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Dame Fiona Powrie is a Professor of Musculoskeletal Sciences at the University of Oxford and Director of the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology . She leads the Mucosal Immunology Research Group and serves as Director of the Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies (OCMS) and Cluster Lead in the MRC National Mouse Genetics Network Microbiome Cluster . Roles: Director of Kennedy Institute, Professor, Research Group Leader Relevant Affiliations: Wellcome Trust Governor (2018–present), Deputy Chair (2022), Royal Society Fellow (2011) Research Interests : Fiona specializes in the interplay between the intestinal microbiota and the host immune system, focusing on how dysregulation leads to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) . Her work has elucidated the role of regulatory T cells in maintaining gut homeostasis and identified the IL-23 pathway as critical in chronic intestinal inflammation. Current efforts aim to translate these findings into clinical therapies for IBD patients. Scientific Awards and Fellowships : Ita Askonas Award (European Federation of Immunological Societies) Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine (2012) Honorary Lifetime Membership (British Society of Immunology, 2021) Fellow of the Royal Society (2011), EMBO (2013), Academy of Medical Sciences (2014) International Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (2020) Advising and Leadership : Fiona leads the Mucosal Immunology group at the Kennedy Institute, mentors researchers, and contributes to national and international scientific governance. She has been instrumental in advancing microbiome and immunology research through leadership roles at the Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies and the MRC National Mouse Genetics Network . Labs and Teams : Fiona's research group at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology investigates mucosal immunity and microbiome interactions, combining experimental and clinical approaches to address inflammatory diseases.

• Mucosal Immunology
• Intestinal Microbiota
• Host-Immune System Interaction
• +3 more

Mahima Swamy is a Principal Investigator and Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellow at the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (PPU) at the University of Dundee. Her research focuses on understanding immune interactions at the intestinal epithelium, particularly the role of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) in maintaining gut homeostasis and resisting infections. She leads a lab investigating IEL biology, including their regulation by PIM kinases and LRRK2 in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and Crohn’s disease. Dr. Swamy earned her BSc in Biological Sciences from BITS Pilani and completed her PhD at the Max-Planck Institute in Freiburg, Germany. She held postdoctoral fellowships at CRUK London Research Institute and the University of Dundee before establishing her independent group in 2016. Her work combines proteomics, mouse models, and in vitro co-cultures to explore IEL signaling pathways and their dysregulation in diseases. Key research interests include: IEL-mediated protection against pathogens, metabolic adaptations of IEL to the gut environment, and the role of LRRK2 in intestinal immune function. Her lab collaborates with the Alessi lab to study LRRK2 inhibitors for IBD therapy. Education: BSc (BITS Pilani) → PhD (MPIIB, Germany) → Postdocs (CRUK, Dundee) Lab Members: Includes PhD students (Rebecca Pemberton, Srishti, Neema Skariah) and postdocs (Amanpreet Chawla, Purbasha Bhattacharya) Collaborations: Tayside Immunology Group, Society for Mucosal Immunology Scientific achievements include discoveries of PIM kinases in IEL function and LRRK2’s role in gut inflammation. Her group has pioneered tools like phospho-proteomic analyses and epithelial organoid:IEL co-cultures.

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Mucosal Immunology
• +3 more

Yan Liu is a Senior Lecturer in Glycosciences at Imperial College's Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction (Faculty of Medicine). She leads the Wellcome Trust-funded Carbohydrate Microarray Facility and co-leads the GlycoTWINNG Network. Her research focuses on glycan-mediated interactions in host-microbiota interfaces, with applications in infectious diseases and reproductive health. She holds a B.Sc. from Peking University and a Ph.D. from the University of Bristol, followed by postdoctoral work at Imperial College under Professor Ten Feizi FRS. Her academic journey includes roles as a Microarray Project Leader and co-investigator in the March of Dimes European Preterm Birth Research Centre. She is PI of a £1.34M Wellcome Trust grant maintaining Imperial's Carbohydrate Microarray Facility, advancing glycan array technologies. Research interests span microbiology, immunology, and biomolecular chemistry, with a focus on glycobiology. Key contributions include defining glycan interactions in pathogen-host systems (e.g., Candida albicans, adenoviruses), developing glycan probes, and analyzing vaginal microbiota impacts on preterm birth. Grants and collaborations include EPSRC Translational funding and the UK 'FluTrialMAP' consortium. Labs affiliations include the Glycosciences Laboratory and Imperial's Institute of Infection.

