Can Zhao

Dr. Can Zhao is a Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at Manchester Metropolitan University, focusing on antifungal drug discovery and fungal pathogenicity, particularly targeting WHO-priority pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. He holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and previously co-directed the MSc Infection Biology programme at the University of Manchester.

Research explores fungal signaling pathways, antifungal resistance mechanisms, and therapeutic development using interdisciplinary approaches. Current projects include genomic studies of fungal invasion and pre-clinical development of antifungal compounds and diagnostics. Publications appear in high-impact journals including Nature Communications and Angewandte Chemie.

He co-founded InPepCide Ltd, a spinout company developing antifungal therapeutics, and mentors PhD/MRes students. Conference contributions include invited talks at the European Conference on Fungal Genetics and BSMM Annual Scientific Meetings.