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Professor David Grainger is a faculty member at the University of Birmingham's School of Biosciences, specializing in Molecular Microbiology. He leads the Grainger Lab, focusing on bacterial chromosome biology, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance. His research integrates high-throughput techniques and single-molecule analysis to study gene regulation and bacterial pathogenesis. Education: PhD (2004), PGCE (2000), BSc (1999) in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham. Affiliations: Part of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection (IMI), collaborating with experts in genomics, proteomics, and structural biology. Research Interests: Deciphering chromosome biology of pathogenic bacteria, including transcriptional regulation, toxin production control, and antibiotic resistance pathways. Utilizes cutting-edge methods like Hi-C for 3D chromatin analysis and single-molecule microscopy. Recent Articles: Focused on transposon capture mechanisms, bacterial promoter diversity, and quorum sensing signaling. Highlights include studies on Salmonella regulons and Vibrio cholerae biofilm suppression. Awards: Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship (2008), Runner-up in 'Science Snaps' competition for scientific communication. Grants: Career Development Fellowship-funded establishment of his research group at the University of Warwick (2008). Labs/Teams: Grainger Lab at the University of Birmingham, part of the IMI network. Engages in public science outreach via Twitter and lab website.

• Bacterial Chromosome Biology
• Pathogenicity
• Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms
• +3 more

Jacob Malone is an Honorary Professor and Group Leader in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA), jointly affiliated with the John Innes Centre (JIC), UK. He serves as a Synergy Lecturer in Plant and Microbial Science and leads a research group focused on bacterial signal transduction and plant-microbe interactions. MBiochem, St Catherine's College, Oxford University (1997–2001) DPhil, Department of Plant Sciences, Oxford University (2001–2005) Postdoctoral Researcher, Biozentrum, University of Basel (2005–2011) Dr. Malone's research centers on molecular mechanisms of bacterial signal transduction, particularly the role of cyclic-di-GMP in regulating rhizosphere colonization by Pseudomonas fluorescens . His lab investigates how environmental signals influence bacterial behavior, including biofilm formation, motility, and plant colonization. Using genetics, molecular microbiology, and systems biology, the group studies both beneficial and pathogenic Pseudomonas species to develop sustainable agricultural solutions. Their work has implications for biocontrol, antibiotic tolerance, and microbial ecology. Recent publications highlight trends in plasmid-mediated host manipulation, ribosomal modification, tropolone biosynthesis, and c-di-GMP signaling. These studies reveal novel regulatory mechanisms in bacterial adaptation, with applications in combating plant pathogens and persistent infections. CEPAMS Newton Fund: Sino-UK excellence with impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (BBSRC) Automated detection and treatment of bacterial blight in food crops (Innovate UK) Plasmid manipulation of bacterial gene networks (BBSRC) Identifying natural biocontrol products for PsaV (Zespri Kiwifruit) CRISPR-guided vector technology to disrupt biofilms (Innovate UK) The Malone lab actively mentors postgraduate researchers and postdoctoral scientists, including Supakan Panturat, Catriona Thompson, and Harshanie Dasanayaka. Dr. Malone teaches the BIO-1A03 practical course and welcomes PhD and fellowship applicants. He leads a multidisciplinary team that includes Dr. Ainelen Piazza and Dr. Catriona Thompson, and collaborates widely across institutions and countries. The lab is part of the Molecular Microbiology department and contributes to initiatives such as Microbes in Norwich and PfBIO.

• Molecular Microbiology
• Bacterial Signal Transduction
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +7 more

Buzz Baum is a Research Fellow at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) within the University of Cambridge. His work focuses on the generation of biological form ("morphogenesis") through the study of cell division across archaea and eukaryotes, with a particular emphasis on the role of the cytoskeleton and ESCRT-III proteins in evolutionary transitions. Key research themes: Morphogenesis, Cell Division, Evolutionary Cell Biology, Archaeal Biology, Eukaryogenesis, Membrane Remodeling His lab investigates cell division using Sulfolobus , a hyperthermophilic archaeon, to identify conserved processes and core principles. Recent work explores the application of imaging techniques in extremophiles and the evolutionary implications of ESCRT-III proteins in both archaea and humans. Future research will focus on Asgard archaea, the closest living relatives to eukaryotes, to study the origins of cell division and symbiosis. Collaborations include researchers at the LMB, UK institutions, and international partners. Group members include Alice Cezanne, Sherman Foo, Yin-Wei (Kris) Kuo, Magda Lechowska, Fraser MacLeod, Florian Mayer, Joe Parham, Arthur Radoux, Iain Richard, and Jeanne Salje.

