Martin Welch

Martin Welch is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, where he leads research on bacterial pathogenesis, specifically focusing on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a critical priority pathogen identified by the WHO. His work investigates the regulation of virulence, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance in this opportunistic human pathogen.

Professor Welch's research interests span several key areas in microbial pathogenesis and bacterial metabolism. His work examines how metabolic and nutritional cues, environmental stress, and inter-cellular signaling systems such as quorum sensing regulate bacterial virulence. A significant focus of his research involves understanding how P. aeruginosa interacts with other bacterial species in polymicrobial environments, particularly in the respiratory tracts of patients with cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His laboratory employs a diverse range of techniques including molecular genetics, 'omics approaches (genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and fluxome), protein chemistry and enzymology, and biophysics/structural biology.

The research conducted by Professor Welch and his team has revealed important insights into bacterial metabolism and virulence regulation. Their work has shown how metabolic pathways influence virulence expression, how environmental stressors affect biofilm formation, and how polymicrobial interactions can alter antibiotic efficacy. Recent discoveries include unexpected targets of quorum sensing signals and mechanisms of metabolic flexibility in P. aeruginosa.

• Systems-wide analysis of organic acid assimilation in P. aeruginosa
• Metabolic flexibility in central carbon metabolism
• Global reprogramming of virulence through genetic mutations
• Evolutionary plasticity in metabolic enzymes
• Regulation of metabolic pathways through precursor availability
• Structural characterization of key metabolic enzymes

Professor Welch actively mentors students and researchers at all levels, welcoming enquiries from prospective interns, undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to join The Welch Group. His laboratory is based in the Hopkins Building at the Downing Site of the University of Cambridge.