Mycobacterial determinants of survival and fitness within the bovine host
Lead Research Organisation:
Royal Veterinary College
Department Name: Pathology and Pathogen Biology
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a persistent problem in certain areas of the UK. The current control strategy is to test herds for the presence of BTB at timely intervals and slaughter test-positive animals. However, the observation that BTB is spreading in both geographical area and prevalence suggests that the existing control strategy is not working effectively. The cost of the control programme is £100 million annually, therefore not only is the policy ineffective, it is also a significant economic burden. In addition, BTB can cause tuberculosis in humans, and while this is currently rare, the escalating prevalence of BTB has the potential to develop into a zoonotic (the passage of disease from animals to humans) risk.
BTB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium bovis. This is very closely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that commonly causes tuberculosis. Tuberculosis in cattle and humans show great similarities and, like the human disease, vaccination is an alternative strategy to control BTB. The vaccine against human tuberculosis is a strain of Mycobacterium bovis called Mycobacterium bovis BCG, however this provides limited protection against the disease in both cattle and humans.
Mycobacterium bovis is transmitted by aerosol, once within the animal it enters into cells called macrophages. These cells, normally dedicated to the killing and removal of bacterial pathogens, are unable to kill the bacteria. Instead, Mycobacterium bovis adapts and survives within the lungs in structures called granulomas. However, we do not know much about the genes that allow the bacteria to survive and cause disease in the host.
We will knock-out the function of every single gene in the genome of Mycobacterium bovis (approximately 4000) and determine those genes that are required for survival in bovine macrophages and in the whole cow. We will achieve this by using a technique called Transposon Directed Insertion Seqeuncing (TraDIS). This technique has been applied successfully to the study of other bacterial pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, but this will be the first time it has been used to study the genetic determinants of disease in Mycobacterium bovis. We will make libraries of mutants where the function of every gene in the genome has been knocked-out. We will then put the libraries into "screens". Mutants that are recovered after being through a "screen" are compared to the original pre-screened mutant pool by DNA sequencing. Mutants that are unable to survive the screen are identified and as a result we will identify all the genes necessary for survival in the host. Those mutants that are unable to survive in the host represent potential vaccine candidates.
We will be able to assess the function of essential genes using a combination of computational analysis, literature searching and comparisons to screens performed on different types of bacteriological media (in vitro). The functions that are essential for survival in the host also reflects the conditions within the host. At the end of this project we will have filled in key gaps in the knowledge of BTB in the area of host pathogen interactions and have identified several potential vaccine candidates to be considered for future development.
BTB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium bovis. This is very closely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that commonly causes tuberculosis. Tuberculosis in cattle and humans show great similarities and, like the human disease, vaccination is an alternative strategy to control BTB. The vaccine against human tuberculosis is a strain of Mycobacterium bovis called Mycobacterium bovis BCG, however this provides limited protection against the disease in both cattle and humans.
Mycobacterium bovis is transmitted by aerosol, once within the animal it enters into cells called macrophages. These cells, normally dedicated to the killing and removal of bacterial pathogens, are unable to kill the bacteria. Instead, Mycobacterium bovis adapts and survives within the lungs in structures called granulomas. However, we do not know much about the genes that allow the bacteria to survive and cause disease in the host.
We will knock-out the function of every single gene in the genome of Mycobacterium bovis (approximately 4000) and determine those genes that are required for survival in bovine macrophages and in the whole cow. We will achieve this by using a technique called Transposon Directed Insertion Seqeuncing (TraDIS). This technique has been applied successfully to the study of other bacterial pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, but this will be the first time it has been used to study the genetic determinants of disease in Mycobacterium bovis. We will make libraries of mutants where the function of every gene in the genome has been knocked-out. We will then put the libraries into "screens". Mutants that are recovered after being through a "screen" are compared to the original pre-screened mutant pool by DNA sequencing. Mutants that are unable to survive the screen are identified and as a result we will identify all the genes necessary for survival in the host. Those mutants that are unable to survive in the host represent potential vaccine candidates.
