The Petrovski Lab specialises in microbial genetics, with a particular focus on mobile genetic elements such as transposons, plasmids, and bacteriophages. Current research projects include investigating the epidemiology and molecular mechanisms of the Tn5053/Tn402 family of transposons. The laboratory also explores the evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance plasmids, examining their conjugation functions and identifying proteins that interfere with their ability to transfer between bacteria.

Another major research area involves the isolation and genetic characterisation of bacteriophages that infect clinically significant and environmental bacteria. These studies aim to develop practical applications for bacteriophages, including phage therapy and biocontrol strategies. Active projects include creating bacteriophage cocktails to address operational issues in wastewater treatment plants and developing novel pharmaceutical products containing bacteriophages to combat bacterial infections. The lab is also working on methods to genetically manipulate bacteriophages to produce biosensors for diagnostic and environmental monitoring purposes.

In collaboration with Data Biome (www.databiome.au), the Petrovski Lab is investigating beneficial bacteria that naturally reside in the rumen of cattle. These bacteria have the potential to serve as probiotics that reduce methane emissions by rapidly utilising hydrogen, thereby disrupting the cycle that generates methane. This work supports efforts to improve sustainability in the livestock industry and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Steve Petrovski obtained his PhD in 2008, focusing on the genetic diversity of transposable elements associated with broad host range plasmids. He completed a three-year postdoctoral position at La Trobe University, where he worked on bacteriophage-based biocontrol methods for wastewater foaming. Steve later joined the Department of Primary Industries, gaining expertise in Illumina next-generation sequencing technology, and subsequently worked as a hospital medical scientist before establishing his own research laboratory at La Trobe University.