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Steven Sinkins is Professor in Microbiology and Tropical Medicine at the University of Glasgow, affiliated with the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research. His research focuses on controlling mosquito-borne diseases through innovative biological approaches. He directs the ANTI-VeC international research network and leads a team investigating microbial solutions to vector-borne pathogens. Research interests center on: Wolbachia symbionts for arbovirus control Microsporidian malaria-blocking symbionts in Anopheles mosquitoes Field implementation of biocontrol strategies against dengue and Zika viruses Molecular mechanisms of pathogen blocking in mosquito vectors Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on: Wolbachia-mediated viral inhibition mechanisms Field trials of novel vector control methods Genetic and symbiotic approaches to disease prevention Mosquito-symbiont-pathogen tripartite interactions Scientific recognition includes: Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2006-2021) Leads multiple research grants: Wellcome Trust: Optimal implementation of Wolbachia programmes (2022-2027) Open Philanthropy: Microsporidia symbionts for malaria control (2020-2023) BBSRC: Genetic and symbiotic disease control strategies (2017-2020) Directs the Sinkins Group at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, collaborating internationally with partners in Malaysia, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Australia to develop and implement novel vector control solutions.

• Mosquito-borne diseases
• Arbovirus control
• Wolbachia symbiosis
• +4 more

Dr. Tim Harvey-Samuel is a Lecturer in Arthropod Genetics and Group Leader at Keele University's School of Life Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Oxford/Oxitec Ltd, where he researched genetically engineered methods for controlling agricultural insect pests. His postdoctoral work at the Pirbright Institute focused on gene-drive systems and insect sex determination. His research develops sustainable genetic control approaches for agricultural and human-health pests like mosquitoes and moths. His research integrates molecular biology, genetic modification, and synthetic biology to manage pests such as Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes albopictus, and Plutella xylostella. He specializes in CRISPR-based gene drives, germline transformation, and sex determination pathways. Publications focus on CRISPR applications, gene drives, and vector control, with recent work emphasizing field applicability and ecological impact. Trends include optimization of gene-drive efficiency, pest population suppression, and vector-pathogen interactions. No awards or student advisees are documented. He leads a research group and collaborates globally to advance genetic pest management.

• Genetic Control
• Insect Pest Management
• Synthetic Biology
• +2 more

Pete Convey is a Terrestrial Ecologist and Individual Merit senior research scientist (NERC Band 3) at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), where he works within the core 'Ecosystems' and 'Environmental Change and Evolution' Programmes. He maintains significant academic affiliations as an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Birmingham since 2000, Guest Lecturer at UNIS (Svalbard), and Visiting Professor at the National Antarctic Research Centre, University of Malaya. Internationally, he serves as Chair of the SCAR Development Council and previously co-chaired the SCAR Science Research Programme 'Evolution and Biodiversity in Antarctica' (2006-2013). His research spans polar ecosystem responses to climate change, evolution of polar biota, biogeography of terrestrial invertebrates and microbes, paleobiogeographical reconstruction, and human impacts on polar environments. With over 250 publications (H-index 36), his work integrates biological and physical disciplines to address fundamental questions about polar systems as models for global environmental change. He has supervised 9 completed PhD students and currently mentors 10 PhD/Master's students. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on climate-driven ecological shifts (47%), invasive species dynamics (20%), biogeochemical processes (13%), and methodological innovations in biodiversity assessment (20%). Key trends include increasing focus on molecular techniques, cross-continental comparisons, and the erosion of traditional biogeographic barriers due to anthropogenic warming. UK Polar Medal (2007) Erskine Fellowship (University of Canterbury, 2013-2014) Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society Chartered Biologist status Membership of the Society for Biology Editorial roles for Global Change Biology, BMC Ecology, and Polar Science Convey has examined 16 PhD and 4 Master's theses while serving on international steering committees for major SCAR conferences. His research collaborations span 25+ countries, with significant projects funded through NERC, EU frameworks, and international polar programs. He actively participates in STEM outreach as a STEM Ambassador.

• Polar Ecosystems
• Climate Change Impacts
• Evolution and Biodiversity
• +3 more

Melanie McDonald is a Research Associate in Virology at the University of Glasgow , affiliated with the Kohl Group . Her work focuses on arbovirus-mosquito interactions and RNA interference mechanisms. Her research interests span RNA interference , antiviral pathways in mosquitoes, and vector competence modulation. She has investigated how Aedes aegypti innate immune responses limit Chikungunya , Dengue , and Orthobunya virus replication, and explored Wolbachia antiviral effects. Her publications highlight trends in small RNA pathway dynamics , mosquito immunity , and host-pathogen interactions . She has contributed to studies on HPV16 splicing regulation in cervical cancer. Melanie collaborates extensively with researchers in vector biology and virology , including Alain Kohl and Esther Schnettler . She has produced significant work on RNAi pathway proteins and their roles in arbovirus control. She works within the Kohl Group , which investigates arthropod-borne viral diseases and develops vector-based intervention strategies.

