Stephen Mutoloki

Stephen Mutoloki is a Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), leading the "Host-pathogen interactions in infection and immunity" research group. With over 19 years of specialized experience in aquatic animal health, his work bridges fundamental immunology and practical aquaculture disease management.

His educational journey includes:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka
• Master of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka
• PhD in Veterinary Science, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo (2007)

Professor Mutoloki's research focuses on host-pathogen dynamics in economically vital fish species. He pioneered studies on oil-based vaccine side effects in salmonids before advancing to molecular investigations of viral pathogens (IPNV, PDV, TiLV, IHNV) and bacterial challenges in tilapia. His current bacteriophage research targets skin ulcer pathogens in salmon, representing innovative work at the antimicrobial alternative frontier. This trajectory demonstrates consistent progression from applied vaccine studies to cutting-edge molecular pathogenesis research.

As principal investigator of NORAD's Norhed programme, he directs a major international capacity-building initiative spanning East/Southern Africa with recent West African expansion. This project trains the next generation of African fish health scientists while generating critical data on emerging tilapia pathogens.

His research group provides a dynamic environment for studying fish immune responses through:

• Field-based disease surveillance in African aquaculture systems
• Controlled challenge studies of viral and bacterial pathogens
• Mechanistic investigations of protective immunity
• Development of novel intervention strategies including phage therapy

This integrated approach positions his work at the nexus of basic immunology and sustainable aquaculture development.