We will be able to assess the function of essential genes using a combination of computational analysis, literature searching and comparisons to screens performed on different types of bacteriological media (in vitro). The functions that are essential for survival in the host also reflects the conditions within the host. At the end of this project we will have filled in key gaps in the knowledge of BTB in the area of host pathogen interactions and have identified several potential vaccine candidates to be considered for future development.
Technical Summary
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB), a disease of cattle caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is a persistent and longstanding problem in the UK. Despite the presence of an expensive test and slaughter control programme (estimated to cost £100 million annually), the disease is spreading in prevalence and geographic area. Vaccination is a promising alternative control strategy but the only available vaccine in the short to medium term is BCG, an attenuated strain of M. bovis. This has variable and low efficacy, therefore a greater understanding of host pathogen interactions are needed in order to design novel and effective control strategies for BTB.
The overall goal of this proposal is to identify the bacterial genetic determinants for survival of M. bovis in disease relevant models of natural infection. These include in vitro, ex vivo in bovine alveolar macrophages and in the bovine host. In order to do this we will use Transposon Directed Insertion Seqeuncing (TraDIS methodology). This approach, which has been used successfully in other bacteria, involves the generation of a saturated transposon library of mutants of M. bovis which are then put through selective pressures (e.g. the bovine host). Sequence counts derived from an input pool (no selective pressure) are compared to an output pool (exposed to selective pressure) allowing for the estimation of fitness for each mutant. This work will allow us to identify the genetic requirements for survival of M. bovis in one of its natural hosts thereby providing a fuller understanding of the physiological adaptations M. bovis makes in the host and the nature of the selective pressure. Additionally, identification of the genes that are essential for survival in the bovine host provides an excellent unbiased starting point for the rationale design of new and improved vaccines.
The overall goal of this proposal is to identify the bacterial genetic determinants for survival of M. bovis in disease relevant models of natural infection. These include in vitro, ex vivo in bovine alveolar macrophages and in the bovine host. In order to do this we will use Transposon Directed Insertion Seqeuncing (TraDIS methodology). This approach, which has been used successfully in other bacteria, involves the generation of a saturated transposon library of mutants of M. bovis which are then put through selective pressures (e.g. the bovine host). Sequence counts derived from an input pool (no selective pressure) are compared to an output pool (exposed to selective pressure) allowing for the estimation of fitness for each mutant. This work will allow us to identify the genetic requirements for survival of M. bovis in one of its natural hosts thereby providing a fuller understanding of the physiological adaptations M. bovis makes in the host and the nature of the selective pressure. Additionally, identification of the genes that are essential for survival in the bovine host provides an excellent unbiased starting point for the rationale design of new and improved vaccines.
Planned Impact
The primary aim of this work is to identify the genetic determinant of survival for M. bovis in the bovine host. This will give us a greater understanding of the metabolic and physiological adaptations made by M. bovis and of the selective pressures in the host. The information (i.e. genes essential for survival) has direct relevance to the design of novel, live attenuated vaccines for the treatment of bovine tuberculosis. As the information also has relevance to our understanding of human tuberculosis, benefits to both animal and human health are anticipated.
Therefore we envisage
Economic benefit to the UK cattle farming (meat and milk) industry: Poor cattle health, especially through the increase in bovine tuberculosis is, however, a major issue negatively impacting on the efficiency and economics of food production. A better understanding of bovine tuberculosis and novel vaccination advances will benefit this industry thereby providing overall benefit to the UK
Economic benefit to the UK through commercial exploitation of discoveries: Human TB is a global health concern with more than 2 billion people infected. Therefore in addition to companies with an animal health focus (e.g. Zooetis) commercial ventures with a focus on human health will also benefit from this work.
