John Kelly

Professor John Kelly is Professor of Molecular Biology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, leading research on parasitic protozoa causing Chagas disease and African trypanosomiasis. His lab develops genetic tools for functional studies of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, focusing on drug action mechanisms, resistance, and disease pathogenesis. Funded by MRC, DNDi, GSK, and Novartis, his work bridges fundamental science and translational research to develop new treatments for neglected diseases.

Key research areas include:

• Development of genetic tools for trypanosome functional studies
• Mechanisms of drug action and resistance in Chagas disease
• Anti-trypanosome drug development pipelines
• Pathogenesis of Chagas disease using advanced imaging

Analysis of Professor Kelly's 15 most recent publications reveals:

• Persistent investigation of combination therapies for chronic infections
• Novel approaches to overcoming drug resistance mechanisms
• Validation of animal models for pathogenesis and drug testing
• Exploration of molecular targets for trypanocidal compounds

His teaching portfolio covers:

• Molecular parasitology and drug development in LSHTM MSc programs
• Trypanosome biology lectures at University of Cambridge
• Supervision of 3 PhD students

Professional activities include:

• Scientific Advisor to Wellcome Trust
• Visiting Professor at Nagasaki University
• Member of GSK-Dundee-Wellcome Trust Scientific Advisory Committee
• Co-organizer of London Molecular Parasitology Club