Shivanthi Samarasinghe

Dr. Shivanthi Samarasinghe is an Associate Professor in Microbial Molecular Genetics and Genomics at the School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Her research focuses on the molecular biology of antibiotic-resistant microbial pathogens and the application of advanced molecular tools for diagnosis and surveillance of infectious diseases.

• University: De Montfort University
• School: School of Allied Health Sciences
• Research Group: Biomedical and Environmental Health, DMU-Willows Centre for Primary Care Research

Research Interests: Dr. Samarasinghe’s research centers on understanding the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic microbes, including gene regulation, horizontal gene transfer, and biofilm formation. She employs next-generation sequencing and real-time PCR for rapid diagnostics and surveillance. Her work aligns with DMU’s strategic goals in lifelong well-being and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly maternal and neonatal health.

Publication Trends: Her recent publications reflect a strong focus on antimicrobial resistance, virulence mechanisms, and novel therapeutic strategies such as anti-virulence compounds from cranberry and Manuka honey. She also contributes to global health through systematic reviews on neonatal sepsis and Chlamydia in pregnancy.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Aurora Leadership Development Programme for Women in Higher Education (2021)
• Next Generation Sequencing Bioinformatics Course Bursary, Wellcome Sanger Institute (2020)
• DMU Vice-Chancellor’s Future Research Leader Award (2014)
• Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (FIBMS, 2015)

Advising and Grants: Dr. Samarasinghe supervises multiple PhD and MSc students and has secured significant external funding from sources including the Ministry of Education Nigeria, GCRF, MRC, and industry partners like Shofu Dental Corporation. Her projects span molecular characterization of resistant pathogens, AI-based decision tools for maternal infections, and development of rapid diagnostic assays.

Labs and Teams: She leads the Molecular Biology of Drug-Resistant Pathogens research group and is actively involved in the Biomedical and Environmental Health research cluster at DMU. She also serves as an academic consultant for the Antibiotic Stewardship Steering Committee at Willows Health NHS.