food is not stored or reheated at the correct temperature.

Ms Mathur said she is excited that her important research has been given this recognition.

“To be recognised by such a prestigious award at this stage in my career is an incredible honour,” she said.

Ms Mathur will give a presentation about her research at the ASI Annual Scientific Meeting in Adelaide this year.