About the Bad Bugs Book Club

The Bad Bugs Book Club is an initiative set up by Honorary Member of the Microbiology Society, Professor Jo Verran. The aim of the Book Club is to develop public understanding of infectious disease. Formed of scientific and non-scientific members, readers focus on literature in which infectious disease is a focus and microbiology is a key theme. 

  • about-jo-verran.jpg 2

    Professor Jo Verran

    Jo Verran is Emeritus Professor in Microbiology at Manchester Metropolitan University and an Honorary Member of the Microbiology Society. She is known for her active involvement in microbiology education and outreach, particularly for undergraduates. She launched The Bad Bugs Book Club in 2009 to engage scientists and non-scientists in discussion about novels where infectious disease forms a part of the plot. Learn more about her research and why she set up the book club here.

Scientists and non-scientists are encouraged to join, to set up their own book club, suggest books and accompanying activities, and give feedback about the books that they have read, using the website information as a guide.

Learn more about the benefits of joining a book club and hear more about the experiences of current book club members: Victoria Doronina, Mike Dempsey and James Redfern below. 

about-jo-verran.jpg
© Professor Jo Verran
Benefits 
  • Meet individuals with an interest in microbiology.
  • Engage with the public and discuss science.
  • An opportunity to stimulate undergraduate and postgraduate interest in topics and principles.
Activities
  • Consider the impact of science through storylines.
  • Determine the value of awareness of issues around infectious disease with different audiences.
  • Plan meetings around special occasions in the science calendar.
  • Share outcomes of meetings via websites and social media.

Testimonials from Bad Bugs Book Club members

  • test.jpg

    Victoria Doronina

    Victoria Doronina is a Technical Officer at Manchester Metropolitan University. In this blog, she tells us how she went from never wanting to be a part of book club, to becoming more aware of microbes in literature and how this has inspired her to lookout for new potential members.

  • Mike_thumbnail.jpg 2

    Dr Mike Dempsey

    Dr Mike Dempsey is Head of Centre for Postgraduate Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University. In this blog, he tells us more about the various genres the Bad Bugs Book Club have read and discussed.

  • James-redfern-thumbnail.jpg

    Dr James Redfern

    Dr James Redfern is a Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and a member of the Microbiology Society. In this blog, he tells us more about his experience attending Bad Bugs Book Club meetings and why being involved is so engaging.

For any more information about the Bad Bugs Book Club and how you can get involved, contact Professor Jo Verran at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter.
Image credits:
Jo Verran
Victoria Doronina
Mike Dempsey
James Redfern
Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library