Stephen Gordon

Professor Stephen Gordon is a Full Professor at University College Dublin's School of Veterinary Medicine, with joint appointments in the Schools of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and Medicine. He holds an Orcid identifier (0000-0002-4833-5542) and has been a Full Professor since 2021, previously holding the same title from 2008–2021. His research focuses on mycobacterial infections, particularly bovine tuberculosis (bTB), leveraging genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular epidemiology.

Education:

• BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Science, National University of Ireland, Galway (1986–1990)
• PhD in Microbiology, University of Leicester (1991–1995), supported by Wellcome Trust grants

Research Interests: His work explores the molecular mechanisms of mycobacterial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of diagnostics and control strategies for TB in cattle and humans. Key areas include genomic epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis, comparative genomics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members, and the role of vitamin D in mycobacterial immunity.

Professional Activities:

• Member of the DAFM Scientific Advisory Committee for Animal Health and Welfare (2014–2018)
• Member of the Veterinary Council of Ireland (2014–2017)
• Editorial roles in journals such as Tuberculosis, PLoS ONE, and Microbiology-Sgm

Awards:

• VLA Young Scientist of the Year (2000)
• Wellcome Trust Fellowships (1991–1995)

Teaching & Supervision: Leads the Thematic Doctoral Programme in Infection Biology and teaches courses on Systems Microbiology, Genomics, and Veterinary Pathobiology. Supervises PhD students in TB-related research.

Grants & Funding: Secured major grants including the €5M 'One-TB' initiative and collaborations on genomic epidemiology tools for bTB control. Current projects address wildlife reservoirs, diagnostic improvements, and whole-genome sequencing applications in Ireland's TB eradication efforts.