Superbugs and pandemics: the evolution and ecology of pathogens in a rapidly changing world

Changes in climate, land use and the size and distribution of human and animal populations are reshaping the geographical distribution, prevalence, and host ranges of pathogens. At the same time, the rise of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens is making antibiotics increasing infective. Addressing these interconnected global challenges requires a better understanding of how bacteria adapt to changing environments. 

This project will leverage rapidly expanding collections of bacterial genome sequences – now exceeding two million publicly available genomes – to explore the evolution and ecology of bacterial pathogens. Integrating phylogenetics, population genetics, and ecological modelling, the research will use genome sequence data to reconstruct the evolutionary dynamics of pathogens, track the spread of adaptive genes, and identify the factors that shape how pathogens emerge and evolve within diverse microbial communities.

The student will develop innovative methods of analysing genome sequence data and work within an interdisciplinary community of scientists studying bacterial pathogens and their impacts on humans, animals, and plants. They will have opportunities to develop the impact of their research across multiple sectors, including human and animal health, conservation and agriculture. The student will be trained in computational data analysis and modelling, and will have the option to undertake data collection or laboratory analyses based on their interests.