Most of our research is focused on small RNAs, and more recently on RNA-mediated communication between organisms. We have developed bioinformatics methods for discovering which small RNAs are produced…

Most of our research is focused on small RNAs, and more recently on RNA-mediated communication between organisms. We have developed bioinformatics methods for discovering which small RNAs are produced by different genomes, by analysing mixtures of interacting organisms. In collaboration with Amy Buck, we recently discovered that the dominant mobile small RNAs in a parasitic nematode called Heligmosomoides bakeri are derived from transposable elements. We are currently exploring the evolution of transposable elements in Strongylida parasitic nematodes, as well as their relationship with genome size and production of small RNAs.

My work within EPIC (Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks) includes translation and communication of science as effective and ethical evidence for animal disease preparedness policy and dis…

My work within EPIC (Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks) includes translation and communication of science as effective and ethical evidence for animal disease preparedness policy and disease outbreak response. My career has covered many aspects of animal health and One Health, including veterinary practice, population health in livestock and aquaculture production, epidemiology, social science, knowledge exchange and public health. Her research interests lie in understanding the links between human and animal health, and in the development and implementation of practical, innovative strategies to prevent and control infectious disease in animal and human populations.

I am interested in how proteins in cells assemble into bigger protein complexes in plant cells. I am particularly interested in how environmental responses can induce changes in protein complex format…

I am interested in how proteins in cells assemble into bigger protein complexes in plant cells. I am particularly interested in how environmental responses can induce changes in protein complex formation. I use biochemistry, cell biology, as well as plant physiology to understand protein complexes in plants.

I am interested in understanding the mechanism of how eukaryotic cells inherit their genetic material accurately at each round of cell division. My lab focuses on the kinetochore, the macromolecular p…

I am interested in understanding the mechanism of how eukaryotic cells inherit their genetic material accurately at each round of cell division. My lab focuses on the kinetochore, the macromolecular protein complex that drives chromosome segregation. Although it was widely believed that the structural core of kinetochores would be composed of proteins that are conserved in all eukaryotes, we discovered an unconventional class of kinetochore proteins in Trypanosoma brucei, an evolutionarily-divergent kinetoplastid parasite. Our current goal is to understand how these novel kinetochore proteins carry out conserved functions such as binding to DNA or microtubules, as well as establishment of properly bi-oriented chromsomal attachments. We also reconstitute kinetochore complexes and characterize them using various approaches, including structural biology and biophysics.

My research addresses how organisms adapt to and survive severe environmental changes, a process called "evolutionary rescue". A particular current focus is how bacterial pathogens evolve resistance t…

My research addresses how organisms adapt to and survive severe environmental changes, a process called "evolutionary rescue". A particular current focus is how bacterial pathogens evolve resistance to antibiotic treatment. This serves as both a model system to understand fundamental evolutionary principles, and an important applied topic in public health. I am especially interested in stochastic processes underlying evolution: the production of rare mutations and the demographic dynamics of small populations. I address these topics through mathematical modelling, wet lab experiments, and statistical inference.

The Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories are part of a Scottish group of laboratories that are centrally funded by National Service Scotland to provide specialist services to the Scottish popu…

The Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories are part of a Scottish group of laboratories that are centrally funded by National Service Scotland to provide specialist services to the Scottish population. Five Laboratories are hosted by NHS Lothian and they include Blood Borne Virus, Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections, E.coli, Human Papilloma and Mycobacteria functions. The service is centrally funded for referring laboratories across Scotland.

My lab's goal is to decipher conserved mechanisms that establish, maintain and regulate assembly of heterochromatin and CENP-A chromatin domains. Antifungal resistance is generally regarded to result…

My lab's goal is to decipher conserved mechanisms that establish, maintain and regulate assembly of heterochromatin and CENP-A chromatin domains. Antifungal resistance is generally regarded to result from genetic changes. However, our breakthrough discovery that heterochromatin-dependent “epimutations” allow wild-type fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) to develop resistance to unfavourable environments, including antifungal drugs, has opened an entirely new area of research. Our fundamental model organism-based mechanistic studies demonstrate that epimutations are an important alternative for conferring resistance. Such chromatin-based epigenetic changes are missed by DNA sequencing used to identify causative genetic alterations in resistant pathogenic fungi. Hence, our discoveries are transforming accepted wisdom on the principles driving antifungal resistance and are likely of profound translational importance.

My research focuses on the application of interdisciplinary One Health and Conservation Medicine approaches to support wildlife health. I have a particular interest in disease transmission across the …

My research focuses on the application of interdisciplinary One Health and Conservation Medicine approaches to support wildlife health. I have a particular interest in disease transmission across the human-wildlife-livestock interface and I have specific expertise on the ecology and epidemiology of African trypanosomiasis.

My lab uses both host and microbe-centric approaches to identify the critical points of communication between intestinal bacterial and mammalian epithelial cells. We combine bacterial RNA sequencing w…

My lab uses both host and microbe-centric approaches to identify the critical points of communication between intestinal bacterial and mammalian epithelial cells. We combine bacterial RNA sequencing with unbiased metabolomic profiling of host cell supernatants in our in vitro and ex vivo reductionist approaches to identify candidate pathways/molecules of interest. From there, we harness the power of bacterial genetics and apply our findings to in vivo models of murine infection, inflammatory disorders, and chemotherapy treatment.

My work focuses on understanding the dynamics of infectious disease through modelling and phylogenetics. Our recent work published in Science found that more genetic variants are transmitted during th…

My work focuses on understanding the dynamics of infectious disease through modelling and phylogenetics. Our recent work published in Science found that more genetic variants are transmitted during the early stages of HIV infection. Ongoing work is trying to understand why some routes of transmission are incredibly permissive to HIV infection despite showing similar genetic bottlenecks as those less permissive, and whether this can be explained by events happening in the first week after exposure. Parallel studies modelling a cluster randomised trial for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Vietnam, are exploring how drug resistant bacteria are transmitted between people, and how this is affected by vaccines.

I am interested in how neutrophil extracellualr traps (NETs) and abnormal granulopoiesis affect immune responses in chronic infections. I have a keen interest in developing collaborative research proj…

I am interested in how neutrophil extracellualr traps (NETs) and abnormal granulopoiesis affect immune responses in chronic infections. I have a keen interest in developing collaborative research projects on natural occurring canine and feline diseases that can then be translated to humans and benefit veterinary medicine. I also have ongoing research projects in Malawi focusing on malaria and zoonotic infections. More recently I have been leading a research project on an outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis cause by a coronavirus.

My lab is interested in diagnostics innovation in the context of targeted and effective antibiotic therapy. Our research focusses on rapid diagnostics at point of care to enable personalised approache…

My lab is interested in diagnostics innovation in the context of targeted and effective antibiotic therapy. Our research focusses on rapid diagnostics at point of care to enable personalised approaches to medicine. This involves research on novel biosensors, molecular diagnostics, next generation sequencing and biomarkers as well as factors affecting the development and implementation of novel diagnostics. Our main target is the optimisation of antimicrobial therapy to reduce antimicrobial resistance and optimise patient outcome I a wide range of diseases and healthcare settings.

My lab uses computational biology and genomics to understand the mechanisms that make people desperately sick in intensive care, so that we can find ways to help them survive and recover. Our focus is…

My lab uses computational biology and genomics to understand the mechanisms that make people desperately sick in intensive care, so that we can find ways to help them survive and recover. Our focus is sepsis, viral lung infections, and the impact of a shortage of oxygen. We run a large-scale programme to discovery molecular consequences of genetic variation (molQTL). In order to test our predictions, we have a longstanding programme using genome editing in human and porcine cells and tissues to validate potential future drug targets. Since 2015 we have run the GenOMICC study to discover new human genetic associations with susceptibility to, and outcome from, critical illness.

I am an interdisciplinary researcher who focuses on innovations in life sciences (agriculture and health). The main body of research spans African pharmaceutical production and the link between local …

I am an interdisciplinary researcher who focuses on innovations in life sciences (agriculture and health). The main body of research spans African pharmaceutical production and the link between local pharmaceutical production and local health security, as well as health systems strengthening. I am also interested in regulation and governance of innovations in life sciences.

I am a research scientist (Molecular Microbiologist) by profession. I have been living in the UK since 2009 and resident of Edinburgh for the last 6 years. I am proudly associated with SAMRAT (former…

I am a research scientist (Molecular Microbiologist) by profession. I have been living in the UK since 2009 and resident of Edinburgh for the last 6 years. I am proudly associated with SAMRAT (formerly known as MMM-E) since its inception in 2016. I actively participated in SGF 2016 and 2017. I was involved in organising cultural activities, movies and muscial show. Currently I am a member of the Board of advisors of SAMRAT. I am enthusiastic about various cultures around me and take great interest in finding ways to keep connected with Marathi and Indian culture here in Scotland.

My research interests lie in studying the human innate immune system with a view to developing novel therapeutics for infections. I am particularly interested in studying the activities of Host Defenc…

My research interests lie in studying the human innate immune system with a view to developing novel therapeutics for infections. I am particularly interested in studying the activities of Host Defence Peptides (HDP), principally in the context of viral infections, such as influenza and rhinovirus, as well as the Flaviviridae, Dengue Virus. I have recently led projects funded by the Medical Research Council and the CSO investigating HDP as novel therapeutic antivirals for dengue virus and rhinovirus infection.

My lab's current focus is on the 30 or so proteins of the human complement system. These proteins work together in an orchestrated fashion to attack invaders, release mediators of inflammation and rid…

My lab's current focus is on the 30 or so proteins of the human complement system. These proteins work together in an orchestrated fashion to attack invaders, release mediators of inflammation and rid the body of foreign cells and viruses, immune complexes and apoptotic or necrotic cells. The complement system includes both an amplification cascade and a positive feedback loop.

My research interests lie in the field of neurodegenerative disorders, and for the last two decades I have been investigating the molecular pathology of prion diseases using tissue-based approaches, …

My research interests lie in the field of neurodegenerative disorders, and for the last two decades I have been investigating the molecular pathology of prion diseases using tissue-based approaches, and animal and in vitro models. Prion diseases are associated with the conformational change of a normal protein, termed the prion protein, to a misfolded isoform. My current research interests are to explore (i) the molecular basis of human and animal prion diseases and their potential for zoonotic transmission; (ii) the effect of cofactors which may influence prion conversion; (iii) the events that trigger their spontaneous formation; and (iv) developing of highly sensitive molecular tools for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative illnesses.

My research explores the evolution and outcomes of human-animal relationships in Eurasia across the Holocene. It is strongly interdisciplinary and collaborative across the humanities and sciences and …

My research explores the evolution and outcomes of human-animal relationships in Eurasia across the Holocene. It is strongly interdisciplinary and collaborative across the humanities and sciences and focusses on a number of key themes including One Health, multispecies ecology, and the origins of zoonoses, animal domestication and the emergence of farming, the origins and expression of early mobile pastoralism and contemporary relevance of the archaeology of human-animal-environment relationships.

My lab is interested in the interplay between the immune system and the cardiovascular system and thrive to discover key immune pathways involved in maintaining metabolic and cardiovascular health. W…

My lab is interested in the interplay between the immune system and the cardiovascular system and thrive to discover key immune pathways involved in maintaining metabolic and cardiovascular health. We aim to understand how dysregulation of immune pathways associated with obesity, age or disease leads to increased risk of infection and cardiovascular diseases. We ultimately want to identify new immune therapeutic targets to boost immune defence and treat cardiovascular diseases.

Genetic variation contributes to human traits and disease. Understanding the contribution of coding and non-coding variants to complex traits is a key challenge in genomics. We focus on inflammatory s…

Genetic variation contributes to human traits and disease. Understanding the contribution of coding and non-coding variants to complex traits is a key challenge in genomics. We focus on inflammatory states, and lung pathologies. Lung injury caused by inflammation from pathogens such as bacteria and viruses (influenza and coronaviruses), can be severe, progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome.

My lab studies three major strands of thymus biology: development, maintenance and age-related degeneration, to undestand the regulation of epithelial progenitor/stem cells in the fetal and adult thym…

My lab studies three major strands of thymus biology: development, maintenance and age-related degeneration, to undestand the regulation of epithelial progenitor/stem cells in the fetal and adult thymus. Our overarching aim is to restore thymus function in immunocompromised patients, using cell replacement or regenerative strategies based on fundamental science. We co-discovered the population of fetal tissue stem/progenitor cells from which the thymus arises during development, and demonstrated that this population can establish a properly organized, fully functional thymus upon transplantation. Recently, we showed that manipulation of a single transcription factor is sufficient to regenerate the aged thymus, even when the organ has fully degenerated.

Our lab focuses on the genetics, genomics and biochemistry of bacteria. We aim to provide new biological insights and novel biotechnological solutions for both biomedicine and industrial applications.…

Our lab focuses on the genetics, genomics and biochemistry of bacteria. We aim to provide new biological insights and novel biotechnological solutions for both biomedicine and industrial applications. Our research has four main themes: chromosome segregation and stability in bacteria; control of restriction-modification systems; polysaccharide biosynthesis; host-microbiome interactions. We work with a range of human and animal pathogens, including the genera Bacteroides, Clostridium, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Our work has led to the development of novel tools to manipulate important opportunistic pathogens such as B. fragilis and C. difficile.

My research includes translation and communication of science as effective and ethical evidence for policy, contingency planning and emergency outbreak response and management, risk assessment and co…

My research includes translation and communication of science as effective and ethical evidence for policy, contingency planning and emergency outbreak response and management, risk assessment and communication and horizon scanning and scenario planning work to facilitate strategic thinking about risk and long-term future resilience to disease outbreaks.

My research group has a major focus on investigating the physiology and pathophysiology of respiratory infections and inflammation from an ecological perspective, with the ultimate goal to design new …

My research group has a major focus on investigating the physiology and pathophysiology of respiratory infections and inflammation from an ecological perspective, with the ultimate goal to design new or improved treatment and preventive measures for respiratory infections in susceptible populations. To this purpose, the team uses a fully translational approach, combining epidemiological, molecular microbiological, immunological and systems biology approaches to answer their research questions. Moreover, we execute mechanistic studies in vitro and in vivo.

I am interested in the three-dimensional structures, intrinsic dynamics and interactions of biological macromolecules with the ultimate aim of understanding their structure-function relationships. Cu…

I am interested in the three-dimensional structures, intrinsic dynamics and interactions of biological macromolecules with the ultimate aim of understanding their structure-function relationships. Current work is focused upon multi-domain, disulphide-bonded, glycoslyated proteins, many of which act as membrane receptors. We are determining tertiary structures and investigating specific protein:protein interactions that occur in macromolecular assemblies. The principal technique we employ is high-resolution, multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy which we complement with other biophysical techniques, such as circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and isothermal titration calorimetry.

My research group is interested in sample processing of complex media, e.g. for waterborne pathogen monitoring or for bioprocessing applications, and the treatment and detection of pathogens/antimicro…

My research group is interested in sample processing of complex media, e.g. for waterborne pathogen monitoring or for bioprocessing applications, and the treatment and detection of pathogens/antimicrobial resistance (mainly in water). We particularly focus on the use of microfluidics, especially inertial focusing techniques, in these applications. My group is also very active in public engagement.

I lead the Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group. We are a mix of veterinarians, statisticans, mathematical modellers, molecular epidemiologists, social scientists, geographers and …

I lead the Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group. We are a mix of veterinarians, statisticans, mathematical modellers, molecular epidemiologists, social scientists, geographers and geneticists working on a number of globally important infectious diseases of livestock and humans including rabies, foot-and-mouth disease, bovine tuberculosis, blue tongue and liver fluke.

I am interested in the biophysics and mathematical biology of microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. I use experiments, mathematical modeling and simulations to probe how microorganisms move aro…

I am interested in the biophysics and mathematical biology of microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. I use experiments, mathematical modeling and simulations to probe how microorganisms move around, grow, and interact with each other. A particular current interest is the interaction between bacteria and the viruses that prey on them, known as bacteriophages. In all of my work there is the dual aim of gaining fundamental understanding of the biology and physics and of using this understanding to control harmful microorganisms or harness them for our own benefit.

My lab focuses on the function and mechanism of small RNAs in host-pathogen systems, with a particular interest in small RNA turnover and trafficking. My work to date has largely focused on one speci…

My lab focuses on the function and mechanism of small RNAs in host-pathogen systems, with a particular interest in small RNA turnover and trafficking. My work to date has largely focused on one specific class of small RNAs, microRNAs, which are ~22 nt RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to specific mRNA transcripts, causing the mRNAs to be degraded or causing their translation to be repressed. We examine how viruses interact with small RNAs and we are testing how modulating the levels of specific small RNAs can alter the ability of viruses to grow and spread. We also study how small RNAs can move from one cell to another – for example from a virus-infected cell to a neighbour cell or from an extracellular parasite into a host cell. We are currently working to understand these natural processes of RNA secretion and uptake, in particular during gastrointestinal nematode infections. Because pathogen-derived small RNAs can be detected in human body fluids, our research also examines the diagnostic utility of extracellular RNAs in infectious diseases

I also lead the sheep scab research group at Moredun, which focuses on developing novel tools for the control of sheep scab, caused by skin infestation with the sheep scab mite, Psoroptes ovis. Recen…

I also lead the sheep scab research group at Moredun, which focuses on developing novel tools for the control of sheep scab, caused by skin infestation with the sheep scab mite, Psoroptes ovis. Recent developments include a commercially available sheep scab blood test, which can detect infested animals before the appearance of clinical signs and also the first prototype sheep scab vaccine, which significantly reduces mite numbers and the size of the skin lesions, offering a more sustainable method of scab control in the future.

