What do
microbiologists do?

Because microbes have such an effect on our lives, they are a major source of interest and employment to thousands of people. Microbiologists study microbes: where they live, how they survive, how they affect us and how we can make them work for us. All around the world there are microbiologists making a difference to our lives – ensuring our food is safe, treating and preventing disease, developing green technologies or tracking the role of microbes in climate change.

Scientists in a lab

Research and Healthcare

Before microbiologists can solve the problems caused by microbes, or exploit their amazing powers, they have to figure out how the microbial cell works. They can then use this knowledge to prevent or treat disease, develop new technologies and improve our lives in general.

Microbiologists are essential in the fight against diseases. Many work as biomedical scientists in hospitals and Health Protection Agency labs: testing samples of body tissue, blood and fluids to diagnose infections, monitor treatments or track disease outbreaks. Some microbiologists work as clinical scientists in hospitals and medical school laboratories where they carry out research and give scientific advice to medical staff. Other microbiologists work on pathogens that cause diseases, such as flu or TB, and the information they find is used to develop vaccines and improve treatments.

 

 

Drugs

Environment and Climate Change

Some microbiologists study how microbes live alongside other creatures in different habitats such as the ocean, salt lakes and polar regions. Some develop early warning sensors to detect pollution and use microbes to treat industrial waste. Others contribute to the worldwide research on climate change by looking at how microbes effect atmospheric conditions and climate. Microbiologists also work with technologists and engineers to develop greener sources of energy produced from urban and industrial waste.

Agriculture and Food Security

Without agriculture there would be no food for us to eat. Microbiologists investigate the vital role of microbes in soil. Some concentrate on plant pests and diseases, developing ways to control them or even use microbes to control insect pests and weeds. Others research the microbes that cause diseases in farm animals.

Agriculture

Business and Leisure

Many UK bioscience and food companies employ microbiologists. Some carry out research and develop new products. Others work in quality control to monitor manufacturing processes and ensure the microbiological safety of goods such as medicines, cosmetics, food and drink.

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