About
Justin Pachebat is a Senior Lecturer in Microbial Genomics at Aberystwyth University's Department of Life Sciences and School of Veterinary Science. He serves as an Admissions Tutor for multiple undergraduate biology schemes and as the Scheme Leader for the MRes in Parasite Control. Dr. Pachebat holds significant professional roles, including membership on the British Society for Parasitology Council (2015-present), serving as Honorary Treasurer (2018-2022), and currently providing maternity cover for this position. He is also a member of the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations Steering Committee (2015-present) and previously served on the Microbiology Society's Eukaryotic Microbiology Committee (2010-2014).
- BSc in Microbiology (Bristol University)
- MSc & Diploma in Medical Microbiology (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
- PhD in Merozoite Surface Protein 7 characterization (Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research)
- Postdoctoral research at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (2000-2007)
- Postdoctoral research at University of Cambridge (2007-2009)
Dr. Pachebat's research focuses on applying single molecule genomics and next generation sequencing technologies to characterize pathogens and study host-pathogen-microbiome interactions. His work spans diverse areas including Anopheles microbiome research, Plasmodium species characterization, Cryptosporidium genomics, Campylobacter bacteriophage studies, and microbiome analysis related to chronic diseases. His research has practical applications in developing novel diagnostics, control methods, and vaccines for pathogens affecting animals, humans, and plants.
Analysis of Dr. Pachebat's publication record reveals a consistent focus on genomic approaches to solving microbial challenges across multiple domains. His work bridges fundamental genomic research with practical applications in disease diagnosis and control, spanning agricultural, veterinary, and human health contexts. The publications demonstrate expertise in both pathogen characterization and microbiome analysis, with particular strengths in protozoan parasites and bacterial pathogens.
- Council Member of the British Society for Parasitology (2016)
- Eukaryotic Microbiology Committee of the Society for General Microbiology (2013)
- Honorary Treasurer of the British Society for Parasitology (2019)
- Member of the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations Steering Committee (2016)
Dr. Pachebat has supervised numerous postgraduate students across various programs including PhD, MPhil, MRes, and MBiol degrees. His research has been supported by multiple grants from organizations including the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Health Protection Agency, and commercial partnerships. Key projects include the Rumen Systems Biology initiative, Virus discovery in undiagnosed gastroenteritis cases, and Characterisation of bacterial endophytes in C4 energy crops. He has organized significant academic events including the 2018 BSP Spring meeting at Aberystwyth University.
Dr. Pachebat maintains extensive collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions including the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Public Health England, Cambridge University, Royal Veterinary College, and various veterinary and medical research centers. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health, food security, and environmental sustainability through research on disease control and microbial applications.
