Francis Hassard (SFHEA, CBiol, FRSB) is a Reader in Public Health Microbiology within the Cranfield Water Science Institute at Cranfield University. Here, he leads activities specialising in microbiological air quality and environmental health within engineered and natural systems. His research addresses public health challenges by integrating microbiology and environmental engineering, including water treatment, microbial risk management, and environmental surveillance/epidemiology.

What are you working on as part of the Hub?

I am focusing on innovative microbial monitoring methods, particularly biofiltration processes for air treatment and air-based surveillance of pathogens. My current research integrates microbiology and environmental engineering to address public health risks (e.g., emerging antibiotic resistance) from pathogens and emerging micropollutants in water systems, aiming for sustainable biological solutions that are resilient to climate change.

What is exciting you the most about your current research?

The most exciting aspect is the potential to significantly impact public health through novel surveillance techniques like air-based epidemiology. Developing these innovative detection methods allows us to identify outbreaks and microbial risks early, providing essential insights for targeted public health interventions and policy decisions. Collaborating across disciplines and translating this research into real-world applications is incredibly rewarding.

What difference do you hope your research will make?

I hope my research fundamentally enhances the safety and sustainability of air, water and environmental matrices. By advancing biofiltration and microbial monitoring technologies, my aim is to protect communities, particularly vulnerable populations, from health threats like infectious diseases and contaminants. Ultimately, this work will inform policies and practices that improve environmental and public health globally.

What are you most proud of in your research career?

I am most proud of my contributions to national and international wastewater surveillance programs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (something I hope to translate to air systems). Establishing surveillance networks for vulnerable groups, such as schools and prisons, directly influenced public health interventions, demonstrating how applied microbiological research can significantly impact society. Seeing my team's research translate into real-world public health solutions has been immensely fulfilling. In particular, through recent large government contracts (>£2.5 million) linked to full-scale deployments of novel biofiltration systems.