Mike Barer

Mike Barer is a Clinical Professor and Honorary Consultant Microbiologist at the University of Leicester's Department of Respiratory Sciences. His research focuses on microbial interactions with humans, particularly airborne infections like Tuberculosis and COVID-19. He pioneered the use of 3D-printed polyvinyl acetate strips in facemasks to trap exhaled pathogens, demonstrating that mask-trapped microbes better indicate infectiousness than traditional tests. His work is part of the University's Global Challenges Research Fund portfolio, collaborating with international partners to address global health disparities.

Research interests include the physiology of bacteria and its relation to infection patterns, with specific studies on TB and the lung microbiome in health/disease contexts. His team's innovations in pathogen detection via facemasks represent a novel approach to public health monitoring.

Mike's academic contributions align with interdisciplinary efforts to combat infectious diseases through cutting-edge methodologies and global partnerships.