My research aims to understand the impacts of environmental change on parasite dynamics in wild animals. Our current project aims to gain knowledge into how climate and land-use change impacts commun…

My research aims to understand the impacts of environmental change on parasite dynamics in wild animals. Our current project aims to gain knowledge into how climate and land-use change impacts communities of vectors and wildlife hosts and alters human behaviour, thus altering disease dynamics and leading to human spillover. It involves strong engagement with affected forest communities, cross-sectoral policy makers and disease management practitioners, and is developing tools, providing policy guidance and frameworks for disease risk management.

I work in the area of science and technology studies (STS) and I study the life sciences. I have a long-standing interest in interdisciplinary collaborations of all sorts. I draw on the sociology and …

I work in the area of science and technology studies (STS) and I study the life sciences. I have a long-standing interest in interdisciplinary collaborations of all sorts. I draw on the sociology and anthropology of science, the philosophy of biology, and science policy in my work.

I have long standing experience in many aspects of global child health with a particular long-term interest in many aspects of childhood respiratory infections. Recent and current projects have explor…

I have long standing experience in many aspects of global child health with a particular long-term interest in many aspects of childhood respiratory infections. Recent and current projects have explored global burden of disease, disease surveillance, use of linked routine heath datasets, risk factors and case management guidelines.

I lead a programme of research into socio-demographic and ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes, the role of primary care in screening provision and symptomatic diagnosis, and implementation of ‘scre…

I lead a programme of research into socio-demographic and ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes, the role of primary care in screening provision and symptomatic diagnosis, and implementation of ‘screen and treat’ cervical screening in Malawi.

My lab focuses on innovative research at the intersection of synthetic chemistry, protein chemistry, and microbiology. Our team is dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of essential prot…

My lab focuses on innovative research at the intersection of synthetic chemistry, protein chemistry, and microbiology. Our team is dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of essential proteins and enzymes from nature processes and pathways. We employ advanced techniques, including directed evolution and high-throughput screening, to enhance enzyme activity and stability, ultimately contributing to the development of eco-friendly catalysts for pharmaceutical applications.

I am a clinical academic in infectious diseases and medical virology. My research interests focus on HIV, tuberculosis, other tropical infections and emerging infections including Covid-19 since the b…

I am a clinical academic in infectious diseases and medical virology. My research interests focus on HIV, tuberculosis, other tropical infections and emerging infections including Covid-19 since the beginning of 2020. During the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as working on the NHS front line of the response, I provided scientific advice to the Chief Medical Officer – Scotland and advisory groups on recent scientific developments on Covid-19. I have been co-opted to NERVTAG (New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group) as a member for Covid-19, advising and producing guidance documents for UK-SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies). 

I am an interdisciplinary bioethicist whose research explores the ethics of emerging modes of biomedicine. I work actively to engage scientists, policymakers, and wider publics in discussions around t…

I am an interdisciplinary bioethicist whose research explores the ethics of emerging modes of biomedicine. I work actively to engage scientists, policymakers, and wider publics in discussions around these issues. I have a wide interest in the ethics of medical research including stem cells, embryo research and reproductive medicine. Human enhancement, gene therapy and genetic modification, along with animal ethics and research ethics, are also my areas of study.

I use experimental evolution in freshwater and marine unicellular algae (Chlamydomonas; Ostreococcus), along with studies of analogous natural microalgal populations, to study how classical adaptive p…

I use experimental evolution in freshwater and marine unicellular algae (Chlamydomonas; Ostreococcus), along with studies of analogous natural microalgal populations, to study how classical adaptive processes (selective sweeps, adaptive walks) are affected by environmental complexity. Complex environments may be those that change at different rates (glacial-interglacial cycles vs the current rate of global change), that involve many concurrent changes (changes in temperature and light levels and carbon levels), or that involve changes in competition and adaptation at the same time (changes in the species composition of communities on the same timescale as the evolution of a given species).

I have an interest in understanding the immunological mechanisms that underlie the success or failure of vaccines developed to induce T-cell responses in livestock species. This has predominantly focu…

I have an interest in understanding the immunological mechanisms that underlie the success or failure of vaccines developed to induce T-cell responses in livestock species. This has predominantly focused on Theileria parva but I also have interests in other major pathogens including Mycobacterium bovis.

Our role as farm animal veterinary surgeons is to support the farming community to profitably produce food that is safe, in a manner that contributes positively to the environment and is respectful of…

Our role as farm animal veterinary surgeons is to support the farming community to profitably produce food that is safe, in a manner that contributes positively to the environment and is respectful of animal welfare. Infectious diseases in farm animals have a substantial impact on productivity and welfare, whilst also acting as a source of infection for humans. In addition, the use of antibiotics to treat infectious diseases in farm animals is under intense scrutiny as a selector of antibiotic resistance genes in both veterinary and human pathogens. My research aims to contribute to our ability to better control infectious diseases in farm animals.

I conduct research into Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and the disease it causes, ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) at Moredun. OPA is a contagious lung cancer of sheep caused by a virus; it i…

I conduct research into Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and the disease it causes, ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) at Moredun. OPA is a contagious lung cancer of sheep caused by a virus; it is invariably fatal and there is no effective treatment despite 200 years of study. I have worked on pretty much every aspect of the disease, from investigating farming practices to monitor disease spread through to looking at the function of individual virus genes to see how it causes the cancer to grow.

My research interests are malaria vaccine development, studing the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis and developing new technologies to characterise humoral immune responses, by combining molecular bi…

My research interests are malaria vaccine development, studing the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis and developing new technologies to characterise humoral immune responses, by combining molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics approaches. By combining repertoire sequencing with other molecular methods, we study what makes people immune to infectious diseases. Sometimes the immune system can cause disease itself - we are also analysing the antibodies generated in autoimmune conditions to understand why the immune system can go wrong and how we can prevent it.

I am a consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine. With an emphasis on early life viral infection, I was Chair of the NICE Bronchiolitis guideline investigating oxygen saturation targets in acute v…

I am a consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine. With an emphasis on early life viral infection, I was Chair of the NICE Bronchiolitis guideline investigating oxygen saturation targets in acute viral bronchiolitis. My research focuses on acute respiratory disease in children, particularly in relation to early viral infection, asthma, cystic fibrosis and rare lung disease and Early Phase clinical trials.

I am particularly interested in parasitism and wildlife disease, focussing on understanding key mechanisms that drive patterns of animal infection in different environments is a crucial step in protec…

I am particularly interested in parasitism and wildlife disease, focussing on understanding key mechanisms that drive patterns of animal infection in different environments is a crucial step in protecting both animal and human populations from disease. We are interested in understanding why different individuals differ in their suseptibility and ability to tolerate disease and the consequences when scaling up to the population level. We are also interested how environmental signals combine with genetic information in the early life environment to shape life-history responses and the success of subsequent generations.

My research focuses on Human Papillomavirus infection, while normally transient can lead to the development of anogenital cancers cancers as well as cancers of the head and neck. My current research …

My research focuses on Human Papillomavirus infection, while normally transient can lead to the development of anogenital cancers cancers as well as cancers of the head and neck. My current research interests include the development and evaluation of biomarkers for the identification of clinically significant HPV infection Cervical cancer screening for hard to reach groups.

My research interests centre on the molecular and physiological controls that govern bacterial growth. In recent years this has extended to an interest in how to control the growth of microbial biofil…

My research interests centre on the molecular and physiological controls that govern bacterial growth. In recent years this has extended to an interest in how to control the growth of microbial biofilms and pathogens within the food manufacturing industries. Recent collaborative work has investigated the control of Listeria monocytogenes in smoked fish, allowed the identification of natural antimicrobial substances capable of inhibiting the growth of Staph. aureus and, most recently, the pathogenicity determinants of the emerging foodborne pathogen, Arcobacter butzleri.

I did my undergraduate medical studies at the University of Dundee, also attaining a first class BMSc in Neurosciences. I completed my specialist training in medical microbiology in the North East of…

I did my undergraduate medical studies at the University of Dundee, also attaining a first class BMSc in Neurosciences. I completed my specialist training in medical microbiology in the North East of England and during this time I undertook a PhD, University of Dundee, focusing on the folate pathway and drug discovery in African trypanosomiasis. I have worked as a microbiology consultant in NHS Lothian since 2019 and I am currently the clinical lead for Lothian’s antimicrobial management team. My particular interests are antimicrobial stewardship, drug discovery and infection prevention and control.

My group investigate Disruptive Technologies to Advance Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care. Our group has a number of broad themes including: (i) Discovering new methodologies that will permit the…

My group investigate Disruptive Technologies to Advance Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care. Our group has a number of broad themes including: (i) Discovering new methodologies that will permit the accurate and spatial characterisation of inflammation, infection, cancer and fibrosis in the distal human lung, (ii) Understanding the pulmonary response to acute infection and inflammation with a particular interest in monocyte/macrophage biology and neutrophil recruitment. (iii) A focus on Experimental Medicine and early phase studies including intratarget microdosing.

I am a virologist who has published on herpesviruses, plus strand RNA viruses and (primarily) on influenza A virus. My laboratory is interested in the molecular and cellular biology of how influenza v…

I am a virologist who has published on herpesviruses, plus strand RNA viruses and (primarily) on influenza A virus. My laboratory is interested in the molecular and cellular biology of how influenza virus replicates, using this information to understand the basis of virus pathogenesis and host range, as well as for translational studies on antiviral drug development and virus control measures.

My lab studies a variety of bacterial infections with a particular on Streptococcus pneumoniae and other respiratory pathogens. We also examine Staphylococcus aureus, and other gram-positive infection…

My lab studies a variety of bacterial infections with a particular on Streptococcus pneumoniae and other respiratory pathogens. We also examine Staphylococcus aureus, and other gram-positive infections. Furhtermore, we are interested in how HIV and other viral infections alter the macrophage responses to bacteria. We use a variety of models to interrogate the macrophages' function both in isolation and as part of an immune cell network. These approaches include working with patients with chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and HIV.

Our group investigates how the genetics of individuals, together with other factors affects harmful and beneficial social interactions and the spread of infectious disease in farm animals. We are an i…

Our group investigates how the genetics of individuals, together with other factors affects harmful and beneficial social interactions and the spread of infectious disease in farm animals. We are an interdisciplinary group of scientists aiming to effectively combine field and laboratory experiments with mathematical modelling and quantitative genetics theory, with the ultimate aim to improve animal health, welfare and resilience for more sustainable livestock production.

My research interests lie in the areas of Stem Cell biology and Reproductive Biology in large animal species. I am interested in these species both from a veterinary perspective and as disease models.…

My research interests lie in the areas of Stem Cell biology and Reproductive Biology in large animal species. I am interested in these species both from a veterinary perspective and as disease models. I lead a research group working in the areas of Stem Cell biology and Reproductive Biology in large animal species. We are interested in these species both from a veterinary perspective and as disease models. Work in my laboratory spans from hypothesis-led studies to understand basic cell, organ and whole animal biology and physiology, all the way through to translational studies with industry to develop novel molecular diagnostics and cell-based tools to address specific key challenges faced by the livestock (cattle and pigs) industry and companion animal sectors, in addition to applications for cellular agriculture.

My research focus is on the function of host defence peptides by studying the consequence of their dysfunction in the mouse. Currently this approach is revealing their involvement in infertility, obes…

My research focus is on the function of host defence peptides by studying the consequence of their dysfunction in the mouse. Currently this approach is revealing their involvement in infertility, obesity and immunomodulation. Currently I am working on a multigene family of antimicrobial peptides called β-defensins which are astonishingly potent against yeast, bacteria and viruses and recognised as major players in innate immunity and yet deletion of these genes results in novel and exciting phenotypes. They are expressed at mucosal surfaces when induced but are highly expressed normally in male and female reproductive tract.

My research interests are focused on the mechanisms controlling inflammatory processes from initiation to resolution and also understanding the potential toxicology surrounding environmental and occup…

My research interests are focused on the mechanisms controlling inflammatory processes from initiation to resolution and also understanding the potential toxicology surrounding environmental and occupational nanoparticle exposures. Inflammatory diseases and especially inflammatory lung diseases, like chronic bronchitis and emphysema (COPD) and scarring conditions, are responsible for a huge burden of illness and untimely deaths in the UK, but current treatments are at best poorly-effective. Over the past 20 years we have been taking an alternative approach to harness the mechanisms by which some inflammatory responses are known to get better spontaneously.

My lab's mission is to re-engineer biological molecules or systems and use them in new technologies that solve real-world problems in areas such as medicine and energy. We are also interested in using…

My lab's mission is to re-engineer biological molecules or systems and use them in new technologies that solve real-world problems in areas such as medicine and energy. We are also interested in using our knowledge of bionanotechnology to address unanswered biological or biomedical questions.

My main areas of interest are Epidemiology, Public Health, Risk Analysis, Aquaculture, Value Chain Analysis and Health Economics. I have been a co-investigator in many national and international mult…

My main areas of interest are Epidemiology, Public Health, Risk Analysis, Aquaculture, Value Chain Analysis and Health Economics. I have been a co-investigator in many national and international multidisciplinary projects in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, World Fish Centre, the International Livestock Research Institute, the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, and the University of Edinburgh. Along my career, I have gained experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods. I contribute to the preparation and delivery of Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health lectures for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

My research covers histories of epidemics such as HIV/AIDS and the third plague pandemic (1890-1950), the history of epidemiological reasoning as well as the digital transformation of public health in…

My research covers histories of epidemics such as HIV/AIDS and the third plague pandemic (1890-1950), the history of epidemiological reasoning as well as the digital transformation of public health in the present.

I specialise in cellular immunology and the identification of immune correlates to underpin the development of vaccines and diagnostic tests to control infectious diseases of ruminant livestock. My in…

I specialise in cellular immunology and the identification of immune correlates to underpin the development of vaccines and diagnostic tests to control infectious diseases of ruminant livestock. My interests in reproductive immunology led to studies on the pathogenesis of chlamydial abortion in sheep, with the aim of identifying immunological correlates of protection to underpin vaccine development. Throughout my career I have developed immunological reagents for studying the ruminant immune system and have supported the establishment of the Immunological Toolbox to advance veterinary immunology globally.

I am primarily developing innovative hybrid oxidation technologies for decontaminating reusable medical devices and wastewater. My research features the application of mathematical modelling and labor…

I am primarily developing innovative hybrid oxidation technologies for decontaminating reusable medical devices and wastewater. My research features the application of mathematical modelling and laboratory experimentation to analyse the susceptibility of recalcitrant contaminants and microbes to new treatment methods. On a renewable energy front, I also explore the application of diverse modelling methods for assessing the viability of waste biomass-to-biofuel conversion processes and the subsequent utilisation routes.

I am a clinician-scientist focused on liver research, working to turn scientific discoveries into real-world tests and treatments for patients. My work bridges the gap between medical research and pat…

I am a clinician-scientist focused on liver research, working to turn scientific discoveries into real-world tests and treatments for patients. My work bridges the gap between medical research and patient care, finding practical solutions to clinical challenges. I work closely with industry, charities, patients, and the public to bring new ideas to life. My research interests span basic science and translational/clinical studies in hepatology. Key topics include mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis and fibrosis regression; portal hypertension and acute kidney injury; biomarkers (particularly imaging); and discovery/development of novel therapies for liver fibrosis, fatty liver, and portal hypertension.

I hold key responsibilities in the undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programmes, teaching extensively both theoretically and clinically. My research interests and activities include cancer care a…

I hold key responsibilities in the undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programmes, teaching extensively both theoretically and clinically. My research interests and activities include cancer care and survivorship, pain management, clinical decision making, clinical support of learner nurses and stress in nursing. My aim has always been to equip students of nursing with the critical and compassionate ability to understand, work and lead in 21st century systems of health and nursing care provision.

My group studies in vivo live imaging and genetic analysis of the earliest events of tumour initiation with the emphasis on the influence of inflammation to cancer progression in a zebrafish model. We…

My group studies in vivo live imaging and genetic analysis of the earliest events of tumour initiation with the emphasis on the influence of inflammation to cancer progression in a zebrafish model. We use a combination of live imaging and genetic analysis in zebrafish larvae, to study the earliest events of tumour initiation and progression, in vivo and in real time. We focus on the interactions between transformed-cell, normal host tissue and infiltrating innate immune cells which, as we have demonstrated, mount a trophic inflammatory response toward the emergent transformed-cells.

