Ben Temperton

Dr. Ben Temperton is an Associate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Exeter, where he leads the Temperton Lab within the School of Biosciences. His research focuses on understanding host-virus interactions in both environmental and clinical settings, with particular emphasis on bacteriophages and their applications in addressing antimicrobial resistance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the SouthWest hub of the UK's genomic surveillance network (COG-UK), coordinating efforts that shaped government policy through real-time data.

Dr. Temperton has an unconventional academic path, having first worked as a software engineer for several years before retraining as a microbiologist. His educational background includes:

• PhD in Microbiology from Queen's University Belfast (2009-2011)
• MSc in Information Technology (Software Engineering) from University of Nottingham (1998-1999)
• BSc in Chemistry from University of Birmingham (1995-1998)

His research interests span multiple disciplines, focusing primarily on interactions between bacteriophages and their hosts. He has developed novel methods for long-read sequencing of viromes from marine and soil microbial communities, identifying previously unknown viral species. His work also includes high-throughput isolation of ecologically and clinically important viruses. A significant portion of his recent research involves the Citizen Phage Library, which he established as a national capability for providing characterized phages for compassionate use in treating drug-resistant bacterial infections. He leads a consortium developing the first multi-site AGILE clinical trial of phage therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in the UK.

Dr. Temperton's publication record shows a strong focus on viral ecology, host-virus interactions, and applications of phage therapy. His recent work demonstrates increasing emphasis on translating basic research into clinical applications, particularly for antimicrobial resistance. He has also made significant contributions to genomic surveillance methods, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a mentor, Dr. Temperton leads a diverse research group with multiple PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and MbyRes students working on various aspects of viral ecology and phage therapy. His lab operates under a "Pirate Code" that emphasizes inclusivity, responsibility, professionalism, meticulousness, positivity, supportiveness, honesty, digital resilience, and inspiration. He collaborates with four industrial partners to help bring phage therapeutics to market and works closely with clinicians at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Dr. Temperton's lab is part of several Exeter research networks including Exeter Marine, Health Technologies @Exeter, and Microbes and Society @Exeter, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work that bridges environmental microbiology, clinical applications, and technological innovation.