Roger Pickup

Professor Roger Pickup is a Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Health at Lancaster University's Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, within the Faculty of Health and Medicine. His research focuses on 'Environment and human health,' particularly molecular microbial ecology and environmental microbiology. Key interests include non-tuberculous mycobacteria, antibiotic resistance in natural and hospital settings, gene transfer dynamics, and sanitation challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.

His research highlights include investigating Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) and its potential role in Crohn’s disease, as well as collaborations examining zoonotic spillover risks in urban environments. He serves as an editorial board member for journals like Bacteria and Microorganisms, and holds committee roles in NERC and UKRI. His work extends to global health initiatives, including the Africa Research Hub.

Recent publications emphasize FISH-based pathogen detection, Leptospira spillover dynamics, and anaerobic digestion processes for waste management. His interdisciplinary approach bridges environmental and clinical microbiology to address public health challenges.