Societal and economic benefits to the UK through the provision of a skilled workforce: The project involves the training of two PDRAs in both project specific and transferable skills. Both the RVC and LSHTM recognise the importance of the training element for their PDRAs and have a programe of training in generic skills that the PDRAs will utilise. The RVC have adapted the "Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers" and created a "Concordat Code of Practice and Guide" which demonstrates their commitment to the provision of effective support for Research Staff. The RVC has also established an internal Researcher Association led by PDRAs. The Researcher Association meet regularly and ensure PDRAs at the RVC get opportunities in training, personal development and networking, both within the college and with external bodies
Societal benefits through the improved sustainability of food production systems: A sustainable industry is required in order for consumers to benefit from inexpensive but high quality food. Animal health, welfare and public health are closely and inextricably linked. The optimization of animal health and well-being will improve the quality of animal based products. Poor welfare of food producing animals is another topic of increasing concern to the British public that will be addressed by this proposal. Societal impacts through the general public will also be realised through public engagement activities detailed in the pathways to impact attachment.
Societal benefits through improved animal and human health: The over-all average culling rate in the UK dairy herd is currently 22% due to infertility, poor health and low milk production, with animals only averaging 3 lactations before culling. The expectation is that all farm livestock should have "a life worth living - from their point of view" (Farm Animal Welfare Council, 2009). Welfare would benefit if health status was improved. This proposal will provide new information into the abilities of M. bovis to survive within the host which may help to identify new vaccine strategies. Finally, the outputs of the proposal will also be applicable to human tuberculosis, there are potential direct impacts on human health.
Therefore we envisage
Economic benefit to the UK cattle farming (meat and milk) industry: Poor cattle health, especially through the increase in bovine tuberculosis is, however, a major issue negatively impacting on the efficiency and economics of food production. A better understanding of bovine tuberculosis and novel vaccination advances will benefit this industry thereby providing overall benefit to the UK
Economic benefit to the UK through commercial exploitation of discoveries: Human TB is a global health concern with more than 2 billion people infected. Therefore in addition to companies with an animal health focus (e.g. Zooetis) commercial ventures with a focus on human health will also benefit from this work.
Societal and economic benefits to the UK through the provision of a skilled workforce: The project involves the training of two PDRAs in both project specific and transferable skills. Both the RVC and LSHTM recognise the importance of the training element for their PDRAs and have a programe of training in generic skills that the PDRAs will utilise. The RVC have adapted the "Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers" and created a "Concordat Code of Practice and Guide" which demonstrates their commitment to the provision of effective support for Research Staff. The RVC has also established an internal Researcher Association led by PDRAs. The Researcher Association meet regularly and ensure PDRAs at the RVC get opportunities in training, personal development and networking, both within the college and with external bodies
Societal benefits through the improved sustainability of food production systems: A sustainable industry is required in order for consumers to benefit from inexpensive but high quality food. Animal health, welfare and public health are closely and inextricably linked. The optimization of animal health and well-being will improve the quality of animal based products. Poor welfare of food producing animals is another topic of increasing concern to the British public that will be addressed by this proposal. Societal impacts through the general public will also be realised through public engagement activities detailed in the pathways to impact attachment.
Societal benefits through improved animal and human health: The over-all average culling rate in the UK dairy herd is currently 22% due to infertility, poor health and low milk production, with animals only averaging 3 lactations before culling. The expectation is that all farm livestock should have "a life worth living - from their point of view" (Farm Animal Welfare Council, 2009). Welfare would benefit if health status was improved. This proposal will provide new information into the abilities of M. bovis to survive within the host which may help to identify new vaccine strategies. Finally, the outputs of the proposal will also be applicable to human tuberculosis, there are potential direct impacts on human health.
