Organisation profile
Organisation profile
The Department of Vector Biology maintains a broad research portfolio, encompassing functional genomics, behaviour, and ecology of disease vectors, clinical trials, implementation research, and the development of tools for monitoring and evaluating of disease transmission. Our overarching aim is to contribute to the control and elimination of vector-borne diseases that disproportionately affect the world’s poorest populations.
We apply our expertise and resources to accelerate discovery and societal impact through world class research, focussed on the following themes:
- Resistance
The evolution of resistance, initially focused on insecticides and increasingly encompassing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), remains a cornerstone of our research strengths. LSTM has world-leading capabilities in this field including genomic surveillance and novel resistance screening technologies. - Trials and Implementation
Our staff have led or played pivotal roles in numerous major vector control tool (VCT) trials and host one of the leading groups of VCT trialists globally, supported by an equitable network of partners. Future planned growth include the trialling of genetically modified mosquitoes and/or mosquitoes with altered microbiomes. - Control of Emerging and Re-emerging Vector-borne Pathogens
We continue invest in, grow and diversify our portfolio in this area, including viral and tick-borne pathogens, to ensure resilience against emerging threats. - Anthropogenic Change
In recognition of the intersection of extreme weather events and anthropogenic change as major drivers of vector-borne disease (VBD) transmission risk, we will focus future research and growth in this emergent health issue.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Our work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 1 No Poverty -
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 5 Gender Equality -
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth -
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure -
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities -
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions -
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Profiles
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Dr Kayla Barnes
- Vector Biology - Senior Lecturer
- MLW Clinical Research Programme
Person: Teaching and research
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Chlorfenapyr bednets effectively overcome pyrethroid resistance escalation in highly resistant Anopheles malaria vectors in Uganda
Oruni, A., Menze, B. D., Fotso-Toguem, Y. G., Ngannang-Fezeu, V. B., Thiomela, R. F., Tchouakui, M., Hearn, J., Kayondo, J. & Wondji, C. S., 2 Jan 2026, In: Scientific Reports. 16, 1, 4292.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Differential effects of dual and synergist-based insecticide-treated bed nets on pyrethroid resistance and L995F/S knockdown resistance mutation dynamics in Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations in south-western Burkina Faso
Tapsoba, M., Guelbeogo, W. M., Sanou, A., Zongo, S., Gogue, C., Debe, S., Arnett, K., Davis, K., Shannon, J., Digre, P., Mwesigwa, J., Tynuv, K., Fornadel, C., N’Falé, S., Robertson, M., Challenger, J. D., Tougri, G., Gansané, A., Ranson, H. & Olivier, G. & 1 others, , 26 Jan 2026, In: Parasites and Vectors. 19, 1, 46.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Distribution of capsule and O types in Klebsiella pneumoniae causing neonatal sepsis in Africa and South Asia: A meta-analysis of genome-predicted serotype prevalence to inform potential vaccine coverage
Stanton, T. D., Keegan, S. P., Abdulahi, J. A., Amulele, A. V., Bates, M., Heinz, E., Hooda, Y., Hu, W., Jain, K., Kanwar, S., Magobo, R., Olwagen, C. P., Tembo, J. M., Sonda, T., Strysko, J., Tigoi, C. C., Amin, S. A., Bittinger, K., Cornick, J. & Foster-Nyarko, E. & 63 others, , 12 Jan 2026, In: PLoS Medicine. 23, 1, e1004879.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)
Datasets
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Data for 'Small dams drive Anopheles abundance during the dry season in a high malaria burden area of Malawi'
Stanton, M. (Creator), tbc, 6 Oct 2023
Dataset
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Dataset for the article: Aedes aegypti gut transcriptomes respond differently to microbiome transplants from field‐caught or laboratory‐reared mosquitoes
Brettell, L. (Creator), tbc, 27 Feb 2024
Dataset
Student theses
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Addressing sources of variation in entomological endpoints in the field evaluation of malaria vector control tools.
McDermott, D. (Author), Donnelly, M. (Supervisor), Sedda, L. (Supervisor) & Ter Kuile, F. (Supervisor), 2023Student thesis: Doctoral thesis
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Characterization of cytochrome P450-mediated pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles funestus with special reference to transfluthrin
Nolden, M. (Author), Paine, M. (Supervisor), 2023Student thesis: Doctoral thesis
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Characterizing insecticide resistance mechanisms in mosquitoes using genetic modification and a rapid automated larval resistance detection assay
Poulton, B. (Author), Lycett, G. (Supervisor), Ranson, H. (Supervisor) & Sattelle, D. B. (Supervisor), 2021Student thesis: Doctoral thesis
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