My most recent work is focusing on conflict archaeology, interpersonal violence and cranial trauma. I am particularly interested in how age and gender influence involvement in violent interaction in p…

My most recent work is focusing on conflict archaeology, interpersonal violence and cranial trauma. I am particularly interested in how age and gender influence involvement in violent interaction in prehistoric Europe and the mechanisms of head injury observed during this period. To this end I am developing my work further through experimental bioarchaeology.

My research explores the capacity for bacterial pathogens to emerge and cause disease in different medical, agricultural, and industrial settings. My lab is focused on the evolution and pathogenesis o…

My research explores the capacity for bacterial pathogens to emerge and cause disease in different medical, agricultural, and industrial settings. My lab is focused on the evolution and pathogenesis of clinically important species of Staphylococci including the major human and animal pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. We are currently using a range of molecular and genomic tools to understand the evolutionary origin and the molecular basis of staphylococcal diseases. A major goal is to translate our findings into new diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic approaches to controlling infections.

I have taught and led on a range of microbiology/biomedical science modules in Edinburgh and overseas. I have extensive experience in programme leadership, undergraduate and masters level, and for pro…

I have taught and led on a range of microbiology/biomedical science modules in Edinburgh and overseas. I have extensive experience in programme leadership, undergraduate and masters level, and for programmes delivered in Edinburgh and in Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.

I have always had an interest in the evolution of the vertebrate’s immune system and, in particular in the immune system of fish. The research in my group is a balanced mixture of fundamental and appl…

I have always had an interest in the evolution of the vertebrate’s immune system and, in particular in the immune system of fish. The research in my group is a balanced mixture of fundamental and applied science: we take a comparative approach to study various aspects of the immune system of different vertebrate species, and also focus on the immune response of avian (chicken), mammalian (pigs) and fish (cyprinids) species to pathogens. We then apply this fundamental knowledge to the development of experimental vaccines. Most importantly, my team in close collaboration with the vaccine industry is trying to develop methods to adapt vectors already approved for use in humans and veterinary species, for use in fish.

Microorganisms constitute the vast majority of the diversity of life on planet Earth, and perform crucial functions ranging from carbon fixation, biogeochemical cycling and degradation of toxic waste …

Microorganisms constitute the vast majority of the diversity of life on planet Earth, and perform crucial functions ranging from carbon fixation, biogeochemical cycling and degradation of toxic waste to the maintenance of healthy function in the mammalian gut. We are interested in the basic ecological processes which determine the diversity, functionality and variability in natural microbial communities and in model laboratory systems, and in applying this basic knowledge to improving the performance of microbial devices such as anaerobic digestors as well as in the mammalian intestine.

My research studies the genetic factors that make specific strains of E. coli a threat to human health as well as those that make strain more susceptible to phage predation in order to predict the mos…

My research studies the genetic factors that make specific strains of E. coli a threat to human health as well as those that make strain more susceptible to phage predation in order to predict the most effective phage combinations for therapeutic intervention. Our basic science studies how the bacteria colonise epithelium in both the gut and urinary tract and then use this information to improve development of interventions. In particular we study strains of E. coli that come from cattle, in which they cause no disease, but can cause bloody diarrhea and sometimes fatal systemic infection if they infect humans. We try to define and predict which strains represent the most serious threat to human health and aim to eradicate these by using vaccines and phage in cattle.

I am an interdisciplinary researcher interested in the interface between sexuality, health, memory and online/offline practices. I am currently working on a variety of projects focused on how gay men …

I am an interdisciplinary researcher interested in the interface between sexuality, health, memory and online/offline practices. I am currently working on a variety of projects focused on how gay men negotiate HIV risk and COVID-19 risk, people experiencing memories of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and use of the internet for wellbeing, during COVID-19. I am also actively working on pandemic preparedness and response, including COVID-19 and mpox. As a sociologist, I seek to understand how people experience their sexuality and sexual health, make decisions around healthcare, and seek support. I can deploy a wide range of research techniques to understand how services work and evaluate interventions. I have particular expertise in evaluating digital and remote care interventions for HIV testing, sexual health and social support targetted at LGBT+ people.

I investigate the genetic coding strategies of viruses that cause respiratory diseases, recently focussing on the novel coronavirus. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, my group were working on the Influenz…

I investigate the genetic coding strategies of viruses that cause respiratory diseases, recently focussing on the novel coronavirus. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, my group were working on the Influenza-A virus. We introduce specific motifs, comprising additional letters, into the virus’ genetic code, which make it stimulate a stronger immune response and stop it from growing.

I have been the Head of Veterinary Services to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland since 2009. I have been a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Recognised Specialist in Zoo & Wildlife Medicine …

I have been the Head of Veterinary Services to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland since 2009. I have been a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Recognised Specialist in Zoo & Wildlife Medicine since 2003 and a European Board of Veterinary Specialisation Recognised Specialist in Zoo Health Management since the founding of the discipline in 2012. I have a strong track record in mentoring veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the discipline of zoological medicine, having set up the first ECZM Residency in Zoo Health Management in the UK and the first post graduate course in veterinary nursing of exotic pet, zoo and wildlife species

The microorganisms that live in animals (the microbiota) play vital roles in disease resistance, and in helping animals extract nutrients from their feed. My group explores the composition and functio…

The microorganisms that live in animals (the microbiota) play vital roles in disease resistance, and in helping animals extract nutrients from their feed. My group explores the composition and function of these microbial communities in various species. My group researches the functional relationships between the microbiota, host and environment in several animal species. My current research interests are (1) improving fibre fermentation in the avian caecum through manipulation of the microbiota, to allow chickens to thrive on high-fibre, low sugar, feeds; (2) the impact of the microbiota on immunity, and how differences in microbiota composition and function can help shape immune development in the gastrointestinal tract in farmed animals, humans and pets.

I lead the viral immunology group designing and testing vaccines for cattle, sheep and pigs, including including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), African Swine Fever (ASF) …

I lead the viral immunology group designing and testing vaccines for cattle, sheep and pigs, including including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), African Swine Fever (ASF) virus, bovine herpes virus (BHV-1) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). With colleagues at Moredun, and partners at New England Animal Health in Vermont, USA, I began Pentlands Immunologics, to prepare and distribute immune reagents for research in livestock species.

I am a Gastroenterologist with a research interest in invasive typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella disease, and in training and mentoring the next generation of researchers in Malawi. Over 25 years…

I am a Gastroenterologist with a research interest in invasive typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella disease, and in training and mentoring the next generation of researchers in Malawi. Over 25 years working in Malawi, I have led research to generate original scientific knowledge, and influence global policy. My landmark African phase 2,3 and 4 clinical trials of typhoid conjugate and iNTS vaccines, provided evidence to underpin vaccine introductions across Africa and Asia.

I have conducted clinical and translational research in the UK and Malawi since 1993; my research in pulmonary disease in Malawi began in 1996. My initial research focus was on HIV-associated lung mac…

I have conducted clinical and translational research in the UK and Malawi since 1993; my research in pulmonary disease in Malawi began in 1996. My initial research focus was on HIV-associated lung macrophage functional defects, specifically against pneumonia. My group focus on the prevention and treatment of lung infection in adults. We compare lung defence against infection in Africa and the UK using lung samples, controlled human infection studies, and treatment trials. We study healthy volunteers, people with exposure to household air pollution, and people living with HIV.

My lab is interested in the role of RNA regulators and RNA binding proteins in the regulation of gene expression. Most of our research has focussed on the assembly of large macromolecular complexes, s…

My lab is interested in the role of RNA regulators and RNA binding proteins in the regulation of gene expression. Most of our research has focussed on the assembly of large macromolecular complexes, such as the yeast ribosome. However, more recently, we have also been working on understanding the role of RNA surveillance factors in the regulation of mRNA transcription and translation in both yeast and pathogenic bacteria. The goal of our research is to obtain detailed mechanistic insights into the strategies that organisms use for regulating gene expression during rapid adaptive responses.

I am responsible for developing and supporting global health partnerships with colleagues in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) communities, and for local and global advocacy translating global hea…

I am responsible for developing and supporting global health partnerships with colleagues in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) communities, and for local and global advocacy translating global health research into action. My own research interests span planetary health and palliative care in contexts of poverty and conflict – new beginnings and better endings.

My group studies how mRNAs are regulated at the level of translation and the consequences of their mis-regulation. Genes embedded in our DNA must be exquisitely regulated to ensure that they produce t…

My group studies how mRNAs are regulated at the level of translation and the consequences of their mis-regulation. Genes embedded in our DNA must be exquisitely regulated to ensure that they produce the right proteins at the right time and place and in the correct amounts. As this critical for both cell and tissue function, failures in this process can lead to disease. The regulation of gene expression can happen at the initial stage where the DNA is copied (or transcribed) into an intermediate known as RNA, or at subsequent “post-transcriptional” stages including messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing, mRNA translation and mRNA turnover.

I lead a research group investigating the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). My work bridge…

I lead a research group investigating the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). My work bridges clinical medicine and fundamental immunology to advance understanding of autoimmune disease mechanisms. My research focuses on understanding how autoimmune B cells drive disease pathogenesis, with the goal of identifying new drug targets. I am currently collaborating with industry to develop a novel therapeutic target for these conditions.

My lab uses cutting-edge tools to examine the interactions between the host and pathogens such as cytomegalovirus, influenza virus and African Trypanosomiasis. Pathogens interact with hosts in complex…

My lab uses cutting-edge tools to examine the interactions between the host and pathogens such as cytomegalovirus, influenza virus and African Trypanosomiasis. Pathogens interact with hosts in complex and intricate ways. Understanding how pathogens interact with the host can provide valuable information on how the pathogen replicates and teach us how the host responds to infections, ultimately leading to the development of better vaccines, drugs and treatment regimes. Systematic high throughput screens are powerful approaches that allow us to examine the role of host genes during infection.

I have a longstanding interest in retroviral pathogenesis and his current research focusses on understanding the pathogenesis of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma and the development of diagnostic tests …

I have a longstanding interest in retroviral pathogenesis and his current research focusses on understanding the pathogenesis of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma and the development of diagnostic tests for controlling this disease.  Current interests include: (1) Development of control strategies for ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma; (2) Virus-host interactions in ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma; (3) Ex vivo lung tissue models of respiratory viruses; (4) Ex vivo lung tissue models of respiratory viruses; (5) Development of lentiviral vectors for vaccine delivery in ruminants

I am interested in all aspects of feline internal medicine. However, I have particular interests and welcome discussion into the possibility of working (including postgraduate qualifications) on the f…

I am interested in all aspects of feline internal medicine. However, I have particular interests and welcome discussion into the possibility of working (including postgraduate qualifications) on the following areas: 1) All aspects of mycobacterial infections in cats and dogs including, aetiopathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnostics, therapeutic protocols and prognostic indicators. I maintain the national data-base for cases of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in cats and dogs. I am also interested in other feline infectious diseases including Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Tritrichomonas foetus, Ehrlichia, Neorickettsia, Anaplasma species, Rickettsia species, haemoplasmas, Bartonella species, and Toxoplasma.

We are interested in understanding evolutionary processes that lead to biological diversity within and among populations and species. Focusing on nonhuman primates, we study population dynamics, speci…

We are interested in understanding evolutionary processes that lead to biological diversity within and among populations and species. Focusing on nonhuman primates, we study population dynamics, speciation, adaptation and character trait evolution by combining genetic and genomic tools with ecological, morphological and climatic data.

My research focuses on the identification and characterization of virus-host interactions that are crucial for the pathogenesis and affect susceptibility and pathogen virulence. Using genome-wide prot…

My research focuses on the identification and characterization of virus-host interactions that are crucial for the pathogenesis and affect susceptibility and pathogen virulence. Using genome-wide protein interaction and RNA interference screens, my laboratory have identified key events in the viral life cycle for a range of several different viruses including Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), Food and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV) and high risk Human Papilloma virus 16 (HPV-16).

My current research focus is on the role of host and pathogen in characterising T. gondii virulence. I am also interested in food safety, particularly foodborne toxoplasmosis (I am a registered specia…

My current research focus is on the role of host and pathogen in characterising T. gondii virulence. I am also interested in food safety, particularly foodborne toxoplasmosis (I am a registered specialist with the FSA). I am part of EPIC, where my work focuses on Cryptosporidium spp. and how molecular profiling can inform on potential transmission routes of the parasite at farm-level.

My lab focuses on the mechanisms ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis, particularly in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. We study the spindle checkpoint, crucial for prev…

My lab focuses on the mechanisms ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis, particularly in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. We study the spindle checkpoint, crucial for preventing aneuploidy by delaying anaphase until chromosomes are properly attached to spindle microtubules. Our research includes structure-function analysis of kinetochores, identifying key substrates of mitotic kinases, and understanding checkpoint signalling and silencing. We also explore synthetic biology approaches to manipulate checkpoint arrest and investigate the impacts of prolonged mitotic arrests on ploidy and aneuploidy. Our work aims to uncover insights into the molecular underpinnings of mitosis, with implications for understanding disease mechanisms like cancer.

I am a trained medical practitioner who has worked in hospital medicine and general practice in the UK. For three and a half years I managed a tuberculosis control project in Nepal, and for two years …

I am a trained medical practitioner who has worked in hospital medicine and general practice in the UK. For three and a half years I managed a tuberculosis control project in Nepal, and for two years I worked with NGOs throughout India in supporting community health programmes. My experiences of practicing medicine and public health in such diverse cultural and political situations led me to study medical anthropology.

I try to understand why certain individuals get sick while others don't, even when they are exposed to the same pathogen. My lab is interested in how encounters between host and Apicomplexans (includ…

I try to understand why certain individuals get sick while others don't, even when they are exposed to the same pathogen. My lab is interested in how encounters between host and Apicomplexans (including Toxoplasma gondii) can ultimately define the outcome of infection in livestock and humans. This is achieved by applying cross-disciplinary molecular and computational analysis platforms that collectively enable us to extensively profile and precisely monitor host-pathogen interactions within the context of in vitro infections.

My research focuses on variation in biodiversity, distribution and function of key microbial groups in field based systems, especially in soils and in plants. Recent advances in next generation sequen…

My research focuses on variation in biodiversity, distribution and function of key microbial groups in field based systems, especially in soils and in plants. Recent advances in next generation sequencing technologies allow the microbiome of field systems to be studied in detail, and my research has recently involved agricultural systems, tropical forests, and insect microbiomes A major research area of mine focusses on the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). These symbionts are key conduits of mineral nutrients between plants and soils, and variation in AMF communities has the potential to affect large scale ecosystem function.

My research focuses on various dimensions of health systems strengthening, mostly in the European region (covering Europe, the Caucasus and central Asia). I have worked with various front-line interna…

My research focuses on various dimensions of health systems strengthening, mostly in the European region (covering Europe, the Caucasus and central Asia). I have worked with various front-line international organisations active in global health and health systems in this region, including the World Bank, the World Health Organization, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Global Financing Facility, and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO).

My group develop strategies to break the vicious cycle of infection and inflammation in bronchiectasis. Our research group have shown that both the bacterial species and bacterial load are strong dri…

My group develop strategies to break the vicious cycle of infection and inflammation in bronchiectasis. Our research group have shown that both the bacterial species and bacterial load are strong drivers of neutrophilic airways and systemic inflammation. This can be reduced with short- and long-term antibiotic therapy. We are currently exploring the role of targeted antibacterial therapy in bronchiectasis. From our studies, however, the inflammatory response recurs on antibiotic cessation. We have been exploring anti-inflammatory therapies including statins and inhaled lipids (derivatives of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) as potential novel therapeutic targets.

My research focuses on Randomised Control Trials, Intervention development and theoretical elements of health behaviour change. I work at the interface between nurse led research and policy influence.…

My research focuses on Randomised Control Trials, Intervention development and theoretical elements of health behaviour change. I work at the interface between nurse led research and policy influence. I have recently worked for the WHO Geneva in Health Workforce, with a specific focus on Nursing Workforce. I am currently the Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland Scottish Government (2026).

My group focuses on cellular immune responses aiming to define the mechanisms whereby natural immunity is achieved and how protective immunity is induced by vaccination. We focus specifically on antig…

My group focuses on cellular immune responses aiming to define the mechanisms whereby natural immunity is achieved and how protective immunity is induced by vaccination. We focus specifically on antigen presenting cells and their interactions with other cells of the innate immune system including natural killer cells and gamma delta TCR+ T lymphocytes. The overall aim is to define the functional and phenotypic characteristics of innate immune cells and to assess their role in protective immunity to mycobacterial pathogens including Mycobacterium bovis and M. avium paratuberculosis. These pathogens cause economically important diseases in cattle: bovine tuberculosis and Johne’s disease.