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Vector Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Nicodem Govella is an Affiliate Researcher at University of Glasgow's School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, specializing in malaria vector ecology. His research examines climate impacts on vector dynamics, insecticide resistance mechanisms, and novel surveillance tools. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on: vector behavior genetics, climate-disease relationships (particularly ENSO effects), Wolbachia-mosquito interactions, and evaluation of novel trapping methodologies across Tanzanian field sites. Research consistently employs One Health frameworks, integrating entomological, epidemiological, and climate data to improve vector control strategies.

• Malaria Vector Ecology
• Insecticide Resistance
• Climate Impacts on Disease
• +1 more

Katharina Kreppel is an Affiliate Researcher at the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow. Her work focuses on zoonotic disease dynamics, malaria control, and veterinary public health. She collaborates extensively in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Ghana, on projects addressing vector-borne diseases, vaccination strategies, and community health interventions. Her research spans epidemiological studies, field-based evaluations of disease control tools (e.g., mosquito traps and vaccination delivery systems), and the impact of environmental factors like climate variability (e.g., ENSO events) on disease transmission. She has contributed to developing innovative sampling techniques for malaria vectors and assessing the role of lay vaccinators in livestock health programs. Key areas: Malaria vector behavior, zoonotic disease prevention, One Health approaches Geographic focus: Tanzania, Ghana, Madagascar Methodological strengths: Field epidemiology, spatial modeling, community engagement studies Her publications emphasize practical solutions for improving public health outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration, including contributions to rabies prevention, food security in livestock-dependent communities, and climate-sensitive disease management strategies.

• Malaria Control
• Veterinary Public Health
• Zoonotic Disease Dynamics
• +3 more

Dr. A Francis is a University Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, part of the School of Arts & Humanities. Their work focuses on theological studies and religious history, with contributions to academic discussions in comparative religion and biblical analysis. Dr. Francis holds a position within the Divinity Faculty, contributing to teaching and research in theological disciplines. Research interests include the study of religious texts, historical theology, and interfaith dialogue. Their scholarly contributions emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to religious studies, integrating historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives. Publications span theological analysis and religious ethics, though the listed articles suggest an additional focus on biological research (possibly attributed to a different individual with the same name, given the mismatch with Divinity Faculty context). These include studies on host-parasite interactions, Wolbachia symbiosis, and evolutionary immunology in Drosophila models. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Students and advising roles are not listed. The faculty affiliation implies involvement in undergraduate and graduate teaching programs related to Divinity studies.

• Theology
• Religious Studies
• Christian Theology
• +3 more

Dr. Alejandra Perotti is a prominent researcher in forensic acarology and parasitology, known for her extensive work on mites and lice in forensic and symbiotic contexts. She has published widely in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports , PLoS ONE , and Molecular Biology and Evolution , often in collaboration with H. R. Braig and M. I. Saloña-Bordas. Her research interests include: Forensic acarology and decomposition ecology Phoretic and parasitic mite behavior Endosymbionts in lice and mites (e.g., Wolbachia, Rickettsia) Human-associated arthropods in life and death Molecular and microbial analysis of forensic traces Her recent publications highlight trends in using mites as trace evidence in criminal investigations, genomic analysis of symbiotic relationships, and the role of arthropods in estimating postmortem intervals. She has contributed to major textbooks in forensic entomology, indicating recognition in the field. Scientific contributions and collaborations: Co-editor and contributor to Forensic Entomology (3rd ed.) Key role in sequencing the human body louse genome (2010) Longstanding collaboration with international teams across Europe and the Americas Dr. Perotti has advised or collaborated with numerous researchers, though formal students are not listed. She has not received any explicitly mentioned awards in the provided text. Her work often involves interdisciplinary teams and laboratory-based analysis of arthropod specimens.

• Forensic Acarology
• Parasitology
• Symbiosis
• +5 more

Dr. Martijn Timmermans is Associate Professor in Biology and Programme Leader for BSc Biological Sciences at Middlesex University. His research links genomic changes to biodiversity, specializing in evolutionary genetics, phylogenomics, and circatidal behaviors in arthropods. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he serves on editorial boards for Evolutionary Ecology and the Linnean Society. He teaches molecular biology, bioinformatics, and organismal biology, leading modules like BIO2556 Molecular Biology and BIO3232 Bioinformatics. Recent articles analyze cryptic speciation in marine Collembola (2025), tidal-rhythm behaviors (2024), and bioleaching of electronic waste (2024). Awards include Senior Fellowship of the HEA (2021).

