Sara Gago

Sara Gago is a Lecturer in Fungal Disease Biology at The University of Manchester within the School of Biological Sciences and Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics. She leads initiatives including the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) and holds roles as PGT Recruitment Lead and Unit Lead for multiple postgraduate programs. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of fungal diseases, genetic susceptibility, diagnostics, and translational medicine. She has over 10 years of experience developing experimental models and diagnostic tools, contributing to WHO policies and clinical guidelines. Notable achievements include identifying host transcription factors involved in fungal defense and co-chairing ISHAM.

Education: PhD in Biological Sciences (2014, Universidad Complutense), MSc Microbiology (2010), and a teaching certificate (2009). Research interests span fungal pathogenesis, antifungal resistance, and diagnostic assay development. Awards include the NC3Rs Training Fellowship (2017-2019).

Her work emphasizes clinical translation, including contributions to WHO essential medicines lists and diagnostic guidelines. Key projects involve co-infection dynamics, fungal virulence factors, and drug target discovery.