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Medicinal Chemistry
• +4 more

Prof Jean Van Den Elsen is a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Bath , affiliated with the Department of Life Sciences and several research centers including the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT) , Centre for Therapeutic Innovation , and Milner Centre for Evolution . They are actively accepting doctoral students and leading multidisciplinary projects at the intersection of structural biology and immunology. Education: Not explicitly mentioned Appointments: University of Bath (current), with collaborations across Chemistry, Biology & Biochemistry departments Research Focus: The laboratory investigates protein structural biology in two major areas: Complement System Interactions: Studying how pathogenic microbes like Staphylococcus aureus evade host immunity through complement system manipulation , with structural analysis of proteins such as C3d and C5 complexes. This work directly informs vaccine design and autoimmune disease treatment . Glycation Mechanisms: Developing diagnostic tools for detecting non-enzymatic sugar modifications linked to diabetes , Alzheimer's , and aging, with commercial partnerships like Abcam . Article Trends: Recent publications demonstrate: Structural analysis of complement evasion proteins (2022-2025) Engineering knob domains as miniature antibodies (2023) Evolutionary studies on cooperative behavior (2021-2025) Advancements in peptide synthesis platforms (2022-2023) Applications of AI protein folding (2020) Scientific Contributions: ORCID: 0000-0002-0367-1956 BBSRC Funding recipient (2023) 100+ citations across 76 research outputs Student Mentorship: Directly supervising 4 current PhD students and 1 postdoc, with a track record of mentoring 11 previous students including Daphne Jackson Fellows and MSCA researchers. Collaborations: Maintains active partnerships with Dr. Tony James (Chemistry), Dr. Rob Williams (Biochemistry), and industry partners UCB Celltech and Porton Biopharma Ltd. Their work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health), 12 (Responsible Consumption), and 13 (Climate Action).

• Structural Biochemistry
• Protein Homeostasis
• Immune Evasion Mechanisms
• +5 more

Shabaz Mohammed is an Associate Professor of Proteomics at the University of Oxford, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Since 2020, he has served as Head of the Mechanistic Proteomics research programme at the Rosalind Franklin Institute. His research focuses on advancing proteomics technologies to study protein post-translational modifications and their roles in cellular processes, with applications in viral infections and disease mechanisms. Education: BSc in Chemistry, UMIST (now The University of Manchester), 1999 PhD in Biological Mass Spectrometry, University of Manchester, 2003 Postdoctoral Research, University of Southern Denmark (with Ole Jensen), 2005-2008 Postdoctoral Research, Utrecht University (with Albert Heck), 2008 Professor Mohammed's research centers on developing novel mass spectrometry approaches for large-scale characterization of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs). His group innovates in chromatographic techniques for single-cell proteomics, creates materials for PTM enrichment (glycosylation/phosphorylation), and applies these tools to study viral infections (SARS-CoV-2), cell cycle regulation, and signaling pathways. His work bridges chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology to understand dynamic protein functions in health and disease. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on viral proteomics, particularly virus-host RNA-binding protein interactions, and innovations in mass spectrometry fragmentation techniques and chromatography. Key themes include viral remodeling of host cells, new labeling strategies for PTMs, and advancements in single-cell proteomics, with significant implications for understanding viral pathogenesis. Scientific Awards: No specific awards or fellowships were detailed in the source material. Advising and Grants: Information regarding graduate students supervised or specific research grants was not provided in the available text. As an active research group leader, Professor Mohammed likely mentors PhD students and secures competitive funding for proteomics research. Laboratories and Collaborations: Professor Mohammed leads a research group at Oxford focused on proteomics technology development. He collaborates extensively with the Ben Davis group on PTM detection materials and across the university on biochemical applications. At the Rosalind Franklin Institute, he heads the Mechanistic Proteomics programme to unravel protein functions through advanced proteomic methods.

