Prof Alison Mather

Biography

Our work aims to understand the evolution, origins and transmission of bacteria between different host populations, with a focus on bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobial drugs and those which are relevant to food safety.

We are particularly interested in understanding the relative contributions of animals, humans, the environment and food to the overall burden of disease caused by pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We also want to understand the importance of non-pathogenic bacteria, either as potential reservoirs of AMR genes or as agents of food spoilage. To do this, we use genome and metagenome sequencing, combined with techniques from ecology, epidemiology and bioinformatics.

By defining and quantifying the importance of different sources of bacteria and AMR, we aim to address gaps in our knowledge, identify points where interventions may be most effectively applied, improve food safety, reduce food waste, and inform policy and surveillance.