Professor Mark Van Der Giezen

Professor Mark van der Giezen is Professor and Associate Director at the Natural Resources Institute, leading research and knowledge exchange. He is an internationally recognised microbiologist specialising in anaerobic microbes, their evolution, and roles in human and animal health, with expertise spanning One Health, food systems, and diagnostics.

He previously held roles at the University of Stavanger, Queen Mary University of London, and the University of Exeter, where he built strong collaborations with clinical, industry, and veterinary partners, secured funding, and enhanced teaching programmes.

His research focuses on anaerobic mitochondria and intestinal protists such as Blastocystis, Entamoeba, and Giardia. He has published over 100 works with more than 8,000 citations and collaborates widely across academic and applied sectors.

Mark has extensive leadership and academic service experience, including programme directorships, curriculum leadership, and PhD examination. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, served on the Royal Society of Biology’s Advanced Accreditation Assessment Panel, and has held leadership roles in scientific societies, including President of the Norwegian Society for Microbiology.

He also contributes to grant review, promotions panels, and journal peer review, and is active in public engagement through major science events and outreach.

A full staff profile can be seen on the Natural Resources Institute website.