Gavin Humphreys

Gavin Humphreys is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology within the School of Health Sciences (Department of Pharmacy) at the University of Manchester. His primary teaching responsibilities include pharmaceutical microbiology modules covering infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance across undergraduate (PHAR11002, PHAR22001) and postgraduate (PHAR44001) pharmacy programs. He serves as the Year 4 MPharm SWAPS lead tutor and previously held the role of deputy programme director for the MSc in Medical Microbiology.

Education:

• BSc (Hons) in Microbiology, University of Cardiff
• MSc (Distinction) in Medical and Clinical Microbiology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
• PhD in Microbiology, University of Manchester
• SFHEA (Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy)

Humphreys' research centers on microbial ecology within human microbiomes, particularly focusing on biofilm dynamics in the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity. His work investigates how antimicrobials, probiotics, and environmental factors (like nitrate metabolism) influence microbiome composition and function, with strong implications for antimicrobial resistance and chronic disease management. He employs advanced methodologies including in vitro continuous culture biofilm models, next-generation sequencing, and antimicrobial sensitivity testing.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a dominant focus on oral and respiratory microbiome responses to therapeutic interventions, with recurring themes of biofilm resilience, microbial adaptation to biocides, and microbiome-disease relationships in conditions like chronic kidney disease and hypertension. His technical expertise in continuous culture systems and biofilm modeling underpins most investigations.

Research Leadership:

• Collaborator on the £1.2M project "Developing New Biocides from Mechanistic Insight into Antimicrobial Adaptation" (2019-2022)
• Key collaborator with Dr. Andrew McBain, Dr. Ruth Ledder, and clinical partners like Mr. Kanna Gnanalingham (Neurosurgeon)

Humphreys actively translates research to public audiences through media engagements including BBC appearances discussing food safety and textile microbiology. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health, responsible consumption, and life on land through antimicrobial stewardship and environmental microbiome research.