Organisations
- Royal Veterinary College (Lead Research Organisation)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- GrabTB (Collaboration)
- The VALIDATE Network - Vaccine development for complex intracellular neglected pathogens (Collaboration)
- VabioTech (Collaboration)
- University of Surrey (Collaboration)
- UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY (Collaboration)
- QuantuMDx Group Ltd. (Collaboration)
- University Dr Yahia Fares Medea (Collaboration)
- MERCK (Collaboration)
Publications
Katale BZ
(2017)
Isolation and Potential for Transmission of Mycobacterium bovis at Human-livestock-wildlife Interface of the Serengeti Ecosystem, Northern Tanzania.
in Transboundary and emerging diseases
Zumla A
(2020)
Zoonotic tuberculosis-a call for an open One Health debate.
in The Lancet. Infectious diseases
Price RL
(2019)
In vitro and in vivo properties of the bovine antimicrobial peptide, Bactenecin 5.
in PloS one
Tombácz K
(2019)
Short communication: Pegbovigrastim treatment in vivo does not affect granulocyte ability to migrate to endometrial cells and kill bacteria in vitro in healthy cows.
in Journal of dairy science
Gibson AJ
(2021)
Probing Differences in Gene Essentiality Between the Human and Animal Adapted Lineages of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Using TnSeq.
in Frontiers in veterinary science
Faulkner V
(2020)
Re-sensitization of Mycobacterium smegmatis to Rifampicin Using CRISPR Interference Demonstrates Its Utility for the Study of Non-essential Drug Resistance Traits.
in Frontiers in microbiology
Perrone F
(2017)
A Novel TetR-Like Transcriptional Regulator Is Induced in Acid-Nitrosative Stress and Controls Expression of an Efflux Pump in Mycobacteria.
in Frontiers in microbiology
Munshi T
(2020)
The Antimicrobial Peptide, Bactenecin 5, Supports Cell-Mediated but Not Humoral Immunity in the Context of a Mycobacterial Antigen Vaccine Model.
in Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
Description | TB is an endemic disease of Livestock in the UK and the cost of the current control programme (test and slaughter) is a vast economic burden. Bovine TB is also a zoonotic risk in countries where the test and slaughter programme cannot be implemented. Therefore, alternative control strategies have to be sought. Live attenuated strains are a useful strategy, such strains are attenuated in that they do not cause disease but are able to mount an effective immune response. Mycobacterium bovis is the bacteria that causes TB in cattle and we have made a mutant library of M. bovis, such a library may include several attenuated mutants. We have now screened this library in cattle and identified attenuating mutations on a genome-wide scale. This will allow us to develop possible vaccine candidates for bovine tuberculosis. Additionally, Mycobacterium bovis is very similar to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the data collected has identified several new therapeutic targets for treatment of TB in humans. We also discovered that key metabolic differences between M. bovis and the current vaccine strain M. bovis BCG have impacts in vivo which could be exploited for differential diagnostics. We have developed tools for genetically manipulating M. bovis, this includes tools to silence the expression of genes as well as a library where every non-essential gene in the M. bovis genome has had its function knocked out. This will be valuable for studying host pathogen interactions. Noteworthy new partnerships were made with (i) The University of Surrey (ii) The University of Leicester (iii) Brighton and Sussex Medical school (iv) UK-HSA (v) The Francis Crick Institute (Vi) Birkbeck - University of London The specialist training received by the PDRA as a result of the project is now being used by the Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis at Aberystwyth University as the PDRA transitioned to Lecturer. Students associated with the project were trained and transitioned to the UK-Health Security Agency and have lead roles in SARS-CoV-2 serology - contributing to the national effort to control the pandemic. |
Exploitation Route | Candidate drug and vaccine targets have been identfied and can be explored further. Differential diagnostics strategies measuring cholesterol metabolites in cattle can be taken forward by both academic and non-academic institutes. |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | The group have undertaken several public engagement activities. The details of which have been given previously. The finding have been used to support the development of spin-out companies focused on the development of Veterinary Vaccines |
First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
Sector | Education,Other |
Impact Types | Cultural,Societal,Economic |
Description | AdapTB |
Amount | € 1,346,000 (EUR) |
Funding ID | BB/X020088/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2023 |
End | 05/2026 |
Description | Bloomsbury SET Research England Development of Streptococcus suis vaccines |
Amount | £310,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Royal Veterinary College (RVC) |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2019 |
End | 04/2021 |
Description | Dissecting the non-coding transcriptome of pathogenic mycobacteria |
Amount | £67,768 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Dissecting the non-coding transcriptome of pathogenic mycobacteria |
