Joy Watts

Joy Watts is a Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) at the University of Portsmouth, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Health and School of the Environment and Life Sciences. Her work focuses on applying molecular tools to study microbial diversity and interactions, particularly in degrading recalcitrant organic compounds like lignin, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquaculture, and the plastisphere of marine pollution.

• Research Themes: Microbial degradation of polymers, GI tract microbiomes of wood-eating organisms, AMR dynamics, marine biofilm analysis
• Notable Roles: Editor-in-Chief for Environmental Microbiome, Expert Panel for European Commission Horizon 2020, Advisor for Marine Microbiome Policy Report

Article Trends: Recent publications highlight AMR in wastewater, microplastic-biofilm interactions, and microbial solutions for environmental challenges. Her work spans Environmental Microbiology, Marine Science, and Bioremediation.

• Funding: European Commission, NERC, Innovate UK
• Network: Collaborations with European Commission, NERC, National Biofilms Innovation Centre