I am a leading researcher in women’s health problems, with a focus on endometriosis and pelvic pain, I have published over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles. I am President of the World Endometrio…

I am a leading researcher in women’s health problems, with a focus on endometriosis and pelvic pain, I have published over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles. I am President of the World Endometriosis Society and Trustee to Endometriosis UK. I established EXPPECT Edinburgh. EXPPECT brings together individuals involved in the clinical care of women with pelvic pain and endometriosis with discovery scientists to form a hub within which innovative approaches to pelvic pain treatment can be developed in collaboration with commercial partners. Our studies have shown that peritoneal mesothelial cells from women with endometriosis have an altered metabolic phenotype, similar to cancer cells.

My main research interests are nutritional sensitivity of animal production, health, disease and environmental footprint. My studies range from strategic to applied, addressing research questions in b…

My main research interests are nutritional sensitivity of animal production, health, disease and environmental footprint. My studies range from strategic to applied, addressing research questions in both monogastric and ruminant farm animals but also in laboratory rodents. I am interested in developing discipline-based concepts across species, which form the basis of my research and teaching activities, and is a main driver for our Monogastric Science Research Centre.

My current research interests concerns Prion diseases of ruminants, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), scrapie and chronic wasting disease (CWD), these are important because of their zoon…

My current research interests concerns Prion diseases of ruminants, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), scrapie and chronic wasting disease (CWD), these are important because of their zoonotic potential, and the economic impact of control measures and trade restrictions on the farming industry. We pioneered the use of sheep as a model to study transmission of prions by blood transfusion, and are currently using the extensive archive of blood samples from these studies to develop and test diagnostic assays, including novel biomarkers.

I am a qualified veterinarian and researcher, with research interests in the One Health field, focussing on the epidemiology of veterinary pathogens and zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and em…

I am a qualified veterinarian and researcher, with research interests in the One Health field, focussing on the epidemiology of veterinary pathogens and zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emerging disease. My current projects focus on the molecular epidemiology of foodborne zoonotic pathogens Shiga-toxin non-O157 Escherichia coli in cattle, the role of mobile genetic elements in the dissemination and retention of AMR genes in livestock, and the impact of withdrawing therapeutic levels of zinc oxide supplementation during piglet weaning on stakeholder antibiotic use and on-farm AMR gene carriage.

My research broadly focusses on the evolutionary processes shaping genetic diversity in endangered species. I am especially interested in sharks and rays, and work to improve understanding and protect…

My research broadly focusses on the evolutionary processes shaping genetic diversity in endangered species. I am especially interested in sharks and rays, and work to improve understanding and protections for this vulnerable group. I have a long-standing commitment to the democratisation of genetic tools and I am involved in capacity building projects overseas to support wildlife monitoring and law enforcement. While at Edinburgh, I also teach on Masters Programmes in Wildlife Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics, Conservation Medicine and One Health. Since 2020, I have been on the Board of Trustees for the Manta Trust.

My main areas of research are identifying, characterising and quantifying the key biological processes that drive disease persistence and spread in livestock production; in particular those that are s…

My main areas of research are identifying, characterising and quantifying the key biological processes that drive disease persistence and spread in livestock production; in particular those that are sensitive to manipulation for the purpose of disease control. My research aims to provide a detailed understanding of the biology driving disease dynamics and explores how the biology scales up from individuals to populations. It explains how this interacts with agricultural management practices to determine the patterns of infection seen in host communities and the efficacy of disease control strategies.

My research interests involve One Health approaches to tackle zoonotic diseases, primarily involving protozoan parasites and I am interested in applying science to improve food and water security and …

My research interests involve One Health approaches to tackle zoonotic diseases, primarily involving protozoan parasites and I am interested in applying science to improve food and water security and sustainable livestock production. I have published numerous scientific articles and have developed and delivered several competitively funded national and international research programmes. I was awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours in 2015 for services to scientific research and science communication and I also hold Honorary Professorships at Heriot Watt University, University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow.

I have been an infection control doctor since 2009 and have advised on design and commissioning of haematology units, intensive care units, dialysis units, emergency departments, operating theatres …

I have been an infection control doctor since 2009 and have advised on design and commissioning of haematology units, intensive care units, dialysis units, emergency departments, operating theatres and clean rooms to name a few. Additionally, I have chaired incident management teams investigating and resolving the consequences of contamination of healthcare water systems with Legionella species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and I have been an advisor of infection risk management during ventilation system failures in live intensive care units and theatres and major flooding events in live clinical areas.

I am investigating the functional diversity of myeloid cells in tissue homeostasis and immune regulation, with a major focus on the mechanisms that maintain tissue resident macrophages under steady st…

I am investigating the functional diversity of myeloid cells in tissue homeostasis and immune regulation, with a major focus on the mechanisms that maintain tissue resident macrophages under steady state and inflammatory conditions. Macrophages are innate immune cells that are central to the maintenance, defence and repair of tissues. What regulates the behaviour and survival of macrophages during health and disease and how these can be manipulated to our advantage remains largely unclear? We study these questions with the aim of identifying novel mechanisms that can be targeted to improve tissue repair and resolution of inflammatory and infectious disease.

Using a transdisciplinary approach, I combine critical, Black & African, literary, visual, and ethnographic studies to inform my analysis of epistemologies and cosmologies of health and wellbeing in S…

Using a transdisciplinary approach, I combine critical, Black & African, literary, visual, and ethnographic studies to inform my analysis of epistemologies and cosmologies of health and wellbeing in Southern African and African diaspora contexts. Starting with my PhD research on HIV & AIDS in Malawian writing, I primarily engage ‘the illness narrative’ in African oral storytelling and print narratives to understand how ordinary people, within their communities, articulate and express their health ‘lifeworlds’. This includes, but is not limited to, knowing one’s body, self-advocating in healthcare settings, addressing sensitive and taboo discourses of personal health and social harm, and the dynamic aesthetic and creative forms that are used to produce representations of the body and illness.

I am a mathematical biologist who studies infectious disease dynamics, mainly with respect to the role of demography in the spread and persistence of infectious diseases in wildlife, humans and livest…

I am a mathematical biologist who studies infectious disease dynamics, mainly with respect to the role of demography in the spread and persistence of infectious diseases in wildlife, humans and livestock. My work includes the development of theoretical models of disease transmission on social networks and applications to the transmission of livestock diseases using a range of analytical and simulation based techniques. I am also interested in the development of real-time parameter estimation techniques during the course of disease outbreaks. This research integrates demographic and spatial/geographic data for all large livestock and poultry in the UK, detailed information regarding the movements of livestock amongst agricultural premises and molecular epidemiology.

My research profile has been shaped by being trained in medical anthropology and subsequently being immersed in the interdisciplinary fields of critical public health and vaccine social science. My re…

My research profile has been shaped by being trained in medical anthropology and subsequently being immersed in the interdisciplinary fields of critical public health and vaccine social science. My research interrogates ideas of health protection, what it means and according to whom - particularly in the context of vaccination & disease outbreaks, and child, reproductive and sexual health. The pursuit of public health equity forms a red thread throughout my research and advocacy, particularly concerning the needs of minoritised communities.

My current research focuses on protozoan parasites of veterinary and/or public health importance and include Cryptosporidium species, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Giardia duodenalis as well as…

My current research focuses on protozoan parasites of veterinary and/or public health importance and include Cryptosporidium species, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Giardia duodenalis as well as Sarcocystis and Babesia species. I investigate the genetic diversity and the transmission dynamics of these parasites in order to identify suitable intervention strategies that can enable farmers and public health officials to reduce the spread of these parasites and to limit their disease impact in both animals and humans. As part of my research, I continue to develop improved diagnostics that help to detect and identify these parasites in animals, food, water and other environmental samples.

Our group works on a wide variety of hosts and pathogens, but mostly on chickens. Our latest work with chicken MHC molecules focuses on the identification of new MHC alleles and haplotypes, the peptid…

Our group works on a wide variety of hosts and pathogens, but mostly on chickens. Our latest work with chicken MHC molecules focuses on the identification of new MHC alleles and haplotypes, the peptide motifs and structures of these MHC molecules, the dedicated chaperones that optimise the peptide binding by MHC molecules, the theory of promiscuous generalist and fastidious specialist alleles, and development of a low-cost high-throughput method for epitope determination. Recently, we have also made advances in understanding the MHC system in wild birds and in rabbits.

After graduating I undertook research focussed on genetic susceptibility to malaria and malaria parasite genetics at the University of Oxford. Since 2013 I have worked as a clinical consultant in In…

After graduating I undertook research focussed on genetic susceptibility to malaria and malaria parasite genetics at the University of Oxford. Since 2013 I have worked as a clinical consultant in Infectious Diseases for NHS Lothian. I have a particular interest in tuberculosis, travel & tropical medicine. I am the clinical lead for high consequence infectious diseases and travel medicine for the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Edinburgh.

My research addresses the question of why is there so much diversity in natural populations? I have worked on a range of different animal species in different places. One of our main study systems is …

My research addresses the question of why is there so much diversity in natural populations? I have worked on a range of different animal species in different places. One of our main study systems is the long-term study of red deer on the Isle of Rum, Scotland. We also work on superb fairy-wrens, eastern grey kangaroos and Tasmanian devils in Australia, spotted hyenas in Tanzania, meerkats in South Africa, Soay sheep on St Kilda, Scotland and bighorn sheep in Canada.

I am a Consultant Medical Microbiologist and Honorary Clinical Reader at the University of Edinburgh as well as until recently Head of Speciality and Clinical Lead for Microbiology and Virology at …

I am a Consultant Medical Microbiologist and Honorary Clinical Reader at the University of Edinburgh as well as until recently Head of Speciality and Clinical Lead for Microbiology and Virology at NHS Lothian. My current roles are diverse including Directing the Scottish Mycobacteria Reference Laboratory and advising on mycobacterial infection, caring for patients with infection in critical care and solid organ transplantation, and managing infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.

My area of research is the analysis of genetic variation and evolution of HIV, particularly the evolution of drug resistance. We are using statistical and machine learning approaches to study the gene…

My area of research is the analysis of genetic variation and evolution of HIV, particularly the evolution of drug resistance. We are using statistical and machine learning approaches to study the genetic basis of combination antiretroviral drug resistance in HIV and influenza. I am also analyzing factors influencing transmission of drug resistant strains of HIV, and modelling their future spread. Using HIV sequences obtained in the course of clinical treatment we are able to reconstruct the recent HIV epidemic in the UK to understand the temporal patterns of sexual transmission.

We use a combination of live imaging and genetic analysis in zebrafish larvae, to study the earliest events of tumour initiation and progression, in vivo and in real time. We focus on the interactions…

We use a combination of live imaging and genetic analysis in zebrafish larvae, to study the earliest events of tumour initiation and progression, in vivo and in real time. We focus on the interactions between transformed-cell, normal host tissue and infiltrating innate immune cells which, as we have demonstrated, mount a trophic inflammatory response toward the emergent transformed-cells. Our research is aimed at understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating tumour initiation, and the contribution of inflammation to tumour promotion with the aim of identifying fundamental mechanisms, which will underpin novel therapeutic approaches.

Age is the single best predictor of health, including chronic diseases and our risk of dying from infections. In humans lifestyle, reproduction and infections appear to accelerate ageing. We know muc…

Age is the single best predictor of health, including chronic diseases and our risk of dying from infections. In humans lifestyle, reproduction and infections appear to accelerate ageing. We know much less about senescence in wild animals. Recently, a biomarker of age has been developed that can be used on wild animals. It is based on the observation that molecules called methyl groups accumulate on DNA. The number of these methyl groups accurately reflects chronological age, and so this approach is termed an epigenetic clock. Importantly, individuals who are ageing rapidly have the highest methyl counts. This study aims to identify environmental factors that cause some individuals to have a fast-ticking epigenetic clock, and so are likely to die sooner.

Work in the lab seeks to understand how E. coli causes disease, and then based on that knowledge develop interventions including vaccines and more recently phage therapy - the killing of bacteria with…

Work in the lab seeks to understand how E. coli causes disease, and then based on that knowledge develop interventions including vaccines and more recently phage therapy - the killing of bacteria with viruses that predate on them. We are striving for a 'predictive' understanding of E. coli genomes, so that based on the sequence of any E. coli we can infer where it has come from, its threat to animal or human health, and how to successfully treat it with antibiotics or phage.

I am interested in the evolution and epidemiology of viruses and bacteria, and my research makes use of the large quantity of pathogen sequence data now available. Pathogen sequences accumulate mutati…

I am interested in the evolution and epidemiology of viruses and bacteria, and my research makes use of the large quantity of pathogen sequence data now available. Pathogen sequences accumulate mutations over time, and this information can be used to infer transmission patterns. In my group, we develop and use advanced computational, Bayesian, machine learning, bioinformatic and phylogenetic / phylodynamic modelling techniques to investigate cross species transmissions, host adaptations, epistatic interactions and factors for disease spread.

My research centres on the study of zoonotic diseases and their spread in response to human behaviour, climate and environmental changes. To understand these complex patterns, I combine genetic sequen…

My research centres on the study of zoonotic diseases and their spread in response to human behaviour, climate and environmental changes. To understand these complex patterns, I combine genetic sequencing data, epidemiology, and environmental information. Through the application of bioinformatics, analysing the evolution of viruses, and statistical methods, I want to explore how viral pathogens evolve and spread over space and time, and how they transmit among hosts, particularly across species. My work also delves into understanding the driving forces behind disease spread and transmission.

I am interested in the evolution and epidemiology of viruses and bacteria, and my research makes use of the large quantity of pathogen sequence data now available. Pathogen sequences accumulate mutati…

I am interested in the evolution and epidemiology of viruses and bacteria, and my research makes use of the large quantity of pathogen sequence data now available. Pathogen sequences accumulate mutations over time, and this information can be used to infer transmission patterns. In my group, we develop and use advanced computational, Bayesian, machine learning, bioinformatic and phylogenetic / phylodynamic modelling techniques to investigate cross species transmissions, host adaptations, epistatic interactions and factors for disease spread.

The overall interest of my lab is the study of virulence factor regulation and innate immune modulation by pathogenic streptococci. Our work is currently focused on two important pathogens, Streptococ…

The overall interest of my lab is the study of virulence factor regulation and innate immune modulation by pathogenic streptococci. Our work is currently focused on two important pathogens, Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus), the causative agent of economically important infections in multiple animal hosts which has also emerged as a major human pathogen, and the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus). We seek to identify regulatory genes that enable the bacteria to switch from a benign to invasive disease state and characterise their mechanism of action and impact on host immune defences.

My research aims to understand the pathogenesis of infectious diseases within the immune system. Particular interests include understanding host-pathogen interactions within the mucosal immune system,…

My research aims to understand the pathogenesis of infectious diseases within the immune system. Particular interests include understanding host-pathogen interactions within the mucosal immune system, especially prion diseases and other gastrointestinal pathogens such as Salmonella and nematodes. Studies are also focused on the effects of host age on the function of the immune system and how this influences susceptibility to gastrointestinal pathogens. A systems biology approach is also being used to compare the transcriptomic profiles of distinct immune cell populations in the steady-state, and also during ageing.

The research in my laboratory mainly investigates how pathogen interaction with the innate immune system influences the development of adaptive immunity and inflammation. My particular interest is Ty…

The research in my laboratory mainly investigates how pathogen interaction with the innate immune system influences the development of adaptive immunity and inflammation. My particular interest is Type 2 inflammation, which is responsible for widespread suffering in allergy, as well as being a hallmark of infection with parasitic worms (helminths). Our research uses a combination of in vivo and in vitro model systems, focussing on the medically important helminth Schistosoma mansoni. Murine infection with this parasite provides a relevant experimental model of Type 2 inflammation that has been used extensively by my laboratory and others to reveal important cellular and molecular players and processes during hepatic, intestinal and pulmonary inflammation.

I aim to understand the behaviour of proteins: the molecules that are responsible for the vast majority of functions in living organisms. The controlled self-assembly of proteins into well-defined str…

I aim to understand the behaviour of proteins: the molecules that are responsible for the vast majority of functions in living organisms. The controlled self-assembly of proteins into well-defined structures and functional assemblies is essential to our well-being, however occasionally protein self-assembly takes place inappropriately. I am also interested in the structure, function and formation of microbial biofilms. Biofilms are ubiquitous, and the most prevalent form of microbial life on Earth.

My group studies how our bodies protect themselves from viruses. We are particularly interested in deciphering the mechanisms by which we fight infections at different stages of life, i.e., during emb…

My group studies how our bodies protect themselves from viruses. We are particularly interested in deciphering the mechanisms by which we fight infections at different stages of life, i.e., during embryonic development and adulthood, but also in understanding why our body activates the antiviral response when there is no real infection, i.e., in autoinflammatory diseases. To this end, we use different -omics approaches as they provide a complete and unbiased picture of the immune response to viruses and allow us to discover novel or unanticipated aspects.

