Dr Branko Rihtman from The University of Warwick has received funding from the BBSRC to study viruses that kill bacteria, hoping to find new ways to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.

As part of the BBSRC’s £9 million investment in the future of bioscience, Warwick Life Scientist Dr. Branko Rihtman has received a prestigious fellowship and over half a million pounds to further his research in viral solutions to antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis, but the answer may lie in bacteriophages – viruses that attack bacteria. By rapidly identifying novel and previously uncharacterised virus genes that can break down bacterial biofilms, this research could unlock powerful new treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections, with huge implications for cystic fibrosis and other chronic diseases.

Dr. Branko Rihtman of the School of Life Sciences at Warwick said:

“I am exceptionally grateful for the opportunity to advance my research with the help of the prestigious BBSRC Fellowship. This work will utilise the excellent Robotics Research Technology Platform at the School of Life Sciences at The University of Warwick to perform a large-scale screening of novel bacteriophage genes with antibiofilm activity.

“Hopefully, the results of this research will benefit cystic fibrosis patients but also increase our arsenal against all biofilm-related, antibiotic-resistant infections.”

Branko’s project is titled ‘Viral Voyages: Navigating functional viral metagenomics for novel anti-biofilm solutions’ and is part of the BBSRC goal to revolutionise medicine through new frontiers in infection and brain health.

Dr. Rihtman will perform a large-scale functional metagenomic screen of environmental bacteriophage genomes, to characterise the viral “dark matter” - a huge inventory of completely novel, unexplored viral genes with antibiofilm activity, providing new therapeutic possibilities to patients suffering from antibiotic-resistant, biofilm-forming pathogens.

Professor Miriam Gifford, Head of the School of Life Sciences said:

“Throughout his research career - much that he has developed at Warwick - Branko has developed a unique blend of expertise across virology, genomics and microbiology. This BBSRC Fellowship will enable him to transform our understanding of bacteriophage genomics and open up the possibilities for new applications to benefit human and ecosystem health”.

With the support of UKRI’s BBSRC Fellowships, Branko, along with the other fellows, will have the resources and freedom to turn their discoveries into real-world solutions, shaping the future of science and society.

Dr Karen, Lewis, Executive Director, Capability and Innovation at the Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), said:

“By supporting future bioscience leaders and investing in fundamental bioscience today, we are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s innovations. BBSRC’s latest Fellowships exemplify the power of bioscience research, to unlock new discoveries that have the potential to provide bio-based solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges and bring positive benefits to the lives and livelihoods of citizens around the world.”

ENDS

University of Warwick press office contact:

Matt Higgs – Media & Communications Officer (Sciences)

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Notes to Editors

About the BBSRC Fellowships:

With £9 million in funding, BBSRC’s prestigious 2024 Fellowships scheme is supporting 19 future science leaders on pioneering projects that address some of society’s biggest challenges. These world-class researchers are advancing medicine, agriculture, and bio-inspired engineering. The Fellowship programme empowers outstanding early-career scientists, giving them the freedom to pursue bold ideas with the potential for lasting impact.

Contact: UK Research and Innovation press office, 01793 298902, press@ukri.org

About The University of Warwick:

The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, marking its 60th anniversary in 2025. With over twenty-eight thousand students from 147 countries, it is currently ranked 9th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide. It has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. The recent Research Excellence Framework classed 92% of its research as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The University of Warwick was awarded Midlands University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times.