About
Prof. Sam Sheppard is a Professor of Microbial Genomics and Evolution at the University of Oxford's Department of Biology, leading the Ineos Oxford Institute's digital microbiology programme. His research focuses on microbial genomics, antibiotic resistance, and vaccine development for pathogens like Campylobacter, which causes diarrheal diseases in children in low- and middle-income countries. He recently secured a £5m Wellcome Discovery Award to develop animal vaccines targeting Campylobacter transmission from livestock to humans.
Research interests include understanding pathogen evolution, genomic epidemiology, and applying machine learning to track disease spread. Collaborations span 19 countries, emphasizing African capacity-building through genomic surveillance training. His work integrates meta-genomic approaches to study Campylobacter transmission networks and antibiotic resistance mechanisms in livestock and wildlife.
Key achievements include pioneering meta-genomic epidemiology frameworks, advancing proteome-wide antigen screening for vaccine targets, and developing autogenous vaccines tailored to poultry microbiota. The project aims to create a global genomic surveillance hub and produce cost-effective vaccines for LMICs, supported by industrial partners for advanced screening technologies.
- Awards: Wellcome Discovery Award (£5m)
- Grants: Supports 8 PhDs/fellowships for African researchers over 8 years
- Teams: Collaborates with 9 African co-investigators and global institutions like the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