I am Associate Medical Director Medicine at ther Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian & Clinical Lead, NHS Lothian OPAT. In 2011 I developed NHS Lothian OPAT (Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic The…

I am Associate Medical Director Medicine at ther Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian & Clinical Lead, NHS Lothian OPAT. In 2011 I developed NHS Lothian OPAT (Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy) service. I have been Clinical Director of the Regional Infectious Disease Unit in NHS Lothian since 2016. I have a special interest in Inclusion health and expanding access to healthcare.

My lab works on understanding parasite metabolism and key areas where this differs from the host. We primarily use the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a model and use a wide variety of bioc…

My lab works on understanding parasite metabolism and key areas where this differs from the host. We primarily use the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a model and use a wide variety of biochemical, structural, microscopy and molecular parasitology approaches to untangle how parasites feed themselves. The apicomplexans are a group of obligate intracellular parasites that place an enormous burden on human and animal health, causing diseases of global importance such as malaria, toxoplasmosis and cryptosporidiosis.

By combining mechanistic immunology with field-based ecological study design, I aim to investigate how immune regulation is achieved and maintained under diverse pressures in animals in their natural …

By combining mechanistic immunology with field-based ecological study design, I aim to investigate how immune regulation is achieved and maintained under diverse pressures in animals in their natural habitat. I aim to build on these insights through comparative studies across species and habitats, as well as through field-to-lab and lab-to-field experimental designs, to enable a holistic understanding of the factors supporting immune regulation, a cornerstone to mammalian health.

We are focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that allow Candida albicans to successfully exploit the host and cause disease, and are investigating new strategies to combat antifungal drug …

We are focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that allow Candida albicans to successfully exploit the host and cause disease, and are investigating new strategies to combat antifungal drug resistance. Fungi kill over 2 million people each year worldwide, six times more than malaria or influenza, and are deadlier than most bacterial infections. Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen responsible for superficial and invasive infections with devastating consequences for immunocompromised individuals.

The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases affecting humans and animals. TSEs present with characteristic pathology which can include neuronal…

The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases affecting humans and animals. TSEs present with characteristic pathology which can include neuronal loss, reactive astrogliosis, deposition of disease-associated prion protein (PrP) which may form amyloid plaques, and vacuolation giving a characteristic spongiform appearance to brain tissue. The aim of our group is to examine the role of host PrP in the outcome of natural TSEs like scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and Creutzfeldt-Jakobs disease (CJD) as well as a large range of experimental TSE models available in the Neurobiology Division. Basic research into neurodegenerative processes has also led into study of other diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

With colleagues and collaborators in BioSS and beyond I aim to show and extend the power of mathematical modelling to impact on societal challenges through real world application and development of im…

With colleagues and collaborators in BioSS and beyond I aim to show and extend the power of mathematical modelling to impact on societal challenges through real world application and development of improved methods. Modelling interacting processes enables understanding of emergent properties critical to addressing the ‘law’ of unintended consequences. This work aims to create tools and insights for better management, for example how culling and surveillance for wildlife disease control can fail. Ongoing and future work will look at how pesticide application counterintuitively increases crop losses and how trade between farms could be used to control endemic disease in livestock.

My work bridges multiple domains, moving from understandings of infectious diseases in Tanzania to pioneering approaches in veterinary and multispecies anthropology, addressing critical challenges at …

My work bridges multiple domains, moving from understandings of infectious diseases in Tanzania to pioneering approaches in veterinary and multispecies anthropology, addressing critical challenges at the nexus of health and environmental change. M y current work examines the comparative frameworks of species extinction and disease eradication, contributing to broader conversations about One Health approaches to global challenges, particularly regarding vector-borne diseases and climate-related health impacts.

African trypanosomes are parasites that have immense economic impact in sub Saharan Africa. They infect game and domestic animals (in which they cause the disease nagana) as well as humans (where they…

African trypanosomes are parasites that have immense economic impact in sub Saharan Africa. They infect game and domestic animals (in which they cause the disease nagana) as well as humans (where they cause sleeping sickness). The parasites are transmitted by tsetse flies. Our lab focuses on the changes that take place in the parasite as it prepares for, and adapts to, life in the tsetse fly. In the bloodstream, the parasites communicate with one another via a quorum sensing-like process to optimise transmission. In the tsetse fly, differentiation involves integrated changes in parasite metabolism, morphology, surface antigen expression and cell cycle progression.

I am a European specialist in veterinary public health and population medicine. My research focuses on understanding drivers and improving control of zoonotic diseases. My research experience includes…

I am a European specialist in veterinary public health and population medicine. My research focuses on understanding drivers and improving control of zoonotic diseases. My research experience includes design, execution and analysis of complex epidemiological studies in tropical settings especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and India as well as the UK.

I am a community ecologist and epidemiologist using a range of experimental systems and large datasets to understand the dynamics of communities under stress. I am especially interested in applying ec…

I am a community ecologist and epidemiologist using a range of experimental systems and large datasets to understand the dynamics of communities under stress. I am especially interested in applying ecological principles to understand the evolution, spread and maintenance of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria across humans and animals. Climate change and antimicrobial resistance are two of the most significant chronic challenges to our societies globally. The intersection of these fields is where much of my research interests lie.

My research uses integrated experimental animal and clinical studies, clinically relevant models of infection and vaccination, and epidemiological population health data analyses to understand the eff…

My research uses integrated experimental animal and clinical studies, clinically relevant models of infection and vaccination, and epidemiological population health data analyses to understand the effect of stroke on the immune system and the immunological mechanisms that underpin complications of stroke recovery, such as increased infection risk. Identifying the underlying immunological mechanisms that result in complications of stroke recovery could provide new therapeutic strategies to reduce these complications and improve outcome and long-term survival after stroke.

We study the ecology and evolution of microbes using a combination of data science approaches and mathematical modellng, bioinformatics and experiments, with the goal of using these evolutionary insig…

We study the ecology and evolution of microbes using a combination of data science approaches and mathematical modellng, bioinformatics and experiments, with the goal of using these evolutionary insights to better inform public health policy and investment strategies in biomedical research. We study two main topics – the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and the link between the microbiome and health.

My major interests are in mucosal immunology of ruminants, specifically host-pathogen interactions at mucosal surfaces, and how these may inform future disease control strategies. This work involves …

My major interests are in mucosal immunology of ruminants, specifically host-pathogen interactions at mucosal surfaces, and how these may inform future disease control strategies. This work involves studying mucosal responses at multiple levels from cell culture, through organoids, tissue explants and other 3D-cell culture systems, to in vivo challenge models. In addition to exploring basic immunological questions in ruminant species, his work involves the development of vaccines to control veterinary pathogens residing at mucosal surfaces, such as gastro-intestinal parasites of sheep and cattle, as well as zoonotic pathogens with a ruminant reservoir including Coxiella burnetii and Escherichia coli O157.

Our research looks at combining data intensive simulation approaches with machine learning to understand protein function and inhibition better, with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance. We…

Our research looks at combining data intensive simulation approaches with machine learning to understand protein function and inhibition better, with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance. We use and develop tools to improve protein models that allow us to study small molecule protein interactions, protein protein interactions, as well as protein mutations. One particular research focus are metalloenzymes that give rise to antibiotic resistances in bacteria.

Microbial Keratitis (MK) - an infection of the cornea caused by invading bacteria or fungi - is a silent epidemic, disproportionately affecting low-middle income countries (LMICs). The overarching aim…

Microbial Keratitis (MK) - an infection of the cornea caused by invading bacteria or fungi - is a silent epidemic, disproportionately affecting low-middle income countries (LMICs). The overarching aim of our work is towards reducing needless blindness attributed to microbial keratitis (corneal ulcer). The approach is two-fold, exploring both bottom-up (molecular characterisation of the disease pathways) and top-down (health-system and patient care pathway mapping) methodologies to drive fundamental insight into the disease, and enable rapid, appropriate translation of public health interventions, and diagnostic development within the Indian context. This work is conducted in close collaboration with the Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), and the Aravind Medical Research Foundation (AMRF), India.

My lab aims to dissect the molecular mechanisms that drive ICU-associated altered monopoiesis and determine if these have long-term consequences for the host’s immune function. Using human samples an…

My lab aims to dissect the molecular mechanisms that drive ICU-associated altered monopoiesis and determine if these have long-term consequences for the host’s immune function. Using human samples and carefully curated rodent models, alongside cutting-edge methods within the IRR (including multi-colour and spectral flow cytometry, scRNASeq, spatial analysis, in-vivo multiphoton imaging and immunofluorescence) I aim to answer these questions, with a view to identify therapeutic targets to treat this unmet clinical need.

I am broadly interested in the behavioural drivers which underpin One Health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). My research methods use community engagement and co-production approache…

I am broadly interested in the behavioural drivers which underpin One Health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). My research methods use community engagement and co-production approaches to understand these challenges, and co-develop locally meaningful solutions which can support behaviour change, feed into policy-level discussion and prompt sustainable systemic action.

I have developed interdisciplinary research interests around innovation in life sciences, with a specific focus on translational research, regulation, and risk-governance. I have been contributing to…

I have developed interdisciplinary research interests around innovation in life sciences, with a specific focus on translational research, regulation, and risk-governance. I have been contributing to the development of new interdisciplinary methods and theories to better understand how ‘new biology’ is affecting the nature and process of health innovation and contributing to the global bioeconomy.

My primary interest is in invasive bacterial infections – how they overcome the innate physical and immunological barriers at mucosal surfaces to invade the tissues and then how they evade systemic im…

My primary interest is in invasive bacterial infections – how they overcome the innate physical and immunological barriers at mucosal surfaces to invade the tissues and then how they evade systemic immune responses to establish a niche for replication. My current work focuses on malaria co-infection as a risk factor for invasive bacterial disease, specifically the role of coinfection in loss of intestinal integrity and disruption of neutrophil-mediated containment of Salmonella. This research has led to work in animal models (rodent, porcine, non-human primate) and clinical cohorts (UK and The Gambia).

  I am a veterinary pathologist and provide expert advice on farm animal pathology to projects at Moredun and the Scottish Veterinary Services livestock disease surveillance programme. I am also h…

  I am a veterinary pathologist and provide expert advice on farm animal pathology to projects at Moredun and the Scottish Veterinary Services livestock disease surveillance programme. I am also head of the Disease Control Department and manages a team of around 30 researchers.

My research focuses on the economic impact of AMU-related interventions on livestock systems. Most recently, my work has focused on the challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture…

My research focuses on the economic impact of AMU-related interventions on livestock systems. Most recently, my work has focused on the challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and food supply chains, and the problem of antimicrobial use and resistance in agriculture. I am also developing One Health frameworks for prioritising cost-effective interventions to manage AMU and AMR.

I am interested in the infection biology of protozoan parasites of livestock. I am particularly attracted to integrated approaches where we can learn about both host and parasite processes that are ke…

I am interested in the infection biology of protozoan parasites of livestock. I am particularly attracted to integrated approaches where we can learn about both host and parasite processes that are key to infection/disease progression – especially in the clinically relevant host, the cow. I work primarily on African trypanosomes, but also on Theileria parva , which together are the most significant pathogens affecting livestock in sub-Saharan Africa.

We are interested in understanding the mechanisms of T cell-mediated immunity against intracellular pathogens of ruminants and how dysregulation of such responses can result in enhanced pathology. Our…

We are interested in understanding the mechanisms of T cell-mediated immunity against intracellular pathogens of ruminants and how dysregulation of such responses can result in enhanced pathology. Our work is focused particularly on the intracellular protozoan parasites Theileria parva and T. annulata, but also includes studies of bovine herpesvirus-1,Staphylococcus aureus and Ehrlichia ruminantium.

Antibiotic resistant pathogens (ESBL and carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae, VRE and MRSA) both in the hospital, on farms and in the natural environment have formed the basis of my research activ…

Antibiotic resistant pathogens (ESBL and carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae, VRE and MRSA) both in the hospital, on farms and in the natural environment have formed the basis of my research activities. My recent research has focused on assessing the prevalence and distribution of antibiotic resistant pathogens in environment "hotspots" such as wastewater treatment plants and agricultural lands. In addition, I am investigating the contribution of rivers, coastal waters, food (meat, vegetables, fruit) and wild animals in the dissemination of these antimicrobial resistance pathogens from the environment to the human population.

We conduct multidisciplinary research to enhance sexual, reproductive, and maternal health in low- and middle-income countries, especially in lower-resource, high-HIV settings in southern Africa. Our …

We conduct multidisciplinary research to enhance sexual, reproductive, and maternal health in low- and middle-income countries, especially in lower-resource, high-HIV settings in southern Africa. Our work focuses on optimizing women's sexual health before, during, and after pregnancy to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes; developing integrated approaches for STI diagnosis and management, alongside HIV prevention and treatment within broader sexual and reproductive health care; and conducting implementation research to bridge the gap between evidence and practice by designing, evaluating, and scaling interventions for routine health services.

Bacterial pathogens have evolved a diverse range of strategies to infect, survive, and replicate within a host. Dissecting the interactions between bacteria and their hosts can help us understand how …

Bacterial pathogens have evolved a diverse range of strategies to infect, survive, and replicate within a host. Dissecting the interactions between bacteria and their hosts can help us understand how pathogens cause disease and facilitate the developments of novel diagnostics and therapeutics to treat human disease. The overarching goal of my research is to study bacterial host-pathogen interactions by identifying novel bacterial virulence factors using large-scale genetic screens and characterizing the mechanisms through which these virulence factors interact with host cells using air-liquid interface cultures and three-dimensional tissue culture models more accurately represent the human lung. Particuar projects focus on dissemination and extrapulmonary spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pathogenesis and vaccine target identification of Burkholderia pseudomallei, an dScreening novel antimicrobials against the ESKAPE pathogens.

 We study how immune cells called phagocytes kill and digest different micro-organisms, with the ultimate aim of developing new drugs that could be used to resolve inflammation and persistent infectio…

 We study how immune cells called phagocytes kill and digest different micro-organisms, with the ultimate aim of developing new drugs that could be used to resolve inflammation and persistent infections. Immune cells called phagocytes (e.g. neutrophils and macrophages) can destroy microbes in the body by engulfing them into phagosomes - specialised compartments that break down harmful material. If phagosomes don’t mature properly, infections and inflammation can occur. We’re exploring how these phagocytes control phagosome maturation, how they adapt to different types of microbes, and how this process influences the body’s overall immune response. Particular focus is on understanding how phosphatidylinositol lipids control phagosome maturation in neutrophils and macrophages, and identifying host signaling pathways that could be used to improve pathogen killing in hard-to-treat infections.

My background is in schistosome immuno-epidemiology. I am interested in explaining the factors which give rise to the schistosome epidemiological patterns we observe in people resident in schistosome …

My background is in schistosome immuno-epidemiology. I am interested in explaining the factors which give rise to the schistosome epidemiological patterns we observe in people resident in schistosome endemic areas. In particular I am interested in the role acquired immunity plays in shaping these patterns, and how we can manipulate the immune system to give greater protection against re-infection and for this protection to occur earlier in people exposed to infection. My research has shown that one way of achieving this is through treatment with praziquantel and my studies now focus on how this anti-helminthic treatment achieves this.

My main area of research is Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development and dissemination at the human-animal interface. Here, I am developing genomic analytical pipelines to support the utility clinic…

My main area of research is Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development and dissemination at the human-animal interface. Here, I am developing genomic analytical pipelines to support the utility clinical metagenomics in AMR research and training for developing countries such as Uganda and Malawi. I am also developing distributed Ledger technology for mapping antibiotic usage whose output can be used to estimate antibiotic resistance across temporal and spatial scales.

I am an infectious disease epidemiologist with interest in use of epidemiological analytical and modelling tools for the control and prevention of animal diseases and improvement of human health and w…

I am an infectious disease epidemiologist with interest in use of epidemiological analytical and modelling tools for the control and prevention of animal diseases and improvement of human health and welfare. His current research interests cut across implementation science for the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies, syndromic surveillance for early detection of zoonotic spillover, transmission and control of zoonoses in people and their animals, livestock interventions for improvement of human health and nutrition, and transmission dynamics and control of SARS-CoV2 in Kenya.

My research focuses on child pneumonia. I have received over £62 million (£58.5 million as PI / Work Package Leader) in grant funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative, Bill and Melinda Gates…

My research focuses on child pneumonia. I have received over £62 million (£58.5 million as PI / Work Package Leader) in grant funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, NIHR, World Health Organisation, UNICEF and Sanofi Pasteur. I have led studies that reported the first and most widely cited disease burden estimates for RSV, influenza, human metapneumovirus and human parainfluenza virus related child pneumonia. He has also led the most comprehensive estimates of RSV burden in older adults. Apart from his main interest in child pneumonia epidemiology, he has a strong interest in refugee health and gender inequities in child health and has contributed to internationally leading research on neonatal health, maternal health and health sector reforms.

