Mick Urbaniak

Professor Mick Urbaniak is a Professor in the Biomedical and Life Sciences Department at Lancaster University, affiliated with the Data Science Institute. His research focuses on tropical infectious diseases, particularly trypanosomatid parasites including Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania species.

His research interests include:

• Molecular mechanisms of parasite-host interactions
• Cell cycle regulation in trypanosomatids
• Iron sensing and response mechanisms in parasites
• Heat shock signaling in Trypanosoma species
• Translating basic research into early-stage drug discovery for neglected tropical diseases

Professor Urbaniak's laboratory employs a combination of genetics, cell biology, and proteomics approaches. They have pioneered stable isotopic labelling (SILAC) in T. brucei for global quantitative proteomic analysis and developed methods for quantifying phosphorylation changes in cells.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on molecular detection methods for parasites, genome analysis of Leishmania, and understanding cell cycle regulation in trypanosomatids. The research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications.

Professor Urbaniak has received several professional recognitions:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology
• Senior Fellow of Advance HE
• Member of the Royal Society of Biology
• Royal Society of Biology Ambassador

He actively supervises PhD and MRes students, offering projects on parasite sensing mechanisms, cell division cycle regulation, and behavioral changes related to infection. Professor Urbaniak serves as an external examiner for PhD and master's programs and reviews grants for organizations including Wellcome Trust, BBSRC, and MRC. He also engages in outreach activities as a registered STEM ambassador.