• Morphogenesis
• Cell Division
• Cytoskeleton Dynamics
• +10 more

Professor Andrew (Jamie) Wood holds a joint appointment in Mathematics and Biology at the University of York, promoted to Professor of Mathematical Modelling in 2021 after serving as Senior Lecturer (2014) and Lecturer (2012). He chairs the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and co-founded the York Historical Warfare Analysis Group. His educational background includes undergraduate studies at Cambridge, a PhD at Imperial College, and a Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 fellowship at Oxford where he transitioned from Mathematical Physics to biological applications. Earlier research involved Ising models and Daisyworld systems during a postdoc at Edinburgh's JCMB. Wood's research bridges computational mathematics with biological systems, focusing on collective motion dynamics (network interactions and noise effects), microbial ecology (metabolism, spatial structures, plasmid evolution), and unconventional domains like naval warfare modeling and glycosylation pathways . His work consistently applies stochastic modeling to evolutionary questions in symbiosis and translocation. Recent publications reveal an interdisciplinary trajectory spanning conservation biology (arthropod translocation), microbial evolution (plasmid-chromosome fitness tradeoffs), and sustainable biotechnology (cyanobacterial feedstocks). This reflects his core methodology of adapting statistical physics frameworks to biological complexity. Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 fellowship RCUK Fellow (2007) Wood actively recruits PhD students for mathematics-biology interface projects and currently leads major grants including IMPROGLYC0 (EU-funded glycoform programming, 2025-2028) and BBSRC-funded glycan biosynthesis research (2024-2026). His group maintains collaborations with defense analysts through the Historical Warfare Analysis Group. He operates within York's Mathematical Biology and Chemistry Research Group, leveraging cross-departmental infrastructure for agent-based simulations of bacterial communities and warfare scenarios, with emerging work on fungal-cyanobacterial bioprocess engineering.

• Mathematical Biology
• Collective Motion
• Microbiology
• +5 more

Professor Kenn Gerdes at Newcastle University is a leading researcher in molecular microbiology, focusing on bacterial persistence mechanisms, toxin-antitoxin systems, and cell division regulation. His work bridges biochemistry, genetics, and systems biology. Key research areas include: RNA cleavage and translation inhibition by toxin-antitoxin modules Role of (p)ppGpp in bacterial dormancy Dynamics of plasmid segregation via ParA/ParB systems Structural analysis of bacterial cell division proteins His publications highlight collaborations with researchers like Dr. Kristoffer Winther, Dr. Etienne Maisonneuve, and Dr. Andrew Fenton. Articles span topics such as VapC toxin function , HipA-mediated persistence , and ParA ATPase dynamics , reflecting interdisciplinary contributions to bacterial physiology and antibiotic resistance. He has mentored numerous postgraduate researchers, including Dr. Kristoffer Winther and Dr. Etienne Maisonneuve, who co-authored studies on RNA interferases and plasmid segregation.

• Bacterial Toxin-Antitoxin Systems
• Molecular Biology
• Microbiology
• +4 more

Helen Townley is an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford's Engineering Science Department and a Williams Fund Research Fellow. She also serves as a Senior Visiting Research Fellow in Engineering Science and an Associate Editor for Micro and Nano Letters. Her work focuses on nanoparticle-based therapies for cancer, drug delivery systems, and natural product applications in medicine. She holds a BSc (Hons) and PhD in relevant fields. Research Interests: Nanoparticle Cancer Therapy , Enhanced Drug Delivery , and Natural Product Chemotherapy . Her lab explores nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery, chemoembolization, and radiosensitization, with applications in glioblastoma and thalassemia treatment. Collaborations include projects on infertility and antimicrobial biocides. Recent Publications Highlight nano-theranostics , targeted drug delivery, and nanoparticle toxicity studies. Notable awards include the Kajal Mallick Memorial Award (2016) and recognition in BioBeat's '50 Movers and Shakers in BioBusiness 2016'. Advising and Grants: Supervises current and past students (e.g., Jasmine Liu, Ben Gaunt), and collaborates with global teams (e.g., Prof. Robert Kiss). Supported by the Williams Fund and other grants. Lab members include researchers and artists-in-residence.

