Early Career Microbiologist of the Year competition – Luke Shipley
Posted on June 13, 2025 by Luke Shipley
Meet Luke Shipley from the University of Nottingham, UK; one of this year's Early Career Microbiologists of the Year finalists. We interviewed them to find out more about their experience as an early career microbiologist. The Early Career Microbiologist of the Year Award recognises excellence in science communication by a member who is an undergraduate, postgraduate student or within five years of appointment to their first position.
Luke Shipley
What are your current research interests?
My research focuses on plague; a disease with a unique and deadly place in human history. Caused by an infection with the bacterium Yersinia pestis, plague still persists today, with frequent outbreaks in Madagascar and the DR Congo. In endemic areas, it cycles between dormancy and sudden re-emergence. Despite decades of study, we still don’t fully understand how the bacterium persists in its foci between outbreaks. My PhD explores a new angle: whether Y. pestis can persist in the soil. Could this overlooked reservoir explain plague’s persistence? I aim to illuminate this mystery and deepen our understanding of a pathogen that continues to challenge us.
What inspired you to go into this field of work?
During the pandemic, I worked on the UK’s surveillance efforts as part of the Next-Generation Sequencing Team at UKHSA’s Porton Down site. Alongside talented colleagues, I helped monitor viral evolution as part of a national surveillance network. I also supported the Rare and Imported Pathogens department during the 2022 Mpox outbreak. Experiencing these events firsthand sparked a deep interest in the pathogens that challenge us. So, when the opportunity arose to study the ultimate symbol of infectious disease, the bacterium behind the infamous Black Death, I jumped at the chance.
How did you feel finding out you are an Early Career Microbiologist of the Year finalist?
The initial feeling was surprise, to be completely honest! After attending the Microbiology Society’s Annual Conference for two years prior, this was the first time I had presented my research to peers, which already felt like a huge milestone. To be recognised as a finalist for Early Career Microbiologist of the Year? Needless to say, it was unexpected. I even needed some reassurance from friends, colleagues, and supervisors that my work was truly worthy of the honour. Thanks to their encouragement, I’m now happy to say I’m incredibly excited to present my science as a finalist; imposter syndrome be damned!
How has getting involved with Microbiology Society activities benefited your professional development?
My involvement with the Microbiology Society began at my first Annual Conference in Birmingham 2023, where I was inspired by the science and how welcoming our community is. This year, I took the next step by contributing as an Early Career Co-Chair for the Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology forum. I was encouraged by the kindness and collaboration between chairs and speakers—a special thanks to my co-chair, Dr Damien Brady, for his support. The experience boosted my confidence and motivated me to keep contributing to the Society and the field. The Co-Chair scheme is something I can’t recommend highly enough!
As an early career microbiologist, what goals do you have for your career?
Wow—what a big (and slightly imperious) question for a third-year PhD student! What I love about microbiology is its breadth: from developing new medicines to shaping policy and helping us understand our place in an increasingly complex world. My goal is simply to contribute, even in a small way, to that process. On my first day as an undergrad, a professor said, “Science is just another language.” That stuck with me. I want to speak that language with my peers to help solve real-world problems, and I can’t wait to keep that conversation going at this year’s Early Career Conference.