Sebastian Eves-van den Akker

Professor Sebastian Eves-van den Akker leads the Plant-Parasite/Pathogen Interactions Group at the University of Cambridge within the School of Biological Sciences. His research combines genomics and molecular biology to unravel the complex biology of plant-parasitic nematodes, focusing on their impact on global food security and unique biological mechanisms.

• Official Fellow, King’s College Cambridge (2021–present)
• BBSRC David Phillips Fellow (2018–2024)
• Research Fellow, King’s College Cambridge (2018–2021)

His research interests center on plant-parasitic nematodes, with particular emphasis on:

• Effectorome evolution and regulation
• Horizontal gene transfer between plants and nematodes
• Cell wall degradation during infection
• Mitochondrial genome evolution
• Trans-kingdom vitamin B5 biosynthesis
• CRISPR-based nematode transformation

Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding nematode genome editing mechanisms, subventral gland regulation, and effector network dynamics across various nematode species. Key collaborations include institutions in the UK, Europe, and North America.

Scientific Awards:

• MPMI Early Career Achievement Award (2025)
• American Phytopathological Society Schroth Faces of the Future Award (2021)
• Society of Chemical Industry David Miller Award (2017)

Actively involved in lab training, undergraduate supervision, and international research consortia, including the TransPPN consortium and ERC-funded projects.