• Nanoparticle Therapy
• Cancer Research
• Drug Delivery Systems
• +3 more

Dr. Mark Williams is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the ISMB BiophysX Centre at Birkbeck, University of London's School of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on biomolecular structure and thermodynamics, protein interactions, and bacterial cell division. He leads the MOSBRI initiative, a European infrastructure for molecular-scale biophysics, emphasizing method development and standardization. Awards include a Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy. Research: Integrates biophysical experiments, structural bioinformatics, and molecular simulations to study biomolecular complexes, including chromosome separation mechanisms and RubisCO evolution. Teaching: Programme Director for the MRes in Bioinformatics and teaches modules like 'Molecular Basis of Life.' Recent work includes collaborations on RubisCO's evolutionary constraints, enthalpy-entropy compensation, and protein destruction receptors in cancer research. He supervises Rachel Alcraft's PhD on super-resolution imaging techniques.

• Biophysics
• Protein Structure
• Molecular Simulation
• +3 more

Professor Garry Blakely serves as Chair of Microbial Genetics and Biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh, where he has maintained an active research program since 1999. His work bridges fundamental bacterial genetics with translational applications in biomedicine and industrial biotechnology, focusing on pathogenic bacteria including Bacteroides , Clostridium , Staphylococcus , and Streptococcus . His academic foundation includes: Ph.D. from Queens University of Belfast (1990) MRC postdoctoral research at University of Glasgow (1990-1994) MRC postdoctoral research at University of Oxford (1994-1998) Wellcome Trust RCD Fellowship (1998-2002) Blakely's research centers on four interconnected themes: bacterial chromosome dynamics, restriction-modification systems, polysaccharide biosynthesis, and host-microbiome crosstalk. His laboratory pioneered genetic tools for manipulating anaerobic pathogens like B. fragilis and C. difficile , revealing mechanisms of DNA damage response critical to antibiotic efficacy. The landmark discovery of BfUbb—a bacterial ubiquitin homologue with antimicrobial properties—established a novel molecular link between gut microbiota and autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis through antigenic mimicry. Analysis of his 2013-2019 publications reveals consistent thematic evolution: early work focused on restriction-modification systems and chromosome biology, while later research expanded into microbiome-autoimmunity connections and biotechnological applications like antimicrobial coatings. His studies integrate genomic, biochemical, and clinical approaches across fundamental microbiology, immunology, and materials science. Scientific recognition includes: Wellcome Trust RCD Fellowship Blakely actively supervises PhD students and secures collaborative funding from medical research councils and industry partners. His projects translate basic discoveries into novel biotechnological solutions, including engineered bacterial strains for compound production and medical device coatings that prevent bacterial adhesion. Current grants support investigations into BfUbb's role in autoimmune pathogenesis and development of next-generation antimicrobials targeting anaerobic pathogens. He leads a multidisciplinary research group within the University of Edinburgh's Roger Land Building, maintaining active collaborations with Queen's University Belfast and industrial partners to advance bacterial genetics research toward clinical and industrial applications.