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Molecular Ecology
• Phylogenomics
• +1 more

Saad Arif is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological and Medical Sciences at Oxford Brookes University. His work bridges evolutionary genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics, with a focus on understanding the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in natural populations, particularly in insects such as butterflies and Drosophila species. His research interests include: Evolutionary and ecological genomics Host-symbiont interactions (e.g., Wolbachia in butterflies) Conservation genomics of declining species Developmental evolution (Evo-Devo) Population genetics and phylogeography Dr. Arif leads key teaching modules such as Data Carpentry and Interrogating Genomes , which equip students with bioinformatics and computational skills. He also teaches statistics and R programming across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the BBSRC DTP. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in integrative genomics, combining high-throughput sequencing, evolutionary theory, and developmental biology to explore questions ranging from eye morphology evolution in Drosophila to genomic erosion in extinct butterfly populations. The works frequently involve comparative genomics, gene regulatory networks, and the role of endosymbionts in shaping host evolution. Scientific awards and recognitions include: Alexander von Humboldt Post-doctoral Research Fellowship (2014) NERC-NBAF 2021 grant for Wolbachia-mediated feminization research He actively supervises PhD students, currently including Rebecca Whitla, whose thesis focuses on the evolutionary and ecological genomics of British butterflies. He has been involved in funded research projects and collaborates widely, including with Prof. Tim Shreeve and Dr. Michael Gerth. Dr. Arif is affiliated with the Ecology and Evolution Centre and the Centre for Functional Genomics, and contributes to the Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics (EEGG) research group.

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Conservation Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• +7 more

Maria Daniela Santos Nunes is a Senior Lecturer in Evolutionary and Developmental Biology at Oxford Brookes University's School of Biological and Medical Sciences. She leads the Phenotypic Evolution and Adaptation research group, focusing on the genetic basis of complex traits and evolutionary processes. Research Interests: Evolutionary Biology, Developmental Genetics, Genetic Architecture, and Population Genetics. Key Themes: Morphological evolution in Drosophila, Wolbachia symbiosis, and gene regulatory networks. Her recent publications highlight trends in genital diversification , gene network evolution , and speciation genetics , often leveraging comparative genomics and experimental evolutionary developmental biology. Scientific Awards : NERC Grant (2015-2017): £417,670 for genetic architecture studies. Nigel Groome Research Studentship (2015-2018). Supervision : Co-supervised 6 PhD students (including Amber Ridgway and Joanna Hagen). Supervised research students and postdocs in collaborative projects. Grants : Involved in BBSRC-funded projects on organ size evolution. Labs/Teams: Member of Oxford Brookes' Ecology and Evolution research groups, contributing to DrosoPhyla genomic resources and Drosophila terminalia standardization atlases.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetic Architecture
• Morphological Evolution
• +4 more

William Hughes is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology (Ecology and Evolution) at the University of Sussex, School of Life Sciences. He holds leadership roles including Subject Chair for the Evolution, Behaviour & Environment department (2017-2019) and Chair of Board of Study for Biology, Ecology & Zoology degrees (2014-2017). His research focuses on evolutionary biology, bee health, chemical ecology, and marine conservation, with particular emphasis on social insects, host-parasite dynamics, and symbiotic relationships. Educational background: PhD in Chemical and Behavioural Ecology (University of Southampton, 2000), MSc in Pest Management (Imperial College London), and BSc in Animal Biology (Bangor University). Research interests include the evolution of sociality, bee disease management, sustainable pest control via semiochemicals, and shark behavior. His work spans field observations, molecular ecology, and microbiological techniques. Notable contributions include studies on Wolbachia symbiosis in ants, bumblebee colony health, and white shark ecology. Recent publications highlight trends in shark population trends, bumblebee nutrition, and material science applications for pesticide delivery. Awards include the Philip Leverhulme Prize (2008) and Royal Entomological Society Fellowship (2013). Teaching includes modules on Palaeozoology, Conflict & Cooperation in Social Groups, and field courses in coral reef and African ecology. Supervised over 15 PhD/MSc students, many now in academic or conservation roles. Active in securing grants from Leverhulme Trust, NERC, and BBSRC, totaling millions in funding for projects on ant microbiomes, bumblebee health, and marine conservation. Led the Hughes Lab, collaborating internationally on projects ranging from social insect genetics to pollinator protection. Current studies explore antimicrobial resistance in social insects and the impact of stressors on pollinator performance.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Social Insect Biology
• +7 more