University of South Australia - Australia
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Zlatko Kopecki's academic journey began with his role as a Technical Officer in Histopathology at Clinpath Laboratories from 2003 to 2005, followed by a position as a Medical Scientist in Histopathology at Adelaide Pathology Partners from 2005 to 2011. During this period, he honed his skills in laboratory medicine, culminating in earning the Terumo Prize for Excellence in Laboratory Medicine with Honours from the University of South Australia (UniSA) in 2007. His dedication to his field was further recognized with a Dean’s Commendation for the quality of his Ph.D. thesis at the University of Adelaide in 2011.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Kopecki's professional career is marked by several notable appointments. From 2010 to 2012, he served as a Research Officer at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where he began to establish his research credentials. His trajectory continued with a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Early Career Researcher (ECR) Fellowship at UniSA from 2012 to 2015, during which he also held an honorary research fellowship at Queen Mary University of London. He progressed to the role of Senior Research Fellow at UniSA's Future Industries Institute (FII) from 2015 to 2021. His international engagements included visiting research fellowships at the University of Freiburg (2010), University of Lübeck (2017), and the University of Bath (2020).
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Kopecki's research has consistently focused on innovative approaches to wound management and therapy for rare skin diseases, particularly Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). He has pioneered the development of biofilm-disrupting technologies and stimuli-responsive wound dressings, as well as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). His work also includes the development of antiseptic wound cleansers, medicated hydrogels, and antimicrobial materials for treating infections. His research employs various animal models to answer critical questions about wound infection and skin diseases, contributing significantly to product development and commercialization pathways.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Kopecki's contributions to research and patient advocacy have been recognized with numerous awards. Notable among these are the Young Investigator of the Year Award from the Australasian Wound & Tissue Repair Society (AWTRS) in 2016 and the Tall Poppy Award for outstanding scientific achievements in South Australia in 2017. His innovative research has also earned him prestigious grants, including multiple NHMRC Ideas Grants and the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship for Experienced Researchers (2024-2026).
Impact and Influence
Dr. Kopecki's influence extends beyond his research to impactful patient advocacy. Since 2009, he has been actively involved with DEBRA (an international patient support organization for those affected by EB), where he has held various leadership positions. His efforts have led to significant initiatives, such as the National EB Dressing Scheme in Australia and the In Home Nurse Program, which have greatly improved patient care. His work with DEBRA International during the Ukrainian conflict highlights his commitment to global patient advocacy, providing essential support to EB patients affected by the war.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Kopecki's legacy is marked by his dedication to improving the lives of those with rare skin diseases through both research and advocacy. His innovative approaches in developing new therapies and his active role in patient support programs have set new standards in the field. Looking forward, Dr. Kopecki aims to continue his pioneering research, focusing on translating his findings into clinical practice to benefit patients worldwide. His ongoing collaborations with industry partners and his involvement in global patient advocacy programs ensure that his work will continue to have a significant impact on the field of wound management and rare skin diseases.
Citations
A total of 1592 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.
- Citations 1592
- h-index 24
- i10-index 42
Notable Publication