Microbiome Innovation Centre appoints Professor Jo Fothergill as Director
The University of Liverpool’s Microbiome Innovation Centre (MIC) - a community of over 40 University of Liverpool academics with a vision to be Europe’s leading centre for microbiome research and translational innovation - has appointed Professor Jo Fothergill as Director.
Jo is Professor in Medical Microbiology, based in the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences. Her research focuses on bacterial genomics, molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance, particularly in the context of chronic lung infection. Jo also works on phage therapy, antimicrobial potentiators and anti-virulence compounds. She is a world leader in cystic fibrosis microbiology and currently leads a strategic research centre (PIPE-CF) based on defining appropriate preclinical development pipelines for novel antimicrobial therapeutics.
Jo has been Deputy Director of the MIC since its inception in 2019. Outgoing Director, Professor Steve Paterson, remains on the MIC’s leadership board as Deputy Director.
Jo said, “The scale of opportunity for microbiome research is currently immense and Liverpool’s breadth of academic expertise, world-leading technical capabilities and proven track record of successful industrial collaboration mean we are uniquely placed to respond to this opportunity. I am delighted to begin leading the MIC at such an exciting time and look forward to working with our academic affiliates and external partners to continue to build our research profile and impact.”
Professor Steve Paterson said “Jo is the right person to take the MIC through the next phase of its development. She is a brilliant scientist and leader and has the skills to create a thriving environment for microbiome research and innovation at Liverpool. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Jo and support her in her role.”