• Proteomics
• Mass Spectrometry
• Post-translational Modifications
• +4 more

Professor Michael W. Shaw is a distinguished academic at the University of Reading's School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, Department of Plant Sciences, with a research career spanning over two decades. His expertise lies at the intersection of plant pathology, disease epidemiology, and sustainable disease management strategies. Shaw's research interests encompass plant-pathogen interactions , particularly focusing on fungal diseases affecting major crops. His work investigates the epidemiology of plant diseases , fungicide resistance mechanisms , biological control strategies , and asymptomatic pathogen infections . He has made significant contributions to understanding pathogen evolution, host specificity, and the environmental factors influencing disease development. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent research trajectory examining the molecular, ecological, and epidemiological aspects of plant diseases. Shaw's work spans multiple pathosystems including Botrytis cinerea (gray mold), Venturia inaequalis (apple scab), begomoviruses affecting okra, and banana Xanthomonas wilt. His research integrates molecular techniques, field studies, and mathematical modeling to address complex plant health challenges. Professor Shaw has contributed significantly to the understanding of fungicide resistance development, particularly in cereal pathogens, and has explored innovative approaches to disease management through biological control agents and integrated strategies. His work on asymptomatic infections has revealed novel insights into host-pathogen relationships that extend beyond traditional disease paradigms. His collaborative research network spans internationally, with co-authors from multiple countries, reflecting the global relevance of his work in plant health and food security. Shaw's research has practical applications for sustainable agriculture and crop protection strategies worldwide.

• Plant Pathology
• Fungal Diseases
• Disease Epidemiology
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Andy White is a Professor in the School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, specializing in mathematical biology. He holds dual roles in the Mathematics Department and the broader interdisciplinary research environment. His research focuses on developing mathematical models to address ecological and evolutionary questions, particularly in host-parasite dynamics and infectious disease management. He has held academic positions since 1999, progressing from a Lecturer to Professor by 2013. Education: PhD from University of Liverpool (1996), supervised by Professors Mike Begon and Roger Bowers. Early career included climate change research at NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (1996–1999). Research Interests: Mathematical modeling of biological systems, including adaptive dynamics in host-parasite interactions, population dynamics of ecological systems, and disease transmission mechanisms. Key projects include analyzing the UK grey squirrel invasion and tuberculosis/African swine fever spread. Collaborations span institutions like UC Berkeley and the Institute of Game and Wildlife Research, Spain. Recent Article Trends: Focus on pathogen-mediated invasions, virulence evolution in multispecies contexts, hyperparasite dynamics, and the ecological impacts of predator recovery (e.g., pine marten effects on squirrel populations). These studies combine theoretical models with real-world conservation applications. Grants & Collaborations: Engages in interdisciplinary projects addressing global challenges like biodiversity conservation and disease management. Active in collaborations across Europe and North America. Labs/Teams: Leads research groups focused on mathematical ecology and epidemiology, with contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life on land and good health.

• Mathematical Biology
• Ecological Modeling
• Evolutionary Dynamics
• +3 more

Dr. Lida Derevnina is a leading researcher in plant-pathogen interactions and immune receptor networks at the University of Cambridge , affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Plant Sciences . She heads the Crop Pathogen Immunity Group at the Crop Science Centre , focusing on NLR (Nucleotide-binding and Leucine-Rich Repeat) immune receptor networks and pathogen effector functions to engineer durable crop resistance. Education: PhD in Plant Pathology and Phytopathology, University of Sydney (2008-2012) BSc in Agricultural Science, University of Sydney (2004-2007) Her research explores how pathogens evade plant immunity through effector proteins and how NLR networks can be bioengineered to counteract these mechanisms. This work bridges molecular biology, evolutionary genetics, and sustainable agriculture, with recent advances in resistosome activation models and effectorome characterization. Scientific awards include the Crop Science Centre Fellowship (2022) , Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (2016) , and the Jeanie Borlaug Laube Women in Triticum Award (2012) . Her work has been published in top journals such as Science , Nature , and PLoS Biology . Dr. Derevnina is actively engaged in public outreach, including the Talking Biotech podcast and a YouTube video explaining plant immunity . Her laboratory collaborates on projects related to global food security and pathogen genomics.

