We are a dynamic group of academics, research fellows and staff, and postgraduate students carrying out research into medical, environmental and industrial microbiology.
We investigate microbiological phenomena ranging from single cell molecular biology, to communities of organisms and their interactions with humans, animals, plants, and the wider environment.
The group has over 20 active research staff and postgraduate students across eight research groups led by:
- Dr Cedric Berger
- Dr Helen Brown
- Professor Thomas Connor
- Professor Eshwar Mahenthiralingam
- Dr Arthur Morris
- Dr Katherine Smith
- Professor Andy Weightman
- Dr Catrin Williams
We are highly research-active, generating millions of pounds of research income from research councils, charities, international funders and industry.
These grant awards are consistently translated into high quality research publications (more than 580 publications, 49,000 citations) and training for an extensive cohort of staff and students.
We share a cohesive footprint within a £2+ million refurbished area of the School of Biosciences Sir Martin Evans Building. This comprises large class II certified research laboratories, equipment and tissue culture rooms, a group office area and academic offices.
We welcome approaches by potential fellowship applicants and funded PhD students to host their research and expand our strategic research on microbiomes, microbes and informatics.
Microbiomes
We investigate microbial communities across human, animal, plant, and environmental systems. Our research spans the gut, respiratory tract, urinary tract, chronic wounds, and tumour microenvironments, as well as ecological niches such as freshwater, marine sediments, and the rhizosphere. By integrating One Health principles and advanced sampling methods (e.g. induced sputum, wastewater surveillance), we explore how microbiomes influence health, disease progression, and environmental resilience.
Microbes
Our team has deep expertise in a wide array of bacterial taxa, including:
Pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia spp., Campylobacterjejuni, Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli (EHEC, EPEC, DAEC), Edwardsiella, Salmonella, anaerobic wound colonisers, multiple viruses and Cryptosporidium.
Commensals and Probiotics: Lactobacillus and other beneficial microbes from fermented foods and the human microbiome.
Environmental and Industrial Microbes: Uncultured taxa from wastewater, marine ecosystems, and non-sterile industrial products.
We study microbial persistence, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and host–pathogen interactions, with applications in infection biology, cancer research, parasite persistence, wound healing, agriculture and biotechnological innovation.
Informatics
We apply molecular, genomic, and computational approaches to dissect microbial function and evolution. Our informatics capabilities include:
Population and Pathogen Genomics: High-resolution analysis of microbial genomes to track transmission, resistance, and virulence.
Bioinformatics and Biostatistics: Development of novel tools for public health surveillance and microbiome profiling.
Metabolomics and Antibiotic Discovery: Genome mining for specialised metabolites and novel antimicrobials.
Environmental DNA and Remote Sensing: Monitoring microbial activity in wastewater and marine ecosystems using molecular and imaging technologies.
Informatic analysis of large-scale datasets is central to our research, enabling predictive modelling, therapeutic innovation, and translational impact across biomedical and environmental domains.
Research
Our research is organised across eight research groups:
Senior Lecturer in Biosciences: Studies enteric pathogens such as E. coli and Edwardsiella, focusing on diarrheal disease epidemiology, environmental transmission, virulence mechanisms, and vaccine development. His research integrates molecular biology, immunology, and global health perspectives.
Lecturer in Microbiology: Investigates microbial persistence and biofilm formation in clinical and environmental contexts. Her work spans Campylobacter jejuni, Cutibacterium acnes, chronic wound microbiomes, and alternative antimicrobial therapies using probiotics and natural products.
Head of the Public Health Genomics programme within Public Health Wales: Our research examines microbial pathogen variation to understand evolution and transmission in local and global outbreaks. We have investigated a range of gastrointestinal pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Clostridium difficile), as well as antimicrobial resistant ESKAPE pathogens.
The group’s research is underpinned by whole genome sequencing and high-powered computing, and we have been working with Public Health Wales to implement genomics pipelines for pathogen identification and surveillance across Wales, and globally in terms of the virus Influenza.
4. Professor Eshwar Mahenthiralingam
Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Head of School, Biosciences: Has expertise on Pseudomonas and Burkholderia in cystic fibrosis lung infections, antimicrobial resistance, and industrial microbiology. He leads genome mining efforts for novel antibiotic discovery and collaborates widely across academia and industry to address microbial threats and therapeutic innovation.
HCRW Advanced Research Fellow: Develops computational tools for pathogen genome analysis, with a focus on Cryptosporidium, wastewater surveillance, and SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology. His work bridges genomics and public health, integrating bioinformatics into clinical and environmental monitoring.
Lecturer in Biosciences: Focuses on how parasitic helminth infections influence viral co-infection and the development of inflammatory disorders, particularly in the context of HPV-related cervical and colorectal cancers. Her work also investigates the determinants of soil-transmitted helminth egg hatching and transmission.
Professor in Biosciences: Specialises in microbial ecology, metagenomics, and environmental microbiology. His research includes microbial adaptation to pollutants, deep subsurface biospheres, and the development of bioinformatics tools for microbial diversity and taxonomy, with applications in bioremediation and ecosystem health.
Lecturer in Biosciences: Leads interdisciplinary research on microbial detection and control using microwave energy, gut microbiome modulation, and remote sensing of marine bioluminescence. Her work combines microbiology with engineering, diagnostics, and public engagement.
Projects
We are open to hosting postgraduate projects (PhD, MPhil, MRes, Masters) and supporting fellowship applications. For further details of our current research projects, please visit our individual staff profiles.
Next steps
Research that matters
Our research makes a difference to people’s lives as we work across disciplines to tackle major challenges facing society, the economy and our environment.
Postgraduate research
Our research degrees give the opportunity to investigate a specific topic in depth among field-leading researchers.
Our research impact
Our research case studies highlight some of the areas where we deliver positive research impact.