Since joining the University in a post-doctoral position in 2008, climatologist Dr Cyril Caminade has developed and strengthened internal and external collaborations in order to model and map risk of key vector-borne diseases under climate change scenarios.
A supportive research environment
Cyril has cited various opportunities available within his department and the wider University as being instrumental to the success of his research and equipping him to be adaptable and flexible in an increasingly diverse, mobile, global research environment.
He said: “As a fellow on the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences’ Tenure Track scheme, I was able to strengthen and further develop my leadership in the field of climate change and health studies.
“Colleagues from the Research Partnerships and Innovation team have enabled me to interact and collaborate with industry partners such as Trendalyze cloud computing company and IBM,” he added.
He also praised the University’s commitment to Open Access: “Open Access both directly and indirectly benefitted several of my publications, increasing their visibility, helping form new research collaborations and providing career opportunities for overseas colleagues.”
The Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, in which Cyril is based, works to advance knowledge of the most important global health challenges. The Institute is committed to providing a supportive environment to ensure the optimal growth and development of its Early Career Researchers. Many programmes, support systems and training opportunities are available to give Early Career Researchers the support they need to successfully establish themselves as independent researchers.
Developing a portfolio of management/leadership skills
The opportunities presented by the University’s development unit, The Academy, for individual researchers to pro-actively engage in their own personal and career development and lifelong learning has been a key driver of success for Cyril. He has also worked to support colleagues in achieving their research career goals. He said: “I was Co-Chair of the IGH Post-Doctoral Association for three years and this helped me to support post-doctoral community-building activities, for example organising events such as a career day. I also continue to represent research staff on the institutional Concordat Steering Group which drives the University’s commitment to supporting researchers within the University.”
The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers is central to how the University of Liverpool supports and develops its research staff. The University’s commitment to actively providing opportunities for researchers’ personal and career development, and lifelong learning at all stages of their career has been recognised with the HR Excellence in Research Award.
Research with global impact
One of Dr Caminade’s most significant outputs during his time as a Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (HLS) Tenure Track Fellow at the University is a 2017 publication he led, quantifying the impact of climate variability on Zika virus transmission. The study used observed climate data to identify that temperature conditions related to the 2015 El Niño climate phenomenon (a climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean with a global impact on weather patterns) were ideal for mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus.
Cyril said: “The HLS Tenure Track Fellowship scheme allowed me to develop novel research on Zika risk modelling which had a huge impact on society. As one of the University’s impact case studies, the publication was assessed as four stars during the REF. It gained a high level of media interest (most notably an article in Scientific American) and was cited in important NGO and governmental reports.”
His collaborative work has also explored various animal diseases (blue tongue, Rift Valley Fever, fasciolosis and haemonchosis), key human diseases (malaria, plague, Japanese encephalitis) and invasive vector species such as the Asian tiger mosquito
With over a century of discovery and translational research in infectious diseases, the University of Liverpool is a recognised leader in this field. Find out more here.
The University of Liverpool provides high quality development opportunities to empower every individual to foster their potential. Learn more about The Academy’s staff development offering here (staff only).
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