How does the human immune system react to viruses, bacteria, or fungi invasions? Microbial life doesn’t just become visible under the microscope. During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, it completely changed our lives.

Professor Robin May from the University of Birmingham Robin is fascinated by how microbes cause diseases. He will take us on an investigative safari to take a closer look at what happens when so called pathogens enter the human body. Together, we will explore the ways researchers have been trying to induce the human immune system to react and fight back.

Come along and join us, make comments, and ask questions. All are welcome!

Robin is Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Birmingham and succeeded Sir Chris Whitty last year as the 39th Gresham Professor of Physic. He is currently serving as Chief Scientific Adviser to the Food Standards Agency, where he provides independent science advice to the UK Government on food policy.

Robin is fascinated by how microbes cause disease. Although starting out life as a plant scientist, most of his research has investigated how human pathogens evade the immune system and how we might be able to induce the immune system to fight back.