• Plant Pathology
• Plant Immunity
• Molecular Plant Pathology
• +3 more

Julian Knight is a Professor of Genomic Medicine at the University of Oxford, with affiliations including the Centre for Human Genetics , Merton College , and leadership roles in the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre and Central and South NHS Genomic Medicine Service . His work bridges clinical practice and research, focusing on translational genomics. Principal Investigator Deputy Director, Centre for Human Genetics Honorary Consultant Physician Tutor and Fellow, Merton College Director, Medical Sciences Division Graduate School Genomic Medicine Theme Lead, NIHR Oxford BRC Research interests include mechanisms of dysregulated immune responses in sepsis , autoimmune disease , and infection . Key contributions involve RNA signature stratification for sepsis outcomes and HLA allele associations in COVID-19 immunogenicity. Current work explores genetic/epigenetic modulators of innate immunity and causal relationships in multi-omic datasets. Recent publications highlight diverse applications of his group’s work: from pleural infection endotyping (2025) to TLR7 variants in severe COVID-19 (2024), with methodological advancements in single-cell demultiplexing (2024) and pathway analysis (2025). Keywords span genomic medicine , immunology , and multi-omic integration . Knight’s leadership extends to clinical implementation of genomics, education (DPhil/MSc programs), and public engagement. Collaborations span institutions including Imperial College , Wellcome Sanger Institute , and Queen Mary University of London .

• Genomic Medicine
• Translational Medicine
• Immunogenetics
• +4 more

Andrew Mcbain is a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Manchester, specializing in bacterial physiology, biofilm dynamics, and human microbiome research. He leads a research team supported by grants from research councils and industry, focusing on antimicrobial resistance, microbial community modeling, and host-microbe interactions. His work contributes to sustainable development goals related to health and environmental sustainability. Education: PhD in Medical Microbiology (University of Cambridge, 1997); BSc in Microbiology (University of Liverpool, 1993). Teaching: Courses include The Public (Year 2) , Medicines into Practice , and Drug Development Workshop . Research interests include in vitro modeling of microbial communities (e.g., biofilm reactors), probiotic applications, and clinical microbiota dynamics. He has supervised 39 PhD/MD students and collaborates with experts like Prof. Catherine O'Neill and Prof. Sheena Cruickshank. Key projects include Developing New Biocides (2019–2022) and Maternal Obesity and Extracellular Vesicles (2024–2027). His work has led to the creation of SkinBiotherapeutics PLC , advancing probiotic technologies for skin health. Grants: Includes funding from the Medical Research Council and industry partnerships. Lab Affiliations: Lydia Becker Institute and Christabel Pankhurst Institute at Manchester. Publications span over 213 articles, with recent focus on microbiome profiling, antimicrobial peptides, and light-based therapies. Awards include the W H Pierce Prize (2005) from the Society for Applied Microbiology.

• Medical Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Biofilm Research
• +3 more

Michael Dustin is the Kennedy Trust Professor of Molecular Immunology and Director of Research at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology , University of Oxford. His career spans leadership roles at Washington University School of Medicine (1993–2000) and Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine at NYU School of Medicine (2001–2013). Education : B.A. in Biology, Boston University (1984) Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology, Harvard University (1990) Prof. Dustin's research focuses on the immunological synapse , a specialized interface between T cells and antigen-presenting cells. His work has revealed supramolecular attack particles as autonomous killing entities, synaptic ectosomes for TCR cargo transfer, and mechanistic insights into T cell signaling pathways. His recent publications highlight advancements in vaccine adjuvant response , T cell receptor dynamics , and glycosphingolipid synthesis in immune cells. Collaborations span neuroscience, cancer immunology, and rheumatology. Scientific Awards : Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellowship European Research Council Advanced Grant (SYNECT) As Director of the NIH-funded Nanomedicine Center for Mechanobiology (2009–2014), he pioneered mechanobiology applications in immunology. Current projects integrate intravital microscopy and clinical translation for human diseases. His laboratory at Oxford investigates T cell regulation in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, supported by an international network of collaborators including Wenbiao Gan, Dan Littman, and Dorian McGavern.

• Immunology
• Molecular Immunology
• T-Cell Biology
• +7 more

Tihana Bicanic is Professor of Infectious Diseases and Mycology at St George's University of London, holding honorary appointments at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (University of Exeter) and serving as Director of the Infection Clinical Academic Group. Her clinical and translational research focuses on invasive fungal infections, particularly cryptococcal meningitis in HIV patients and ICU-acquired candidiasis/aspergillosis. She leads the CandiRes study on Candida resistance evolution and previously directed the AspiFlu project on influenza/COVID-associated aspergillosis. Key research domains: Cryptococcal meningitis pathogenesis and treatment optimization Antifungal resistance mechanisms and prevention strategies Genomic epidemiology of fungal pathogens Immunotherapy for fungal infections Her group's publications demonstrate consistent focus on clinical mycology, antimicrobial resistance, and immunopathology. Recent work emphasizes diagnostic innovation, therapeutic optimization, and translational approaches for critical care mycoses. Awards and recognition include: Fellowship in the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (FECMM) Member of Wellcome Trust's Pathogen Biology and Disease Transmission Discovery Advisory Group Research team includes laboratory technicians and clinical research fellows investigating fungal pathogenesis and treatment strategies across multiple UK ICUs.