Organisation | Bloomsbury Colleges |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2020 |
End | 10/2023 |
Description | Isolation and molecular characterisation of mycobacterium strains responsible for endemic bovine tuberculosis in Medea, Algeria |
Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | International Veterinary Vaccinology Network |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2019 |
Description | RVC studentship - The identification of novel therapeutic targets for Mycobacteria using CRISPR/dCas9 genome interference technology |
Amount | £45,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Royal Veterinary College (RVC) |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2017 |
End | 10/2020 |
Description | Travel award |
Amount | £300 (GBP) |
Organisation | British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2017 |
End | 12/2017 |
Description | Validate training grant Dr Amanda Gibson |
Amount | £2,684 (GBP) |
Organisation | The VALIDATE Network - Vaccine development for complex intracellular neglected pathogens |
Sector | Academic/University |
Start | 10/2019 |
End | 01/2020 |
Title | CRISPRi strains (Hypomorphs) |
Description | Strains for turning down expression of Mycobacteria genes using CRIPSRi |
Type Of Material | Cell line |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | DarG hypomorph - Resulted in a collaboration with the Univeristy of Surrey and a publication DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03825-4 MabR hypomorph - resulted in a non-funded collaboration with the Francis Crick Institute - work ongoing |
Title | High denisty transposon library of M. bovis BCG |
Description | This is a collection of a large number of bacterial mutants (~50,000) for functional genomic studies |
Type Of Material | Cell line |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | None yet |
Title | High density library of Mycobacterium smegmatis |
Description | This is a bacterial library of ~20,000 mutants of M. smegmatis for functional genomics |
Type Of Material | Cell line |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Made available to UCL |
Title | High density transposon library of M. bovis |
Description | This is a large (~50,000) mutant library of M. bovis. For our own use and for distribution to the community as required for functional genomic studies |
Type Of Material | Cell line |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | A little early to assess. However the library is a named resource for a multinational funding application - currently awaiting outcome (ICRAD) |
Title | High-Density transposon library of Mtb H37Rv |
Description | A collection of ~30,000 unique mutants of M. tuberculosis human adapted |
Type Of Material | Cell line |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Tool will be used in a successful MRC funded project led by the UK-HSA |
Title | Updated scripts and R data objects to include additional resampling with pooled output libraries. |
Description | Updated scripts and R data objects to include additional resampling with pooled output libraries. Entire dataset |
Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | R-scripts and full dataset for Tnseq analysis associated with publication 10.1128/mbio.00672-22. (total downloads Total Downloads 1,142) Views 68 47 Downloads 4 |
Description | Arnvig UCL |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Division of Biosciences |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provision of transposon libraries |
Collaborator Contribution | Novel application of libraries |
Impact | MRC application |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Collaboration with UK-HSA on a MRC grant proposal |
Organisation | UK Health Security Agency |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The H37Rv Tn library that was made as a result of this award will be used in an MRC funded project led by UK-HSA |
Collaborator Contribution | The H37Rv Tn library that was made as a result of this award will be used in an MRC funded project led by UK-HSA |
Impact | None yet |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | GrabTB |
Organisation | GrabTB |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Participation in a "Roadmap for tuberculosis" workshop |
Collaborator Contribution | Organisation of the network/workshop |
Impact | too early to list |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Khames_University of Medea |
Organisation | University Dr Yahia Fares Medea |
Country | Algeria |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Grant application of Lab exchnage - IVVN |
Collaborator Contribution | Grant application - Lab exchange - IVVN |
Impact | Epidemiology, microbiology |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Merck MSD |
Organisation | Merck |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Collaboration on vaccine development |
Collaborator Contribution | Intellectual contribution and vaccine development and production |
Impact | Intellectual contribution and vaccine development and production. Vaccine technology Vaccine upscaling and manufacture |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Quantum-DX partnership |
Organisation | QuantuMDx Group Ltd. |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We provided fluorescent strains of Mycobacteria |
Collaborator Contribution | They paid for the strains |
Impact | Diagnostic tool |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | University of Surrey_Stewart |
