Professor Aanensen, Director of the Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance (CGPS), has been awarded the 2025 Translational Microbiology Prize from the Microbiology Society.
In celebrating individuals who have made a significant contribution to translational microbiology, the prize recognises Professor Aanensen’s work in the areas of translational microbiology and genomic epidemiology.
Under Professor Aanensen’s leadership, the CGPS engages with global partners by hosting the WHO Collaborating Centre on Genomic Surveillance of AMR; its work informs public health strategies and outbreak response by combining genomics and epidemiological data. With his team, Professor Aanensen developed digital tools that democratise genomic surveillance – as well as the gathering, visualising and processing of epidemiological data.
He also serves as director of the Global Health Research Unit on Genomic Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, a NIHR-funded consortium building capacity for genomics and data insight within national control programmes to tackle the rising global threat of drug-resistant pathogens.
Commenting on the award, Professor Aanansen said: ‘It is a great honour to receive the microbiology prize on behalf of my team and our collaborators, both past and present, whose passion and insight have translated genomic and microbiological insight into impactful global public health policy and practice, and who have made the journey so enjoyable.’
Dr Peter Cotgreave, Chief Executive of the Microbiology Society, said: ‘The Society’s Translational Microbiology Prize recognises those who have made a significant contribution to the field. David Aanensen is a truly deserving winner – his nomination recognised his expertise and innovation in developing applied epidemiological surveillance which has transformed many aspects of disease management. We are delighted that he has accepted and look forward to him delivering the 2025 Translational Microbiology Prize Lecture at our Annual Conference in Liverpool.’
Professor Aanensen’s upcoming lecture will provide insight on the transformational public health impact of parallel advancements in web development and genomic sequencing. Leveraging these technologies has democratised access to biological insight and data analysis, informing research as well as the development of precision diagnostics and interventions.
Counting over 6,000 members worldwide, the Microbiology Society was established in 1945 under the inaugural presidency of Sir Alexander Fleming. As a charity and non-for-profit publisher, the society supports the microbiology community for the benefit of everyone.
To find out more about the prize, visit the Microbiology Society website: https://microbiologysociety.org/news/society-news/prize-winners-2025.html