Novel phage-based therapeutics against drug-resistant bacteria

Project Code

MRCIIAR26Ex Westra

Project Type

Wet lab

Research Theme

Infection, Immunity, Antimicrobial Resistance and Repair

Project Summary Download

Summary

Antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major global health threat, causing infections that are increasingly difficult to treat. This project will develop next-generation bacteriophage (phage) therapies that target and kill these bacteria, overcoming conventional antibiotic resistance. You will explore how phages can be engineered to maximise effectiveness, understand how bacteria evolve resistance to phages, and use synthetic biology to design precision tools that restore phage sensitivity. This interdisciplinary research integrates microbiology, genomics, and bioengineering to tackle one of the most urgent challenges in infectious disease, offering training in cutting-edge approaches with clear real-world impact.

Lead Supervisor

Professor Edze Westra

Lead Supervisor Email

E.R.Westra@exeter.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Exeter