Austin Burt

Austin Burt is a Professor of Evolutionary Genetics at the Department of Life Sciences (Silwood Park), Imperial College London. His primary research focuses on developing genetic approaches to control disease vectors, particularly mosquitoes transmitting malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. He collaborates with Prof. Andrea Crisanti on gene drive systems in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes and leads Target Malaria, a non-profit consortium advancing gene drive research for malaria elimination.

His research integrates molecular biology, population genetics, and computational modelling to design self-limiting or localized genetic interventions. Key areas include gene drive mechanisms, population suppression strategies, and genomic analysis of mosquito populations. His work addresses challenges in effective malaria control while ensuring ecological safety.

Burt's affiliations include the Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet and the Imperial College Network of Excellence in Malaria. His contributions span synthetic biology, evolutionary biology, and public health, emphasizing practical applications of genetic tools to global health challenges.