My research focus was on spatial point process models in a Bayesian context. Since then, I have gained experience in modelling time to event data (in a Bayesian context), constructing R packages, anal…

My research focus was on spatial point process models in a Bayesian context. Since then, I have gained experience in modelling time to event data (in a Bayesian context), constructing R packages, analysing longitudinal data and spatiotemporal data, construction of complex survey weights, factor analysis and machine learning. I possess broad skills covering both Bayesian and Frequentist statistical modelling, and have developed custom models that are perfectly suited to the task at hand rather than using off-the-shelf models.

My research focus has been on novel methods of controlling pests and parasites with an emphasis on understanding and exploiting the unique physiology of parasites of veterinary significance, in partic…

My research focus has been on novel methods of controlling pests and parasites with an emphasis on understanding and exploiting the unique physiology of parasites of veterinary significance, in particular by understanding their interactions with the host to produce novel vaccines. This has included successful development of prototype vaccines for sheep scab, poultry red mites and gastrointestinal nematodes.

I am an evolutionary ecologist. My research aims to understand the causes and consequences of among individual differences in the ageing process. The deterioration of physiological function with age (…

I am an evolutionary ecologist. My research aims to understand the causes and consequences of among individual differences in the ageing process. The deterioration of physiological function with age (or senescence), although seemingly inevitable, is one of the most complex, variable and poorly understood of biological processes. Why do some individuals remain healthy and live to a ripe old age, whilst others deteriorate and die much sooner? I use individual-based studies of wild animals to test evolutionary explanations for this variation, and to understand how genes and early-life environmental conditions predict patterns of physiological and demographic change in later adulthood.

I am a dermatologist, my clinic sees a wide range of skin problems in dogs, cats, exotic species, horses and farm animals. Facilities and expertise include CO2 and Ho:YAG lasers, video-otoscopy, aller…

I am a dermatologist, my clinic sees a wide range of skin problems in dogs, cats, exotic species, horses and farm animals. Facilities and expertise include CO2 and Ho:YAG lasers, video-otoscopy, allergy testing and allergen specific immunotherapy, and managing antimicrobial resistant infections. My research focuses on the genetics of atopic dermatitis; allergen specific immunology; antibiotic resistance, particularly meticillin-resistance staphylococci and multi-drug resistant E. coli; and responsible antimicrobial use and infection control.

I am a Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases in Edinburgh and an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer with University of Edinburgh. I was appointed to the ID Academic Faculty of the University of…

I am a Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases in Edinburgh and an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer with University of Edinburgh. I was appointed to the ID Academic Faculty of the University of Alberta in 2013, prior to taking up his current position in 2014. Subspecialist interests include infection in immunocompromised hosts, in particular Transplant Infectious Diseases, and bloodborne virus infection (viral hepatitis/HIV). My research interests focus on immunopathogenesis and immune determinants of infection outcomes.

I am interested in the molecular basis of adaptive evolution. By applying population-genetic approaches to host-parasite systems, I hope to understand how the selective pressure exerted by host-parasi…

I am interested in the molecular basis of adaptive evolution. By applying population-genetic approaches to host-parasite systems, I hope to understand how the selective pressure exerted by host-parasite interaction translates into adaptive change in the genome. Most of my current work focuses on Drosophila and their viral pathogens, but I also have side interests in other pathogens and parasites of wild drosophila, and host-parasite coevolution in other insect systems, such as Anopheles mosquitoes, and nearly-insects, such as Daphnia.

My research focus is on pathogenesis, control and diagnosis of infectious pathogens in pigs. My current research focus is on economically important pig pathogens including porcine circovirus type 2, p…

My research focus is on pathogenesis, control and diagnosis of infectious pathogens in pigs. My current research focus is on economically important pig pathogens including porcine circovirus type 2, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, and swine hepatitis E virus. I am also interested in developing pig specific diagnostic tests. In the past I have developed novel immunohistochemistry assays, evaluated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and fluorescent microsphere immunoassay (FMIA) assays and investigated their potential usage in different animal models. In addition, I work with multiple vaccine companies and have evaluated novel pig vaccines in both experimental and farm settings including field trials.

I am currently studying the fundamental mechanisms underlying ubiquitin-mediated regulation of plant immunity, joining the two main themes of my career: plant-pathogen interactions and post-translatio…

I am currently studying the fundamental mechanisms underlying ubiquitin-mediated regulation of plant immunity, joining the two main themes of my career: plant-pathogen interactions and post-translational modifications. The post-translational modifier ubiquitin plays vital roles in cell signalling and organismal responses to their environment. Ubiquitination is highly versatile, and also is an indispensable component of the plant immune system with a key role in modulating the stability of immune receptors and transcriptional regulators. Nonetheless, how ubiquitin contributes to the establishment of immunity in crops remains completely unknown. My group is focused on applying innovative approaches to decipher the ubiquitin code that plants use to modulate the immune response, and manipulate this system to block the pathogens suppression of host immune responses. My research is opening up new strategies for the development of crops with improved disease resistance.

I am a Consultant in Infectious Diseases & General Medicine at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. I have a sub-specialist interest in Fungal Infections and in particular Chronic Pulmonary A…

I am a Consultant in Infectious Diseases & General Medicine at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. I have a sub-specialist interest in Fungal Infections and in particular Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) and I am  establishing a clinical service for CPA patients in collaboration with respiratory physician colleagues.

Much of the research in disease ecology and evolution has traditionally focused on a one host one parasite framework. And yet, in natural systems, hosts are usually co-infected by multiple parasites, …

Much of the research in disease ecology and evolution has traditionally focused on a one host one parasite framework. And yet, in natural systems, hosts are usually co-infected by multiple parasites, and many parasites can infect several host species. My research aims to understand how these real-world complexities drive the ecology and evolution of parasites and their hosts. My current and future work focuses on two major themes: 1. The interactions between co-infecting parasites and implications for host health and disease transmission. 2. How parasites able to persist on multiple hosts (i.e. multi-host parasites) contribute to host shifts and disease emergence.

Very broadly, we aim to understand the causes of differences in fitness between individuals and the causes of variation in the distribution of genetic variation in populations. More specific current i…

Very broadly, we aim to understand the causes of differences in fitness between individuals and the causes of variation in the distribution of genetic variation in populations. More specific current interests include inbreeding and its consequences, the genetics of parasite resistance and whether and how we might find the loci underlying quantitative trait variation. We work primarily within the long term individual-based studies of Soay sheep on St. Kilda and red deer on Rum for which we recover pedigrees using microsatellite-based parentage inference. A range of projects on other natural populations run within a shared molecular ecology lab.

The immune system is our chief defence against infection, but it is a double-edged sword. Immune responses can also be harmful or even fatal. The optimal response to infection is one that is perfectly…

The immune system is our chief defence against infection, but it is a double-edged sword. Immune responses can also be harmful or even fatal. The optimal response to infection is one that is perfectly balanced: strong enough to clear the pathogen, but restrained enough to keep collateral damage to a minimum. Our lab is working to understand the mechanisms that control immune balance. We use viral, bacterial and parasitic infection models to analyse cytokine responses in vivo, during a physiological response. Our goal is to provide knowledge that will enable cytokine signalling to be manipulated in the clinic, to improve patient outcome during infection, inflammation, and other immune-related disease.

Following obtaining an MBChB from Edinburgh University in 2002, I pursued core medical training with a specific interest in infectious diseases working in hospitals in London and Edinburgh and obtain…

Following obtaining an MBChB from Edinburgh University in 2002, I pursued core medical training with a specific interest in infectious diseases working in hospitals in London and Edinburgh and obtaining a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in 2006. During my specialist training post in Edinburgh in Infectious Diseases, I wrote a PhD on pathogen resistance looking the interaction between arsenic exposure and resistance to antimony in the parasite Leishmania. I was appointed consultant in Infectious Diseases in 2018 and I continue to pursue research interests as above.

Malaria threatens around 400 million people globally and results in over 0.5 million deaths annually, thereby continuing to be a major public health problem. In the absence of an effective vaccine, em…

Malaria threatens around 400 million people globally and results in over 0.5 million deaths annually, thereby continuing to be a major public health problem. In the absence of an effective vaccine, emerging drug resistant strains are of grave concern and consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutics. To tackle this problem, we use the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium berghei, to understand function of key players crucial to parasite development and transmission. Areas of research focus include organisation of signaling pathways during malaria parasite infection and transmission, and RNA binding proteins mediated regulation of Plasmodium development.

I am a sociologist of science and medicine, conducting research, teaching, and engagement around the social dimensions of biomedicine. My research has focused primarily on the social, legal and ethica…

I am a sociologist of science and medicine, conducting research, teaching, and engagement around the social dimensions of biomedicine. My research has focused primarily on the social, legal and ethical dimensions of biomedicine and the health professions. In particular, my work has considered the sociologies of (epi)genetics, neuroscience, and mental health. I have published widely within sociology and science and technology studies, as well as in the health-related humanities. I have held a range of visiting positions in Australia, Europe, and North America.

Managing the Neglected Zoonoses (NZD) is critical for developing world health and increasing so within the emerging One Health Agenda of the Tripartite. The NZDs affect the rural poor, causing morbid…

Managing the Neglected Zoonoses (NZD) is critical for developing world health and increasing so within the emerging One Health Agenda of the Tripartite. The NZDs affect the rural poor, causing morbidity and mortality and reducing productivity of their animals. My work on improved diagnostics have identified key entry points for targeted control of parasitic disease at community level that offer new solutions e.g. the role of domestic animals as a reservoir, the implication of acquired immunity in carnivores and the impact of large scale intervention programmes on the natural balance of these parasites within their vertebrate hosts. This knowledge now empowers us to look at new and effective means of controlling the spread of these parasites.

We are a biological physics lab that focuses predominantly on energy generation and pressure regulation through ion flows in unicellular organisms such as bacteria. We develop novel experimental and t…

We are a biological physics lab that focuses predominantly on energy generation and pressure regulation through ion flows in unicellular organisms such as bacteria. We develop novel experimental and theoretical tools for the purpose, including state-of-the-art fluorescence imaging techniques, microfluidic devices and optical trapping techniques. While mostly driven by basic research questions we also love to translate our findings into real-world solutions, including co-founding startup and spinout companies.

I am the Microbiology Team Leader at SRUC Veterinary Services. We provide a comprehensive diagnostic service for livestock, companion animals and wildlife, carrying out passive veterinary disease sur…

I am the Microbiology Team Leader at SRUC Veterinary Services. We provide a comprehensive diagnostic service for livestock, companion animals and wildlife, carrying out passive veterinary disease surveillance for the Scottish Government. We are also a research active team, focussing predominantly on phenotypic and genotypic analyses of important veterinary bacterial isolates, with particular focus on epidemiology, virulence, zoonotic potential and antimicrobial resistance.

My research interests include medical law, patent law and the regulation of the life sciences. Working with partners in the UK and India, I was also the Principal Investigator of a project entitled: …

My research interests include medical law, patent law and the regulation of the life sciences. Working with partners in the UK and India, I was also the Principal Investigator of a project entitled: 'Smart regulation of antibiotic use in India: Understanding, innovating and improving compliance'. The aims of this inter-disciplinary project were, first, to better understand the various problems around the regulation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) containment in India, and second, to improve the situation by applying the concepts and methods of 'smart regulation'.

Throughout my research career to date, I have used functional genomic approaches to better understand mechanisms of host/parasite and host/symbiont interactions. Using these tools, my overall aim is t…

Throughout my research career to date, I have used functional genomic approaches to better understand mechanisms of host/parasite and host/symbiont interactions. Using these tools, my overall aim is to better understand parasite biology, in particular how parasites are able to exploit their host. With a better understanding host:parasite interactions, I hope to develop interventions to protect livestock of veterinary importance against parasites. Particular focus is currently on development of gene disruption technologies (such as RNA interference) to study function of parasite genes; identification of nutrient provisioning bacteria from obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of veterinary important; development of ovine “mini-gut” organoids for studying host:parasite interactions.

I work at the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. I am also associated with the University of Edinburgh. I am interested in interventions that can be used to treat common …

I work at the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. I am also associated with the University of Edinburgh. I am interested in interventions that can be used to treat common viral infections. We recently identified an innate immune mechanism in epithelial cells which can be augmented easily to fight viral infections

We are interested in multiple things including: the evolution of emerging human viral pathogens, in particular, fast evolving RNA viruses that have been sampled through time. Inferring evolutionary an…

We are interested in multiple things including: the evolution of emerging human viral pathogens, in particular, fast evolving RNA viruses that have been sampled through time. Inferring evolutionary and population dynamic processes from molecular sequence data. Models of molecular evolution for phylogenetic reconstruction using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Molecular clock techniques including auto-correlated clocks and over-dispersed clocks. Developing computational methods for phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis, primarily using Bayesian MCMC.

Our laboratory uses a pioneering and disruptive approach to exploit the thematic intersection of the biology of bacterial-induced partial host cell reprogramming with regeneration and aging. By harne…

Our laboratory uses a pioneering and disruptive approach to exploit the thematic intersection of the biology of bacterial-induced partial host cell reprogramming with regeneration and aging. By harnessing naturally-occurring and evolutionarily refined bacterial strategies and using machine-learning/artificial intelligence tools our ultimate future goals are to develop new therapeutics for treating chronic human diseases affecting those tissues/organs with high regenerative capacity – the peripheral nerves, liver, skin and intestine. Our bacterial agents naturally target these tissues in their animal and human hosts promoting tissue growth and regeneration either by reprogramming cells or propagating existing tissue stem cells rendering them to a more “rejuvenated” or ‘youthful’ state.

I am an independent Chancellor’s fellow and an expert in quantitative methodology and machine learning in genomics. In my Chancellor’s Fellowship, I wam improving genotype to drug translation by deve…

I am an independent Chancellor’s fellow and an expert in quantitative methodology and machine learning in genomics. In my Chancellor’s Fellowship, I wam improving genotype to drug translation by developing new genetics based approaches to identify both, mechanistically homogenous sub-groups within disease populations and molecular mechanisms relevant to specific stages of disease progression. I am also the co-founder of omecu, a spin-out company developing a platform for secure, federated, real-time interactive analysis of genomic data at scale.

My group is interested in uncovering the strategies parasites have evolved to cope with the challenges and opportunities of their lifestyle. Our focus is malaria (Plasmodium) parasites. Malaria paras…

My group is interested in uncovering the strategies parasites have evolved to cope with the challenges and opportunities of their lifestyle. Our focus is malaria (Plasmodium) parasites. Malaria parasites and their relatives cause some of the most serious infectious diseases of humans, domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife. They are also extremely interesting creatures and make a useful model system. Our aim is to interrogate how parasites work to better understand how natural selection operates and provide insight into how infectious diseases can be better treated.

Women have stronger immune responses than do men to most infections, but suffer from greater levels of autoimmunity, and this sex difference is apparent throughout the animal kingdom. Our team researc…

Women have stronger immune responses than do men to most infections, but suffer from greater levels of autoimmunity, and this sex difference is apparent throughout the animal kingdom. Our team researches why males and females have different responses to infection, why the sexes age differently, and how immunity and ageing interact. We want to find ways to target the immune system to promote healthy ageing in both sexes.To answer these questions, we use the genetically tractable and rightly infamous Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). Our work uses genetics and microscopy to ask about the cellular and signalling mechanisms underpinning male-female variation in immunity and ageing.

My lab investigates the immune systems of invertebrate aquaculture species, with a focus on diseases of industry relevance. My group studies how shellfish interact with their associated microbiomes, r…

My lab investigates the immune systems of invertebrate aquaculture species, with a focus on diseases of industry relevance. My group studies how shellfish interact with their associated microbiomes, respond to environmental stressors, and are influenced by surrounding microbial communities. In the near term, much of this research centres on blue mussels, exploring how host genetics and environmental change shape immune function. The lab applies a wide range of molecular biology and -omics approaches to understand these processes and to support the development of sustainable, resilient aquaculture practices.

My research focusses on mechanisms of immunity to malaria, how the immune response can contribute to disease, how immunity affects the distribution and transmission of the parasite and how malaria in…

My research focusses on mechanisms of immunity to malaria, how the immune response can contribute to disease, how immunity affects the distribution and transmission of the parasite and how malaria infection affects resistance to other infections. In addition, I have a long standing interest in the biology of natural killer (NK) cells and their role in resistance to infection. I have served as Committee and Strategy Panel chair at BBSRC and as deputy chair of MRC Infections and Immunity Board. I have been a member of the governing Council of the MRC since 2018 and currently serve on a number of research advisory boards.

