Pathogen Population Genetics

General overview

Over recent years, we have witnessed unprecedented progress in genetic sequencing technologies. As a result, we are now in a position to sequence large numbers of genomes from a variety of organisms in no time and at reasonable cost.

However, genomic data in itself does little more than clog up computers. This is where we fit in. Our mission statement is to harness genomic information to address important questions in evolution, epidemiology and public health, by analysing genomic datasets and developing new methodological tools.

Our core interest is to use genomic data to reconstruct infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics. We work primarily on human pathogens (MRSA, the plague, malaria, influenza) but can be convinced to embark onto projects outside human pathogens if we feel the question is important and our expertise may make a difference.

We do not feel there must be a divide between fundamental and applied science. As such, our work spans a large continuum ranging from the fundamental (e.g. reconstructing historical plague pandemics) to the applied (e.g. tracking MRSA infections in hospital wards).