From fundamental science to translational projects, the breadth of our research across the fields of infection and microbiology is underpinned by our expertise and research in immunology. New ways to tackle antimicrobial resistance are a priority area. We lead the Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme in Antimicrobials and Antimicrobial Resistance in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and the Nottingham hub of the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC). We are funded by the BBSRC, MRC, EPSRC, InnovateUK, Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the European Commission.

Our impact

Fundamental insights from our research will advance knowledge and deliver impacts in the clinic. Examples of work that is having an impact includes:

• Understanding of the ways in which bacteria communicate with each other – quorum sensing – has been used to develop a novel coating for urinary catheters
• Investigating wholly novel ways to tackle antimicrobial resistance through the use of predatory bacteria (Bdellovibrio: tiny bacteria that eat other bacteria)
• Exploring  innovative strategies to bolster the inborn defences against infections
• We run the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Research UK biobank and our research is delivering new antibodies to treat and prevent hepatitis C virus and trypanosomiasis. 

Our ambition

Our researchers are passionate about what they do and about the wider impact of their work. We collaborate widely with industry and other world leading scientific institutions, support the government in policy development, are active science communicators (see our contribution to the Science Museum’s Superbugs exhibition). As university researchers we are proud to contribute to the teaching and development of the next generation of scientists. Our research is conducted in a spirit of inquisitiveness, and is propelled by intellectual rigor in a collegial and supportive environment.

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