My main interest is to understand responses to pathogens in aquaculture species. I use functional genomics to understand differences in resistance / susceptibility and learn about the genomic mechani…

My main interest is to understand responses to pathogens in aquaculture species. I use functional genomics to understand differences in resistance / susceptibility and learn about the genomic mechanisms underpinning successful immune responses. The final goal  is to exploit this knowledge to produce disease resistant animals through genome editing and genomic selection.  A main interest in my lab is to transfer disease resistance across species. We are currently investigating the genomic basis of resistance to sea lice of Pacific salmon species, with the main aim of transferring it to Atlantic salmon using genome editing. Other projects include exploring disease resistance in shrimp and the role of ubiquitination in response to viral diseases in fish species.

Our lab studies the evolution of unusual inheritance in animals. ​Mendelian inheritance is the standard inheritance model in evolutionary biology, even though there is growing evidence of frequent vio…

Our lab studies the evolution of unusual inheritance in animals. ​Mendelian inheritance is the standard inheritance model in evolutionary biology, even though there is growing evidence of frequent violations of it in nature. These distortions of segregation play out on various levels, fueled by genomic conflicts. For example selfish genes and chromosomes can boost their transmission probability via meiotic drive, or whole paternal haplotypes can be eliminated in paternal genome elimination. Even more familiar systems such as asexuality or Y chromosome inheritance are in fact extreme cases of segregation distortion; in other words, non-mendelian inheritance effects to certain extent probably all genetics systems in nature. In spite of this ubiquity, the evolutionary and genomic consequences are poorly understood and mostly focused on individual cases.

My group has been investigating how neutrophil and eosinophil apoptosis as well as macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic cells can be regulated by pharmacological intervention, and we believe that sele…

My group has been investigating how neutrophil and eosinophil apoptosis as well as macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic cells can be regulated by pharmacological intervention, and we believe that selective interference of these fundamental processes may be harnessed for therapeutic gain. Signalling pathways, including those involving transcription factors (eg, NF-kB) and kinases (eg, MAPK and PI3K) have been shown by my research team to be key regulators of inflammatory cell survival and apoptosis in vitro. In addition, we have demonstrated that manipulation of such pathways in vivo has indicated that they also play a role in the resolution of inflammation.

Our main interest lies in investigating the interplay between malaria parasite virulence factors (adhesion molecules) and human genetics (malaria resistance genes) that explain why some children, but …

Our main interest lies in investigating the interplay between malaria parasite virulence factors (adhesion molecules) and human genetics (malaria resistance genes) that explain why some children, but not others, develop life-threatening malaria. The importance of this work is that by gaining a greater understanding of the processes leading to severe disease, it may be possible to develop drugs or vaccines to reduce death and disability from malaria. The main focus of the lab is investigating how Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells bind to human cells to cause disease.

I an agricultural economist who specialises in the economics of animal health and food systems. I have lived and worked in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas over the last 35 years. My principal re…

I an agricultural economist who specialises in the economics of animal health and food systems. I have lived and worked in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas over the last 35 years. My principal research interests are the: Global Burden of Animal Diseases where I directs a global programme co-led in phase II with WOAH; economics of antimicrobial use and resistance in livestock; and assessment of the multidimensionality of food quality and public health.

In my research, I investigate population demographics, health needs and determinants of health for people with autism and/or intellectual disabilities, using big data and data linkage methodologies. M…

In my research, I investigate population demographics, health needs and determinants of health for people with autism and/or intellectual disabilities, using big data and data linkage methodologies. My work draws on various fields, such as public health, epidemiology, developmental and clinical psychology, which means that I often seek to cross disciplinary and methodological boundaries between health and social sciences and quantitative and qualitative research. My academic interests evolve around multidimensional and interdisciplinary reflections on quality of life for people with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. I am particularly interested in researching patterns of vulnerability in these populations.

My principal research interests and primary undergraduate teaching responsibilities are in the field of veterinary parasitology, due to the fact that parasitic diseases are amongst the most important …

My principal research interests and primary undergraduate teaching responsibilities are in the field of veterinary parasitology, due to the fact that parasitic diseases are amongst the most important production limiting problems of ruminant livestock, and I have published widely in this field. Current projects include: the use of deep amplicon sequencing approaches to study nematode parasite diversity and co-infections; study of the performance of different sheep breeds and selected lines in a harsh hill environment; studies of the changing epidemiology of fluke parasites; study of the population genetics of aleles conferring resistance to anthelmintic drugs in nematode parasites

Our lab aims to understand mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism and RNA processing in trypanosomatid protozoa, which are important parasites of man and livestock, and to utilize that knowledge to info…

Our lab aims to understand mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism and RNA processing in trypanosomatid protozoa, which are important parasites of man and livestock, and to utilize that knowledge to inform drug development. In particular, our studies currently focus on the following three areas: Mitochondrial function in bloodstream stage trypanosomes, Structure / function analysis of the trypanosome RNA editing complex, the editosome, and RNA editing ligase as a novel drug target in trypanosomes.

My research largely focusses on establishing the role of intrinsic mechanisms that contribute to the evolution of antibiotic resistance, fitness and survival in gram-negative bacteria. Our group's res…

My research largely focusses on establishing the role of intrinsic mechanisms that contribute to the evolution of antibiotic resistance, fitness and survival in gram-negative bacteria. Our group's research into the role of RamA has indicated that its’ role is not limited to conferring a pan drug antimicrobial resistance phenotype but also contributes to biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae. Importantly, our recent work demonstrates that ramA overexpression is key to the multidrug resistance phenotype exhibited by the plant endophyte Kp342 which broadens the relevance of key intrinsic regulators such as RamA beyond the clinical context.

My group studies immune mechanisms of viral bronchiolitis and the role of virus induced immune modulation in allergy and asthma focusing on the innate/adaptive immune interface in the lung. Driven by …

My group studies immune mechanisms of viral bronchiolitis and the role of virus induced immune modulation in allergy and asthma focusing on the innate/adaptive immune interface in the lung. Driven by the lack of disease modifying therapy for severe RSV disease and inspired by findings of an increased risk of asthma development and allergic sensitisation following RSV bronchiolitis in infants, my research since 1994 has focused on understanding virus-induced immune-modulation and inflammation in the lung.

My research centres around molecular bacteriology with a particular interest on multi-host intracellular bacterial pathogens. My work is aimed at gaining a better understanding of host-pathogen-envir…

My research centres around molecular bacteriology with a particular interest on multi-host intracellular bacterial pathogens. My work is aimed at gaining a better understanding of host-pathogen-environment interactions with focus on virulence and antimicrobial resistance.

My research focuses primarily on building interpretable models for extracting information from data to address societal challeges around Science, Health, People and Environment (SHaPE). I lead the Da…

My research focuses primarily on building interpretable models for extracting information from data to address societal challeges around Science, Health, People and Environment (SHaPE). I lead the Data Science Unit to raise Data Science awareness at the University, and to assess and meet AI and Data Science requirements on various research areas including Social Sciences, Health Informatics, and GeoSciences.

My lab pursues the hypothesis that critical illnesses reflect perturbations within intracellular and intercellular networks that link cells, and organ systems. Illness networks arise from functional i…

My lab pursues the hypothesis that critical illnesses reflect perturbations within intracellular and intercellular networks that link cells, and organ systems. Illness networks arise from functional interdependencies between the molecular components within human cells. Many of these illness networks are causal and determine clinical phenotypes. Thus, my lab's two focussed research themes of immunobiology and epidemiology converge to a core aim of determining these observable and treatable immunological abnormalities in critical illness (treatable traits).

Evolution of viruses, and evolution of bacteria. My research employs computer analyses of nucleotide and protein sequence data to address a range of evolutionary questions. Viral evolution: what are …

Evolution of viruses, and evolution of bacteria. My research employs computer analyses of nucleotide and protein sequence data to address a range of evolutionary questions. Viral evolution: what are the origins of human viruses, and what factors influence their genetic diversity? A particular focus has been the origins and evolution of AIDS viruses. Bacterial evolution: what do bacterial genome sequences tell us about evolution? Two particular areas involve the evolution of synonymous codon usage bias, and the evolution of repetitive sequence families.

I am principally interested in the comparative epidemiology of parasitic and infectious diseases as part a long standing interest in analysing patterns of disease as well as general population dynamic…

I am principally interested in the comparative epidemiology of parasitic and infectious diseases as part a long standing interest in analysing patterns of disease as well as general population dynamics. These diseases include wildlife disease (parasitic infections of wildlife, zoonoses and the role of carnivores as sentinels for disease, Dermocystid infections in palmate newts, Leprosy in red squirrels), and diseases of veterinary and medical importance (TB, FMD, influenza Camplyobacter, Escherichia coli, mastitis, production animal gastrointestinal infections).

I have a particular interest in respiratory viral infections, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19. I have a strong track record of building the international research teams needed…

I have a particular interest in respiratory viral infections, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19. I have a strong track record of building the international research teams needed to deliver the projects and my research has been widely recognised by my peers and seniors.

I am an ecologist who works mainly on the social dynamics, population biology and epidemiology of wildlife populations. My current research focuses on the role of the social behaviour and demograph…

I am an ecologist who works mainly on the social dynamics, population biology and epidemiology of wildlife populations. My current research focuses on the role of the social behaviour and demography of host populations in host-pathogen dynamics. My team works on a range of projects at the interface of behavioural and disease ecology.

My role is to conduct innovative research and manage staff to deliver these multiple research for a range of project funders (e.g. Scottish Government, EU, and I-UK). I joined Moredun in 2016 to set u…

My role is to conduct innovative research and manage staff to deliver these multiple research for a range of project funders (e.g. Scottish Government, EU, and I-UK). I joined Moredun in 2016 to set up a new research project to focus on Antimicrobial Resistance initially working on ovine mastitis, molecular mechanisms involved in conferring resistance in bacterial pathogens and, the impact of livestock farming practices on zoonotic disease and AMR transmission. My scientific interests also include exploring potential alternatives to antimicrobials in livestock and aquaculture.

I am a quantitative ecologist with an interest in understanding how biological systems are influenced by their environment. My work looks at forecasting how individuals and populations respond to weat…

I am a quantitative ecologist with an interest in understanding how biological systems are influenced by their environment. My work looks at forecasting how individuals and populations respond to weather and climatic changes. My approach focuses on methodological innovation and refinement, alongside ecological insight. I have a particular interest in improving how we quantify and communicate uncertainty. Currently, I am exploring patterns and drivers of ecological predictability as a Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Edinburgh.

My primary teaching responsibility is in the areas of immunology and infectious disease for Biomedical Sciences undergraduate students at the Zhejiang University and Edinburgh University joint institu…

My primary teaching responsibility is in the areas of immunology and infectious disease for Biomedical Sciences undergraduate students at the Zhejiang University and Edinburgh University joint institute (ZJU-UoE Institute) in Haining, China. Our research group aims to understand how cell intrinsic innate immunity inhibits viruses. Host cells express a variety of antiviral factors that directly inhibit viral infection, these are often inducible by type-I interferons. By identifying and understanding these antiviral factors we can develop new paradigms in antiviral therapy and understand viral disease susceptibility within individuals and populations.

I work in the field of avian genomics with a particular interest in ‘resilience’ of birds, whether that be with respect to disease resistance (with a focus on Marek's disease and avian flu) or environ…

I work in the field of avian genomics with a particular interest in ‘resilience’ of birds, whether that be with respect to disease resistance (with a focus on Marek's disease and avian flu) or environmental adaptation. I also work as part of the Centre for Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), investigating the genetics of indigenous African chickens. One of my prime interests is in investigating the host response to avian viral infections, increasing the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying resistance, particularly with regard to Marek’s Disease Virus (MDV) and avian flu (AI). Projects are also ongoing where we use wild birds as a model to study seasonality and environmental adaptation.

My major research interests are in understanding how parasites invade their host and persist long-term, and bridge both basic and applied science. More specifically, I am interested in understanding p…

My major research interests are in understanding how parasites invade their host and persist long-term, and bridge both basic and applied science. More specifically, I am interested in understanding parasite invasion and persistence at a molecular level, with a view towards identifying novel vaccine and drug targets. I am particularly keen to use and develop physiologically relevant in vitro models for exploring host-parasite biology. By applying genetic modification technology (such as CRISPR/Cas9), I plan to use these models as a platform for understanding parasite gene and protein function.

My main interests are: AMR in livestock and the environment, impact of disease on animal behaviour, impact of animal behaviour on disease dynamics and behaviour as an early indicator of disease. I am…

My main interests are: AMR in livestock and the environment, impact of disease on animal behaviour, impact of animal behaviour on disease dynamics and behaviour as an early indicator of disease. I am interested in disease dynamics in both wildlife and livestock species, as well as the wildlife-livestock intereface. I am an experienced experimental field biologist, using remote monitoring techniques and ecological surveillance techniques to investigate disease ecology.

We are a human immunology lab that uses experimental medicine to understand mechanisms of acquired immunity to malaria. Why is this important? Because malaria continues to kill hundreds of thousands o…

We are a human immunology lab that uses experimental medicine to understand mechanisms of acquired immunity to malaria. Why is this important? Because malaria continues to kill hundreds of thousands of children each year; parasite drug resistance threatens malaria control worldwide; and the only licenced malaria vaccine has low and short-lived efficacy. We need to identify and understand effective strategies of host defense to improve disease control. To do this we use human challenge models of malaria in which healthy volunteers are infected with malaria parasites in a safe and controlled clinical setting - we then examine their immune response to infection.

My research aims to improve plant health in an ever-changing environment. This is vital for the sustainable future of agriculture and for establishing food security for a growing global population. My…

My research aims to improve plant health in an ever-changing environment. This is vital for the sustainable future of agriculture and for establishing food security for a growing global population. My current focus is to understand how dynamic changes in the epiproteome, representing the chemical modifications that control activities of cellular proteins and enzymes, enables plants to launch effective immune responses.

My work focuses on the three core areas of research within the Global Health Governance Programme: improving the effectiveness of international health organizations; tracking financing to global publi…

My work focuses on the three core areas of research within the Global Health Governance Programme: improving the effectiveness of international health organizations; tracking financing to global public health and improving global health security. My work is conducted in close collaboration with Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health and Finance and researchers in countries across the world, as well as policy-makers in international institutions such as the WHO, World Bank and UNICEF.

I am interested in the metabolism of protozoan parasites of livestock and how this impacts upon host-pathogen interactions. Metabolism, the biochemical reactions occurring in all living cells, influen…

I am interested in the metabolism of protozoan parasites of livestock and how this impacts upon host-pathogen interactions. Metabolism, the biochemical reactions occurring in all living cells, influences many important parasite traits, including virulence and drug resistance. I work primarily on the clinically relevant African trypanosomes, Trypanosoma congolense, T. vivax and T. brucei, using biochemical approaches to understand how these parasites are able to survive in the livestock host (in particular, the cow). My work aims to understand how parasites choose to scavenge or synthesise metabolites, as these processes shed light on the metabolic strategies employed by parasites to thrive within their host environment. Ultimately, this work aims to identify new avenues for chemotherapeutic interventions.

The melioidosis pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei is a facultative intracellular pathogen of humans and animals that enters non-phagocytic cells, escapes from endosomes and propels itself within and …

The melioidosis pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei is a facultative intracellular pathogen of humans and animals that enters non-phagocytic cells, escapes from endosomes and propels itself within and between cells by continuous polymerisation of actin at one bacterial pole (known as actin based motility). Actin-based motility is also a feature of infection by the closely related glanders pathogen B. mallei and the avirulent saprophyte B. thailandensis.

Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli O157 are bacteria that cause severe diarrhoea in humans. Infections often occur following contact with food-producing animals or their products. We aim to underst…

Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli O157 are bacteria that cause severe diarrhoea in humans. Infections often occur following contact with food-producing animals or their products. We aim to understand how these bacteria colonise their farm animal hosts and produce disease. Armed with this information, we design and test methods to control the bacteria in farm animals with the long-term aim of improving the safety and supply of food. In addition, we seek to understand host factors that contribute to resistance, both to guide selective breeding of more resilient animals and to devise more effective vaccines.

My current research focuses on the material politics of health care waste. Current health systems are premised on the manufacture, transportation and disposal of millions of tons of single-use plastic…

My current research focuses on the material politics of health care waste. Current health systems are premised on the manufacture, transportation and disposal of millions of tons of single-use plastic products every year. I am interested in how we came to build this linear economy of health care, what impacts it is having on people, and what people are trying to do to solve this problem. I work with biomedical engineers to explore how social science and engineering knowledge can be brought together in order to develop more sustainable and equitable global health innovation systems.

I am a Consultant in Infection at NHS Lothian & Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, at Edinburgh University. I am a National Research Scotland clinician, VPAG programme lead for Edinburgh and local …

I am a Consultant in Infection at NHS Lothian & Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, at Edinburgh University. I am a National Research Scotland clinician, VPAG programme lead for Edinburgh and local PI for several studies looking at optimising antimicrobial therapy for clinical infection, vaccination and HIV therapeutics.

