Simon Cutting

Professor Simon Cutting is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London, where he leads research in microbiology, bacterial genetics, and vaccine development. His work focuses on Bacillus species (particularly B. subtilis), gut microbiome interactions, and developing spore-based vaccines against infectious diseases including Helicobacter pylori, Clostridioides difficile, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Professor Cutting's research interests center on microbial pathogenesis, probiotic development, and novel vaccine platforms. His work spans from fundamental bacterial genetics to translational applications, with particular emphasis on how spore-forming bacteria can be engineered for therapeutic purposes. His COLORSSPORE project explores microbial carotenoids, while his INNOVAC initiative develops recombinant vaccines for TB and malaria. The DELPHE Initiative focuses on international higher education partnerships, reflecting his commitment to global scientific collaboration.

Analysis of Professor Cutting's recent publications reveals a strong focus on gut microbiome interactions, particularly how Bacillus species can modulate inflammatory responses and combat pathogenic bacteria like Clostridioides difficile and Helicobacter pylori. His work bridges basic microbiology with clinical applications, developing novel therapeutic approaches that leverage bacterial spores as delivery vehicles for vaccines and immunomodulatory compounds.

Professor Cutting has secured significant research funding from major organizations including the Medical Research Council, European Commission, and DEFRA/BBSRC. His projects include "Helicobacter pylori in Vietnam: Prevalence, AMR and Vaccination" (2020-2023), "Control of Clostridium Difficile: An Emerging Threat to the European Livestock Industry" (2014-2017), and "Oral Vaccination against Clostridium difficile Infection" (2013-2016).

His laboratory at the Centre for Biomedical Sciences investigates Bacillus subtilis genetics and its applications in human health, with particular focus on how bacterial spores can be engineered as vaccine vectors and probiotic therapeutics. Professor Cutting has supervised multiple graduate students and maintains active collaborations with researchers in Vietnam and across Europe.