• Bacterial Genetics
• Genomics
• Biochemistry
• +4 more

Clett Erridge is a Senior Lecturer in Immunology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), affiliated with the Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Life Sciences, and Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms linking inflammation to lipid metabolism, particularly in coronary artery disease, and novel approaches to enhance macrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells. He holds a BSc (Molecular Biology, 1997) and PhD (Molecular Immunology, 2003) from the University of Edinburgh. Postdoctoral research at Strathclyde and Leicester Universities explored oxidised lipids' impact on innate immunity and lipid metabolism. Current work addresses innate immune signaling in metabolic disease and cancer immunotherapy. Research interests include: mechanisms connecting pattern-recognition receptors to lipid metabolism; microbiota-derived regulators of immunity; and therapeutic strategies to boost macrophage-mediated tumor cell clearance. He supervises PhD students in macrophage lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and cancer immunotherapy drug development. Teaching responsibilities include MSc Laboratory Techniques module leadership, and contributions to courses like Clinical Immunology and Metabolism and its Control. Major grants include a £123,000 Oncobiopharm-sponsored study (2018-19) on therapeutic antibodies targeting annexin pathways, and a £54,000 Iraq-funded PhD studentship (2013-2016) on diet's role in atherosclerosis. Over £1M in research funding secured across 12 grants since 2003. Awarded Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Immunology . Active in professional societies including the British Atherosclerosis Society and British Society for Cardiovascular Research. Key publications from 2003-2020 explore TLR signaling in atherosclerosis, dietary endotoxins' inflammatory effects, and macrophage foam cell formation mechanisms. Media engagements include BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and Medicalresearch.com interviews.

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Life Sciences
• Innate Immune Signaling
• +5 more

Dr. Michelle Hawkins is a Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at the University of York, Department of Biology. She specializes in DNA replication mechanisms, focusing on bacterial systems and obstacles encountered during replication. Her research employs genetics, biochemistry, and structural biology techniques, with current emphasis on termination processes and replication fork challenges. Education: MBiol (Honours) from University of Bath (2001-2005), PhD in Genetics from University of Nottingham (2005-2009). Prior roles include Postdoctoral Research Associate at York (2013-2018) and Research Fellow at Nottingham (2009-2013). Teaching involves lectures on DNA replication, interactive journal clubs, and tutorials on bioethics. She mentors final-year students in lab research and science communication projects. Active in grants: Co-investigator in the C-Trap for the North East (BBSRC-funded, 2024-2025) and Principal Investigator for 'Obstacles to replication: uncovering mechanisms of macromolecular collisions' (BBSRC, 2023-2026). Collaborations include structural biology and cryo-EM projects.

• DNA Replication
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• +3 more

David Aanensen serves as Director of The Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance and Professor at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford. He leads genomic surveillance initiatives for endemic pathogens and outbreak scenarios, integrating epidemiological data with genomics to inform public health interventions globally. His research focuses on genomic surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens through platforms like Epicollect5 (mobile data gathering), Microreact (genomic epidemiology visualization), and Pathogenwatch (global surveillance platform). Collaborating with major agencies including CDC, ECDC, WHO, and Public Health England, his work enables real-time data interpretation for infection control decisions. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in Klebsiella pneumoniae vaccine development, typhoid fever AMR meta-analysis, SARS-CoV-2 phylodynamics, and carbapenem-resistant pathogen spread. His work spans bacterial genomics, plasmid evolution, phylogenetic clustering, and public health informatics with emphasis on actionable surveillance systems. As Director of the NIHR-funded Global Health Research Unit on Genomic Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, he implements genomic surveillance systems in The Philippines, Colombia, Nigeria, and India. His team develops analytical frameworks linking genomic data with phenotypic and epidemiological information for priority pathogens under national AMR strategies. Key projects include the Epicollect5 platform (>28 million data points across 14,000 projects) and Pathogenwatch for rapid resistance genotype prediction. His laboratory functions as an international hub for genomic epidemiology, working directly with public health agencies to transform genomic data into actionable public health intelligence.