Organisation | University of Surrey |
Department | School of Biosciences & Medicine |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | Provision of CRISPRi strains and tools to turn down essential genes in Mycobacteria |
Collaborator Contribution | New grant proposal - I am a collaborator |
Impact | This is a multi-disciplinary collaboration with the University of Surrey and The Univeristy of Oxford, involving structural biology and microbiology. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Vabiotech vaccine production |
Organisation | VabioTech |
Country | Viet Nam |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Intellectual contribution and vaccine development and production. |
Collaborator Contribution | Intellectual contribution and vaccine development and production. |
Impact | Intellectual contribution and vaccine development and production. Vaccine technology Vaccine upscaling and manufacture |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Validate |
Organisation | The VALIDATE Network - Vaccine development for complex intracellular neglected pathogens |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | VALIDATE is an international network of researchers developing vaccines against globally significant diseases caused by complex intracellular pathogens. Our initial focus is on tuberculosis (TB), leishmaniasis, melioidosis, and leprosy, which cause substantial mortality and morbidity across the globe, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). By working together, we will advance research more quickly and effectively. The network also offers CPD for early career researchers and I act as a mentor within this network. Additionally, the post-doctoral fellow working on the EradbTB grant with me is being mentored by another member of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Additionally, the post-doctoral fellow working on the EradbTB grant with me is being mentored by another member of the network. |
Impact | No out-puts as yet. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Company Name | ARKVAX LIMITED |
Description | A new spin out company that derived from ArcVax was formed on 20/10/2020. The company won a competitive accelerator award and currently has labs at Babraham Research Park, Cambs and focuses on using novel glycoengineering technology for the development of glycoconjugate vaccines with a particular emphasis on animal vaccines |
Year Established | 2020 |
Impact | The focus of the company is the development of multicomponent poultry, pig and ruminant vaccines. The business is supported contract research for vaccine candidate from established vet vaccine companies and further funding is currently being sought from a range of investors. |
Description | "I'm a scientist, get me out of here" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The school reported and increase in engagement in pupils after this event |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://imascientist.org.uk/ |
Description | 30+ TV interviews (BBC, SKY, Channel 4) on Covid vaccine delivery, production and use |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | 30+ TV interviews (BBC, SKY, Channel 4) on Covid vaccine delivery, production and use. Received 100s of questions from general public many relating to vaccine confidence |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | 5 invited newspaper articles in Daily Mail TV interviews on Covid vaccine delivery, production and use. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 5 invited newspaper articles in Daily Mail TV interviews on Covid vaccine delivery, production and use. Numerous response from general public who have felt reassured about taking Covid vaccine. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | BBC News |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview on Antibiotic resistance, Vaccine development and Government plans |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | BBC News at 10 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Explained consequence of an E. coli outbreak |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Its a Knockout stand - Royal Society Summer show |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Its a knockout game at the Royal Society Summer Show. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | RI stall |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | My research group ran a stall at a family fun day at the Royal Institution. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.rigb.org/families/family-fun-days |
Description | STEM Expo |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | A research team member hosted a "Meet a Scientist" stand at the Expo. The school reported an increase motivation of pupils and focus of career goals |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.alperton.brent.sch.uk/news-and-events/previous-news/stem-expo-2016/ |
Description | School workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 12 pupils attended for a school visit to the organisation. My group delivered a practical exercise "PAG for Electrophoresis of DNA fragments'. The school reported increased motivation, understanding and career aspiration changes in the pupils that attended. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Soapbox science |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Stall at London's Hyde Park |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://soapboxscience.org/ |