Dr Philip Warburton

Lecturer in Medical Microbiology within the School of Biomedical Sciences.
Graduated in Microbiology from University of Central Lancashire in 2001, followed by a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from King's College London in 2006 investigating antibiotic resistance in periodontal disease. Worked as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at University College London: Eastman Dental Institute across three projects: investigating mobile genetic elements in the oral metagenome, hypervirulence in Clostridioides difficile, and pathogenicity in Staphylococcus aureus. In 2012, he undertook a Lectureship in Microbiology at Anglia Ruskin University before joining the University of Plymouth in 2015.
Research activities focus on the the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance through mobile genetic elements, and the development of novel antimicrobial therapies through the Plantimicrobials project looking at new antimicrobials from plants.
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2015: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA No.PR085534)
2013: PG Cert. Learning & Teaching in Higher Education. Anglia Ruskin University
2006: PhD Microbiology, "Molecular epidemiology of tetracycline resistance in periodontitis." King's College London
2001: BSc (Hons) Microbiology. University of Central Lancashire

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Member of the Microbiology Society

Member of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

Member of Applied Microbiology International (formerly SfAM)

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Teaching general microbiology, molecular genetics, infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance, plus research methods, understanding and development across all levels (foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate). Also supervise both undergraduate and postgraduate project students, as well as co-supervise PhD students.
Winner of the 'Made a Difference' award, Anglia Ruskin University, 2015
Winner of the 'Most Dedicated Project/Dissertation Supervisor'award for the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the UPSU SSTAR awards, University of Plymouth, 2019
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Antibiotic Resistance and Novel AntimicrobialsThe World Health Organisation has declared antibiotic resistance as one of the major threats facing public health as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics of last resort which are critical in the treatment of diseases. My interests are focused on identifying the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, and understanding how this resistance is acquired and maintained in bacteria. Many antibiotic resistance genes are carried on mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids, conjugative transposons and integrative genetic elements, which are able to transfer between different bacteria further disseminating resistance. My investigations include looking at antibiotic resistance in bacteria from both clinical and environmental area which can contribute to hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections, and looking at diversity in the resistance mechanisms and their associated genetic elements.
I lead the Plantimicrobials project that is investigating plants for sources of novel antimicrobials to help combat antibiotic resistance, in collaboration with the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Cornish Essential Oils. I also collaborate with Dr Raul Bescos Garcialooking at the effects of propolis on oral bacteria.
Bacterial Diversity
Bacteria often live in complex communities that can comprise several hundred different species. Many of these communities are poorly investigated, with limited knowledge on their composition and diversity. My research looks at bacteria community diversity, understanding what bacteria are present and potentially investigating them for novel compounds and enzymes. 
I currently have a number of collaborate partners and interested parties which include the Animal and Plant Health Agency (part of DEFRA), Anglia Ruskin University, Philip Parker Associates Environmental Consultancy, the Church of England and the National Trust, along with other charities and organisations.

I always welcome prospective PhD students which have an interest in these related areas. Please contact me in the first instance.

I have supervised over 10 MSc and 70 undergraduate project students in areas covering antibiotic resistance in clinical and environmental bacteria, molecular analysis of resistance mechanisms, novel antimicrobial therapies and bacterial pathogens.


Current PhD students

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