Professor Painter obtained his PhD in chemistry from the University of Otago in 1995 (synthetic methodology) which was followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge (the synthesis of inositol phospholipids for the elucidation of PI3K pathways). Since joining the Ferrier Research Institute in New Zealand his research laboratory has focussed on the synthesis of lipid-based materials including phosphatidyl inositol mannosides, glycolipids, glycolipid-peptide conjugates and novel lipid nano-delivery vehicles for encapsulation of various vaccine components including RNA, peptides, glycolipids and various immune stimulates. Professor Painter has a strong interest in the immunological evaluation of vaccines and vaccine components. He holds a joint position with the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research Wellington New Zealand incorporating multiple national and international collaborations with immunologists.