Robert Hammond

Dr. Robert Hammond is a Lecturer in the Division of Infection and Global Health at the University of St Andrews School of Medicine. He holds a BSc in Biomedical Sciences (University of Strathclyde, 2006–2010) and an MRes in Medical and Veterinary Microbiology (University of Glasgow, 2010–2011). His research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, diagnostics, tuberculosis, and optics, with a particular emphasis on developing rapid diagnostic tools like the SLIC technology. He has supervised PhD students from diverse backgrounds and contributed to major innovations, including the SLIC device for antibiotic susceptibility testing, which has received awards such as the Longitude Prize Discovery Award (2016) and the Scottish Life Science Innovation of the Year Award (2018). His work addresses global health challenges, particularly in low-resource settings.

Dr. Hammond’s research interests integrate microbiology, engineering, and clinical practice. He leads projects on photodynamic therapy, far-UVC safety, and tuberculosis diagnostics. Collaborations span institutions in Scotland, the UK, Poland, Kenya, and Ecuador. His team includes current students like Isabelle Cochrane and past graduates such as Dr. Alexander Liu. He has secured grants, including funding from Innovate UK and the Wellcome Trust, to advance antimicrobial research and technology. His contributions have been recognized with the Royal Academy of Engineers Young Engineer of the Year Award (2022).

Dr. Hammond maintains an active role in translating research into clinical practice, with SLIC devices now used globally. His lab, based in the Medical and Biological Sciences Building, emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve diagnostic efficiency. Future efforts aim to expand SLIC applications and explore novel antimicrobial strategies.