• Genomic Surveillance
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Pathogen Genomics
• +4 more

Dr. Robert Jehle is a population biologist at the University of Salford's School of Science, Engineering & Environment, with over 90 publications spanning two decades focused on amphibian ecology, evolution, and conservation across global ecosystems. His research has significantly advanced understanding of amphibian population dynamics from Europe to the Amazon rainforest. After completing his PhD in Zoology at the University of Vienna, Dr. Jehle held an EU Marie Curie post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Sheffield before joining the University of Salford in 2008. His work encompasses all three amphibian orders (anurans, urodeles, and caecilians), with additional research on tropical eels and Mesoamerican crocodiles. His primary research interests include: Genetic diversity and conservation of amphibian populations Hybridization and speciation processes in amphibians Urban ecology and adaptation to human-modified landscapes Disease ecology, particularly regarding chytridiomycosis Evolutionary processes and life history traits Application of molecular techniques to conservation problems Recent work (2021-2025) demonstrates a strong focus on practical conservation applications: Genetic management approaches for EU Nature Restoration Law implementation Development of minimally invasive sampling techniques for amphibian studies Assessment of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for maintaining genetic diversity Conservation of threatened amphibian populations through integrated habitat creation Investigation of host-pathogen dynamics in declining amphibian species Dr. Jehle contributes to approximately 10 undergraduate and postgraduate modules annually, employing diverse teaching methods from large lectures to rainforest fieldtrips. He has served as an external examiner for courses at three academic institutions, reflecting his standing in the field of wildlife conservation education.

• Amphibian Ecology
• Population Genetics
• Conservation Biology
• +4 more

Professor Craig MacLean is a faculty member in the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford, with affiliations to the Department of Biology across two campuses (Mansfield Road and South Parks Road). His research focuses on evolutionary processes driving antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Central themes include fitness costs of resistance, intervention strategies, plasmid-mediated resistance, and genomic influences on resistance evolution. Research interests encompass understanding why resistance genes persist despite costs, how antibiotic use patterns influence resistance dynamics, and the ecological roles of plasmids. His work also explores interactions between bacteria and yeasts, fungi, and phages, as well as the genomic basis of adaptation. The MacLean Lab’s studies integrate experimental evolution and molecular genetics to address urgent clinical and ecological challenges posed by antibiotic resistance. Recent publications highlight trends in plasmid evolution, CRISPR-Cas systems as resistance barriers, and the impact of environmental factors like temperature on bacterial adaptation. His work underscores the importance of evolutionary principles in mitigating resistance spread. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. While no formal advisees or grants are listed, the MacLean Lab collaborates extensively on projects funded by un-named organizations. The lab’s activities are centered on experimental approaches to dissecting the mechanisms underlying resistance evolution, with a focus on both fundamental evolutionary biology and applied clinical microbiology. Lab locations include the Department of Zoology and two Department of Biology addresses in Oxford. His research bridges multiple disciplines, emphasizing the interplay between bacterial genetics, ecology, and clinical outcomes in the context of antibiotic resistance.

• Antibiotic Resistance
• Evolutionary Biology
• Microbiology
• +3 more

Dr. Helen Foster is a researcher affiliated with the University of Hertfordshire , working within the School of Life and Medical Sciences and the Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Science . Her research focuses on genome organization, cellular aging, MTOR signaling, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Education : PhD in Genome Organisation (Brunel University, 2005), PGCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (Brunel University, 2010) Helen employs techniques like fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to study chromatin structure and nuclear architecture. Her work spans developmental biology, aging, and disease mechanisms, including studies on ovarian cancer and space radiation effects. Recent research highlights trends in microplastics in personal care products, autophagy inhibition under space conditions, and chromosome positioning in disease contexts. She collaborates internationally and contributes to open-access publications. Research Outputs : Over 24 publications, including articles on porcine development, mTOR signaling in pregnancy, and nuclear lamins in chromatin regulation.

• Genome organisation
• Cellular and organismal ageing
• Development and differentiation
• +5 more

Dr. Leonardo Mancini is a Herchel Smith Research Fellow at the Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, and a College Research Associate. His work bridges physics and microbiology, focusing on bacterial physiology, antibiotic resistance, and microbial interactions. Research Interests: Antibiotic resistance mechanisms Microbial community dynamics Biophysical approaches to bacterial dormancy RNA-protein interactions in growth regulation Trends in Recent Publications : His 2024–2025 work explores polymicrobial infections, high-throughput antibiotic testing, and synthetic signaling systems, emphasizing interdisciplinary methods combining physics and microbiology. Scientific Awards : Herchel Smith Research Fellowship

• Microbiology
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Bacterial Physiology
• +6 more