We are delighted to welcome Professor Mark van der Giezen to NRI, where he takes up the role of Associate Director with responsibility for leading our research and knowledge exchange portfolio.
Professor van der Giezen is an internationally recognised microbiologist whose work explores how microscopic organisms function, evolve, and influence human and animal health. His research centres on microbes that thrive in low-oxygen environments and on intestinal protists, single-celled gut organisms, and their broader implications for health and disease. Spanning microbiology, One Health, food systems, diagnostics and translational research, his approach connects fundamental science with real-world impact.
He joins us from the University of Stavanger, Norway, where he helped build meaningful connections between the university, the local university hospital, livestock veterinarians, and an innovative diagnostics company. He also played an active role in growing external research income and in developing research-led teaching.
Before Stavanger, Professor van der Giezen held academic positions at Queen Mary University of London and the University of Exeter, where he contributed to interdisciplinary research, curriculum design, and research-led education.
His publication record, spanning over 100 publications in leading journals including Nature, Current Biology and eLife, with over 8,000 citations, reflects the depth and reach of his scientific contributions. His collaborations extend across Europe and beyond, encompassing research institutes, government agencies, and clinical and veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
Professor van der Giezen said: ‘What drew me to NRI is its truly integrative and holistic approach to tackling challenges that matter to people around the world. I am honoured to be joining a community of academics with such diverse disciplinary backgrounds and remarkable on-the-ground expertise, and humbled by the real-world impact this institution has made for some of the world's most vulnerable communities. I very much look forward to contributing to that work.’
We are looking forward to working with Mark and to the energy, expertise and vision he brings to NRI. We are confident he will play a central role in strengthening our research excellence and expanding our knowledge exchange, helping us deliver science-driven solutions to local and global challenges.