Dr. Maiden is a Professor of Molecular Epidemiology in the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford, a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, a visiting Professor in the Department of Biosciences at Cardiff University, and a Fellow of the Society of Biology. He also served as Oxford’s Senior Proctor for 2019-20.

Renowned for his innovative research, Dr. Maiden’s group combines evolutionary and population genetics to study bacterial pathogens. Over the past 20 years, his team has focused on understanding bacterial pathogen diversity, using nucleotide sequence-based analyses to explore the phenotypic consequences of genetic variation. Currently, his research emphasizes population genomics, linking genetic traits identified through next-generation sequencing to specific bacterial phenotypes. He has authored over 230 articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to approximately 50 book chapters and other publications, especially regarding pathogenic Neisseria and Campylobacter.

A pioneer in molecular typing, Dr. Maiden’s team played a pivotal role in establishing the MLST paradigm and applying it to both Neisseria and Campylobacter. His research also advances public health by focusing on vaccine development, particularly improving meningococcal vaccines and vaccination schedules, and through source attribution methods for Campylobacter, which have been instrumental in enhancing food safety practices.

Congratulations, Martin, on this well-deserved role! We look forward to the exciting new direction your leadership will bring to the department.