Chris van der Gast

Chris van der Gast is a Professor of Microbiome Ecology at Northumbria University, with visiting professorships at Dartmouth College (Cystic Fibrosis) and the University of Warwick (Microbial Ecology). He holds an honorary role as Consultant Microbiologist at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust. He completed his DPhil at the University of Oxford and has extensive industry collaboration experience with firms like BP, Shell, and Ford Motor Company. He co-founded Microbial Solutions Ltd, a NERC spin-out focused on wastewater bioremediation using microbial consortia.

His research focuses on microbiome roles in health/disease, particularly cystic fibrosis lung and gut microbiota. During the pandemic, he advised the UK government’s Environmental Monitoring for Health Programme, using wastewater epidemiology to track SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and guide public health measures in Greater Manchester and Tees Valley. His work integrates ecological models, omics technologies, and longitudinal patient studies to understand microbiome complexity.

Recent articles emphasize cystic fibrosis microbiome dynamics, antibiotic therapy impacts, and agricultural microbiome responses. His studies bridge fundamental ecology with clinical applications, aiming to translate microbial insights into healthcare and environmental solutions.

Collaborations span academia and industry, with notable projects in cystic fibrosis, wastewater treatment, and agricultural biotechnology. His interdisciplinary approach addresses challenges in chronic disease, environmental sustainability, and public health monitoring.