معرفی
Professor Katie Laird is a Professor of Microbiology and Head of the Infectious Disease Research Group at De Montfort University, affiliated with the Leicester School of Pharmacy within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Her research significantly impacts infection control, particularly regarding healthcare textiles and antimicrobial resistance.
Education:
- BSc (Hons) in Biology
- PhD in Applied Microbiology (2008)
Research Interests: Prof. Laird's research centers on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), with a focus on the role of healthcare textiles as fomites. She investigates novel antimicrobials (including essential oils and nano-metals), biofilm formation, and the stability of pathogens like C. difficile and coronaviruses on textiles. Her work has directly informed global infection control policies, especially in industrial laundry settings.
Publication Trends: Her recent articles reflect a strong emphasis on antimicrobial textiles, essential oil synergies, viral stability on fabrics, and molecular mechanisms of resistance. These works span microbiology, materials science, and public health, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact in combating antimicrobial resistance and improving hygiene protocols.
Scientific Awards:
- DMU Future Research Leaders Fellow (2015)
- Outstanding Poster Award, American Society of Microbiology (2015)
- Medici Fellow – Birmingham University (2014)
- Chartered Biologist (2010)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2009)
- House of Commons Award for Research Excellence in HAIs (2008)
Advising and Grants: Prof. Laird supervises multiple PhD students and has secured extensive funding from diverse sources including the Society for Applied Microbiology, Textile Services Association, National Biofilms Innovation Centre, and internal DMU funds (e.g., HEIF, GCRF). Her grants support projects on antimicrobial textiles, educational outreach (A Germ’s Journey), and infection control innovations.
Labs and Teams: She leads the Infectious Disease Research Group at DMU and is the Lead for the Medilink East Midlands Infectious Disease Special Interest Group. Her team collaborates with global brands, trade bodies, and academic networks such as the EU COST Action CA16227 on mosquito-repellent textiles.
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