Sharon Peacock

Professor Sharon Peacock is a leading academic in medical microbiology and public health at the University of Cambridge. She holds the position of Executive Director & Chair of the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK) since 2020. Previously, she served as Professor of Clinical Microbiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and University College London (2015-2019), and at the University of Cambridge Department of Medicine (2009-2015). Her research focuses on bacterial pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and genomic surveillance of infectious diseases.

Education and professional roles include non-executive directorships at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Public Health England (seconded roles). She has been recognized with significant honors including Commander of the British Empire (CBE), MRC Millennium Medal, and Unilever Colworth Prize. Her work bridges laboratory research and public health policy, particularly in genomic epidemiology of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and MRSA.

Key contributions include defining transmission patterns of nosocomial pathogens through genomic studies, developing strategies for antimicrobial resistance, and leading international responses to infectious disease outbreaks. Her research integrates clinical microbiology with advanced genomic technologies to inform global health strategies.