Margherita Bertuzzi

Dr. Margherita Bertuzzi is a Lecturer in Molecular Microbiology at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics and the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG). She holds roles as Co-Director of the MSc Infection Biology program and PGT Unit Lead for Host-Pathogen Interaction lectures and Research Project II. Her research focuses on fungal infection biology, particularly the antifungal phagocytic activities of respiratory epithelia in health and disease, with emphasis on pH-mediated signaling and COPD-related dysfunctions. She leads a team employing single-cell technologies and immunological analyses to study fungal-epithelial interactions.

Education:

• BSc (Hons) Molecular Biology, University of Padua, Italy (2002-2005)
• MRes Human Health Biology, University of Padua, Italy (2005-2007)
• PhD Molecular Mycology, Imperial College London, UK (2007-2011)

Research Interests:

Her work explores epithelial encounters with respiratory pathogens, immune response modulation, and translational applications. Key areas include Aspergillus fumigatus pathogenesis, COPD exacerbations, and host-microbe interactions using cutting-edge imaging and single-cell techniques.

Awards:

• MRC Discovery award (2017)
• MRC New Investigator Research grant (2021)

Teaching & Mentoring:

She delivers lectures on molecular mycology, mentors PGT students, and oversees research projects. Recent supervisees include PhD candidates (e.g., Patrick Dancer) and MSc/MRes students (e.g., Anna Möslinger, Caitlin Sergienko).

Labs & Collaborations:

Collaborations with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and the National Aspergillosis Centre support clinical translation. Her lab integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address fungal infection challenges aligned with UN SDG 3 (Good Health).