Our lab studies the fundamentals of the chicken's immune system. Our work leverages state-of-the-art transgenic technologies pioneered at The Roslin Institute, elucidating the pivotal roles played by …

Our lab studies the fundamentals of the chicken's immune system. Our work leverages state-of-the-art transgenic technologies pioneered at The Roslin Institute, elucidating the pivotal roles played by innate immune cells, specifically macrophages and dendritic cells, in host responses. Employing cutting-edge in vivo and in vitro models, such as apical-out organoids, our objective is to comprehensively grasp how these cells orchestrate immune responses to infections and vaccines within mucosal tissues. Using this knowledge, more effective strategies can be developed to control disease and enhance poultry health and productivity.

My research is motivated by the aim of understanding how heterogeneity in the environment, among hosts, and within parasite communities can drive infectious disease patterns and, ultimately, how we ca…

My research is motivated by the aim of understanding how heterogeneity in the environment, among hosts, and within parasite communities can drive infectious disease patterns and, ultimately, how we can use this understanding to inform disease control. Focusing on the wild wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus, I approach these questions through a combination of statistical, field, and experimental methods. I have been particularly interested in how nutrition quality, a well-known factor in host health and immunity, plays a role in infectious disease dynamics in the wild, where resources are variable, energetic demands are high, and many parasites commonly circulate.

Circular RNA is a novel regulator of virus infection. They are abundant RNA species in human cells and interact with other RNAs and proteins to regulate cellular physiology. Our lab aims to define fun…

Circular RNA is a novel regulator of virus infection. They are abundant RNA species in human cells and interact with other RNAs and proteins to regulate cellular physiology. Our lab aims to define functions and mechanisms of non-coding RNAs in virus-host interactions. We are among the first to identify virus infection-induced circular RNAs and to discover herpesvirus-encoded circular RNAs. Using tumour-associated human herpesviruses including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), we found a human circular RNA, circRELL1, that can suppress viral lytic cycle, a process that produces new virions and spread infection. Still, circRELL1 is one of many host circular RNAs that are commonly induced by multiple herpesviruses and we also discovered virus-encoded circular RNAs of unknown functions.

I have an interdisciplinary background spanning the natural and social sciences, with a specialization in user-focused approaches to complex challenges in innovation, risk governance, and stakeholder …

I have an interdisciplinary background spanning the natural and social sciences, with a specialization in user-focused approaches to complex challenges in innovation, risk governance, and stakeholder engagement. My work has addressed strategic and management decision-making in both corporate and public-sector contexts; agricultural and health-related applications of the life sciences; policy analysis, risk assessment, and regulatory frameworks; stakeholder attitudes and science and risk communication; the evaluation and application of interdisciplinary research; and issues related to sustainable development.

My research focuses on understanding how porcine and zoonotic viruses interact with their hosts and how this understanding can be used to identify genetic susceptibility/resistance and develop diagnos…

My research focuses on understanding how porcine and zoonotic viruses interact with their hosts and how this understanding can be used to identify genetic susceptibility/resistance and develop diagnostics and treatments. Braving the split between human and animal viruses and technologies I am involved in the generation of genome edited pigs resistant towards one of the most costly pig viruses but also part of the IMI CARE consortium aiming to identify and repurpose drugs against SARS-CoV-2 infection causing COVID-19.

I am currently growing a research group to exploit time resolved single photon technologies and optical fibre sensors for clinical/biomedical photonics and other real world applications. I have a desi…

I am currently growing a research group to exploit time resolved single photon technologies and optical fibre sensors for clinical/biomedical photonics and other real world applications. I have a desire to bring the most advanced photonic technologies out of the darkened physics lab and into practical application. As a physicist with wide ranging experience in experimental systems, fibre optics, quantum technologies and fibre sensing he has developed advanced optical systems on site at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

I am a Consultant in medical microbiology at NHS Lothian. I've been working in the field of infection management for over 2 decades, and I'm the Lead Trainer for the postgraduate medical microbiology …

I am a Consultant in medical microbiology at NHS Lothian. I've been working in the field of infection management for over 2 decades, and I'm the Lead Trainer for the postgraduate medical microbiology and virology training programme. My role within the team is to oversee the training modules, coordinate with trainers across various specialties, and ensure the training is up-to-date and relevant to the RCPath curriculum. I am passionate about medical education and dedicated to improving the training experience for our future infection specialists.

Our group focuses on the initiation and maintenance of effector and regulatory T cell responses during chronic parasitic infections. The orchestration of a successful immune response requires a tight …

Our group focuses on the initiation and maintenance of effector and regulatory T cell responses during chronic parasitic infections. The orchestration of a successful immune response requires a tight balance between mobilising a sufficient and correct effector response, whilst simultaneously regulating that response to prevent it becoming pathogenic. Helminth parasites excel at subverting this balance, using the host’s own immune regulatory mechanisms to prevent effective immunity, resulting in immune suppression and chronic infection in the majority of individuals.

My particular interests and clinical collaborations are in paediatric medicine, obstetrics, critical care, blood borne viruses and sexual health. My main focus is on clinically useful molecular diagn…

My particular interests and clinical collaborations are in paediatric medicine, obstetrics, critical care, blood borne viruses and sexual health. My main focus is on clinically useful molecular diagnostics and molecular epidemiology and has several current research grants as well as collaborations with diagnostic companies on developing new molecular assays for diagnosis across pathology.

The malaria parasite has a surprisingly complex life cycle in its vertebrate host and mosquito vector and is capable of interacting with and invading a range of host tissues. In establishing a long-la…

The malaria parasite has a surprisingly complex life cycle in its vertebrate host and mosquito vector and is capable of interacting with and invading a range of host tissues. In establishing a long-lasting infection in mammalian hosts, the parasite must also detect and respond to changes in its cellular environment and modulate the development of an effective host immune response. My primary research interest lies in exploring these host-parasite interactions at the molecular and cellular level; in particular carrying out functional analyses of parasite integral-membrane proteins that share features with G-Protein Coupled Receptors and Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptors and so are implicated in signal transduction and immunomodulation.

I am a medical anthropologist with research expertise in global health governance and policy, the politics of evidence, and qualitative methods. I am currently a Chancellor's Fellow where I convene an…

I am a medical anthropologist with research expertise in global health governance and policy, the politics of evidence, and qualitative methods. I am currently a Chancellor's Fellow where I convene and teach on classes in medical anthropology, global health, and critical data studies and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students' projects in medical anthropology.

My research is in experimental approaches to tackle problems at the Physics & Life Sciences interface. Specifically the application of neutron scattering and reflectivity to investigate a physical ba…

My research is in experimental approaches to tackle problems at the Physics & Life Sciences interface. Specifically the application of neutron scattering and reflectivity to investigate a physical basis for the life and death of bacteria and the mechanical and self-assembly properties of viruses. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has in 2013 been placed on the National Risk Register and we are trying to identify unifying physical principles in the way in which peptides involved in controlling bacterial growth and cell division interact with bacterial membranes and how this is modulated by the cell's metabolic state via membrane potential.

The overall aim of our research is to understand how individual-level host heterogeneity scales up to population level disease outcomes. Using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as an established …

The overall aim of our research is to understand how individual-level host heterogeneity scales up to population level disease outcomes. Using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as an established model of infection, immunity and behaviour, we take an experimental approach to investigate the causes of individual heterogeneity in immune responses, life-history traits and social behaviours and the consequences of heterogeneity for how pathogens might spread and evolve. Click on the panels below to learn more about ongoing work.

We carry out fundamental research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of bacterial intracellular parasitism and on microbial genomics and the evolution of bacterial virulence. The group also aims…

We carry out fundamental research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of bacterial intracellular parasitism and on microbial genomics and the evolution of bacterial virulence. The group also aims to exploit research results to inform translational studies for improving the detection and treatment of bacterial diseases. Our work focuses on two organisms which replicate within host cells. Listeria monocytogenes is a major food-borne human pathogen and is a model intracellular parasite which invades non-phagocytic cells and replicates in the cytosol.

Our lab studies dynamic activatable fluorophores for real-time imaging of molecular events in inflammatory diseases and experimental therapeutics. Our team has been leading in the chemical development…

Our lab studies dynamic activatable fluorophores for real-time imaging of molecular events in inflammatory diseases and experimental therapeutics. Our team has been leading in the chemical development of targeted fluorophores for bioimaging. One of the main achievements has been the design of a unique toolbox of activatable fluorescent probes (DYNAFLUORSTM) to study immune cell function for the first time. This work was funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant, and his team has delivered 50+ publications in the last 5 years, including multiple articles in top interdisciplinary journals.

Enteric bacteria are varied and wonderful. Some, like Bacteroides, are friendly and help us to stay healthy while others, like Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli and C. difficile, wreak havoc and ofte…

Enteric bacteria are varied and wonderful. Some, like Bacteroides, are friendly and help us to stay healthy while others, like Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli and C. difficile, wreak havoc and often give us diarrhoea! My main research interests are understanding how these bacteria interact with their hosts and developing strategies to control pathogenic bacteria. My current research focusses on Salmonella, which causes disease in humans and livestock. Ongoing projects include developing a live-attenuated vaccine to prevent salmonellosis, investigating alternative vaccine strategies, trying to understand why different types of Salmonella behave differently in different host species and expanding a sequencing methodology I developed to study mixed strain-infections of Salmonella to other enteric pathogens like Campylobacter and E. coli.

Our group studies how organisms respond to their environment, focusing on molecular mechanisms used by fungi. We collect and analyze genome-scale datasets to understand how fungi dynamically reorganiz…

Our group studies how organisms respond to their environment, focusing on molecular mechanisms used by fungi. We collect and analyze genome-scale datasets to understand how fungi dynamically reorganize their RNA and protein to adapt to environmental change. How do fungi survive in a changing environment, when they cannot move away from danger or towards food? How do infectious fungi grow in a human body and fight our immune defences? What is special about the small number of fungal species that cause human disease, as opposed to the many that don’t?

To date there are no effective treatments for neutrophilic inflammation which is central to the pathology of a number of important respiratory diseases including COPD, bronchiectasis and ARDS. Unique …

To date there are no effective treatments for neutrophilic inflammation which is central to the pathology of a number of important respiratory diseases including COPD, bronchiectasis and ARDS. Unique to the neutrophil hypoxia is a profound survival stimulus. Neutrophils both sense oxygen and respond to changes in oxygenation via the HIF pathway, which involves regulation of the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) by von Hippel Lindau protein and a group of oxygen sensitive hydroxylases – prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) containing enzymes and factor inhibiting HIF (FIH). Preliminary data suggest a direct role for this oxygen sensing pathway in the regulation of neutrophil apoptosis at sites of hypoxia. I aim to elucidate the mechanisms regulating HIF-1alpha expression in neutrophils and determine the importance of these pathways for neutrophilic inflammation in vivo.

I am a clinical academic, trialist, and health service researcher with more than 25 years’ experience designing, funding, setting-up, managing, and disseminating complex multi-centre trials mostly in …

I am a clinical academic, trialist, and health service researcher with more than 25 years’ experience designing, funding, setting-up, managing, and disseminating complex multi-centre trials mostly in the field of critical and perioperative care. My own research has used a programmatic approach to building cases for large pragmatic trials, using epidemiology, systematic reviews, cohort studies, stakeholder engagement, and Patient/Public involvement to underpin justification and design.

I started a PhD at The Roslin Institute in October 2014 in which I used exome sequencing to find loss of function mutations in the pig genome relevant to pork production and human health. Shortly ther…

I started a PhD at The Roslin Institute in October 2014 in which I used exome sequencing to find loss of function mutations in the pig genome relevant to pork production and human health. Shortly thereafter I identified regions of the pig reference genome (Sscrofa10.2) which were misassembled and subsequently reassembled the pig genome using PacBio data (Sscrofa11). I have since been involved in a range of projects with a heavy focus on livestock gut microbiomes and livestock and companion animal viruses. I am a recognised expert in Nanopore sequencing and run the Scottish Nanopore User Group, ION_BRU. I additionally have experience with wet and dry lab methods for PacBio, Illumina and Ion Torrent sequencing.

I began working at Moredun in 2005, taking a proteomic approach to discover novel infection determinants of the pig pathogen Lawsonia intracellularis. Since 2008, I have focussed on Campylobacter spe…

I began working at Moredun in 2005, taking a proteomic approach to discover novel infection determinants of the pig pathogen Lawsonia intracellularis. Since 2008, I have focussed on Campylobacter species and other zoonotic pathogens, applying proteomics and comparative genomics to investigate how they persist in animal reservoirs and cause disease in humans.

I have an interest in cytokine biology and cellular immunology applying this to bacterial and viral diseases of livestock. My main research area is in the understanding of host-pathogen interactions f…

I have an interest in cytokine biology and cellular immunology applying this to bacterial and viral diseases of livestock. My main research area is in the understanding of host-pathogen interactions for Chlamydia spp. and developing control strategies for ovine enzootic abortion. I am also involved in the development, characterisation and application of immunological reagents to investigate disease pathogenesis in both sheep and cattle.

My group is based jointly at the School of Informatics and the School of Biological Sciences. We work on computational approaches for biomedical applications with a focus on antimicrobial resistance. …

My group is based jointly at the School of Informatics and the School of Biological Sciences. We work on computational approaches for biomedical applications with a focus on antimicrobial resistance. We employ computational systems modelling and machine learning, in close collaboration with experimental partners, to better understand bacterial responses to antibiotics. My background is in Computational Biology and Scientific Computing.

My research has focused on the interactions between parasites and their vectors and hosts that lead to transmission of human sleeping sickness. This has involved a dissection of the mechanisms of inn…

My research has focused on the interactions between parasites and their vectors and hosts that lead to transmission of human sleeping sickness. This has involved a dissection of the mechanisms of innate resistance of vectors to parasite infections and the complex interactions between host, vector and parasite that result in parasite differentiation, disease transmission and epidemiology and control. Recent research has concentrated on the design and use of molecular diagnostic tools for the study and management of sleeping sickness and animal trypanosomiasis, and integrated control methodologies for control of the Neglected Zoonoses.

Leishmania cause a serious human disease, Leishmaniasis, in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. They are single celled eukaryotic parasites which are carried in the gut of sandflies. …

Leishmania cause a serious human disease, Leishmaniasis, in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. They are single celled eukaryotic parasites which are carried in the gut of sandflies. The main research focus of the lab is the flagellum: The 'tail' of the parasite that they use to swim. However, we are also interested in wider questions of how the parasite generates and controls its shape, how this adapts the parasite cells to be effective pathogens and how they evolved from non-pathogenic species.

I have a breadth of research interests however the main areas of my research are the diagnosis, immunopathogenesis and epidemiology of reproductive infections particularly zoonoses that can be spread …

I have a breadth of research interests however the main areas of my research are the diagnosis, immunopathogenesis and epidemiology of reproductive infections particularly zoonoses that can be spread from animals to humans. I am particularly interested in understanding the impact of these infections on human health and quantifying their effects on livestock farming.

I am a clinical neurologist. I have a long-term interest in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, having carried out a research project on the epidemiology of CJD from 1979-1982 and having founded the National C…

I am a clinical neurologist. I have a long-term interest in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, having carried out a research project on the epidemiology of CJD from 1979-1982 and having founded the National CJD Surveillance Unit, UK in 1990 and acted as its Director for 10 years. I have written a number of papers on CJD and was involved in the identification and characterisation of variant CJD and the discovery that this condition was transmissible through blood transfusion.

My research interests concern the population dynamics of pathogens, especially those associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emerging infectious diseases, applying ecological and evolutiona…

My research interests concern the population dynamics of pathogens, especially those associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emerging infectious diseases, applying ecological and evolutionary approaches to combat threats to both human and animal health. I am an expert on the epidemiology and transmission of AMR between livestock and humans, advocating a One Health approach to reducing the burden of resistance.

Our lab studies the roles of bioactive lipids in modulation of immunity and inflammatory diseases in barrier tissues. We are aiming to illustrate the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms for h…

Our lab studies the roles of bioactive lipids in modulation of immunity and inflammatory diseases in barrier tissues. We are aiming to illustrate the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms for how lipid mediators modulate the barrier immune system, to develop improved treatments for complex degenerative and inflammatory conditions at the barrier sites. We are currently focusing on the classic inflammatory eicosanoid - prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).

Toxoplasma gondii infects ~1/3rd of the human population and establishes long-term chronic infection, forming intracellular cysts predominantly in the brain. Reactivation of chronic parasites causes f…

Toxoplasma gondii infects ~1/3rd of the human population and establishes long-term chronic infection, forming intracellular cysts predominantly in the brain. Reactivation of chronic parasites causes fatal encephalitis in the immunocompromised and substantial ocular disease. Despite the chronic cyst being critical for both transmission and pathology of the disease, we understand little of how the cyst forms and subverts the host. Importantly, chronic stage parasites upregulate and secrete putative effector proteins suggesting they are required for the unique biology of chronic infection. My lab will investigate how secreted proteins facilitate chronic infection and the formation of the parasite cyst, to identify requirements and vulnerabilities of this undruggable parasite stage.