• Invasive Fungal Infections
• Antifungal Resistance
• Cryptococcal Meningitis
• +2 more

Simon Arthur is a Professor of Immune Signalling at the University of Dundee, School of Life Sciences, within the Department of Cell Signalling and Immunology. His research focuses on understanding inflammatory processes, particularly the role of innate immune cells in coordinating inflammation and resolving immune responses. He holds a PhD from the University of Oxford (1995) and a BSc from Durham University (1990). Arthur is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2015) and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Biological Chemistry . His teaching includes courses on Genetics, Cell Signalling, Immunology, and advanced topics in immunology and cell signalling. He supervises PhD projects on microglial phenotypes in brain ageing and immunomodulatory factors in helminth-host interactions. Arthur leads research projects funded by the Medical Research Council and other agencies, including studies on liver fibrosis, bile acid diarrhoea, and pulmonary fibrosis. Key research themes include cytokine regulation, macrophage function, and the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation. His work spans from fundamental biology to translational research, aiming to develop therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Arthur collaborates internationally and has over 180 publications in high-impact journals.

• Immunology
• Cell Signalling
• Inflammation Biology
• +3 more

Alexander J. Stewart is an Associate Professor of Informatics at Indiana University Bloomington and an Honorary Professor of Mathematics at the University of St Andrews. He holds a PhD in Mathematical Biology from University College London (2010), and earlier degrees in Physics (Imperial College London) and Mathematical Biology (University College London). His research focuses on mathematical and computational models of social learning in online ecosystems, addressing topics such as misinformation, polarization, and cooperative behavior through lenses of game theory and evolutionary dynamics. Key themes include cultural evolution's interaction with algorithms, social network structures' impact on collective decisions, and cognitive mechanisms shaping social interactions. His work has been published in high-impact journals like Nature , PNAS , and Science Advances , addressing topics ranging from information gerrymandering to the evolution of stereotyping. He leads projects funded by the John Templeton Foundation, exploring cultural evolution and online social contracts. Advising over 7 graduate students and postdocs, he has mentored researchers now in academic and industry roles globally. His teaching includes advanced courses on game theory and social media dynamics. Media contributions include analyses on polarization's societal impacts and the dangers of algorithmic misinformation. Current research initiatives include modeling behavioral motivations for cooperation and investigating eco-evolutionary trade-offs in pathogen competition. His labs focus on interdisciplinary approaches to understanding complex social and biological systems.

• Mathematical Biology
• Computational Social Science
• Cultural Evolution
• +7 more

Professor Sarah Coulthurst is the Chair of Microbial Interactions and a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow at the University of Dundee's School of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on understanding how Gram-negative bacterial pathogens cause disease, with a focus on protein secretion systems (especially the Type VI secretion system), inter-bacterial competition, and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. She leads a molecular microbiology group using genetics, proteomics, and non-mammalian virulence models. Education: PhD in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Cambridge (2005), MSci in Natural Sciences (2000), and BA in Natural Sciences (1999), all from the University of Cambridge. Research Focus: Her work investigates the molecular mechanisms of the Type VI secretion system (T6SS), bacterial competition strategies, and antimicrobial peptide production. Key projects include studying Serratia marcescens's T6SS-mediated attacks and the role of lifestyle switches in clinical pathogen adaptation. Recent Work: Recent publications highlight discoveries in T6SS effector proteins, pore-forming mechanisms, and genomic regulation of bacterial competition. She also contributes to understanding antimicrobial resistance and Serratia's role in polymicrobial communities. Awards: Includes Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2024), Wellcome Senior Research Fellowship (2020), and multiple prizes for contributions to microbiology and teaching excellence. Teaching & Supervision: Module manager for Advanced Molecular Microbiology and supervisor for PhD projects on T6SS mechanisms and bacterial adaptation. She also engages in public outreach and educational initiatives. Lab & Collaborations: Collaborates with institutions like the University of Newcastle and Heriot-Watt University. Her lab integrates cutting-edge omics approaches with traditional microbiology to study pathogen interactions.

• Protein secretion systems
• Inter-bacterial competition
• Antimicrobial resistance
• +5 more