About
Dr Matthew Hitchings’ research is focused on the use of high throughput sequencing technologies to explore the genomics of microorganisms. Currently managing a small sequencing facility, Matthew combines comparative genomics and phenotypic analyses to explore and better understand the microbial world.
Just like the diverse nature of microbes, Matthews projects are wide ranging; from studying collections of pathogenic bacteria isolated from clinical and agricultural settings to investigating the holo-genome of the invasive pest insects Frankliniella occidentalis (genome of both insect and its microbial community).
Furthermore, Matthew is involved in Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) feasibility trials to explore the therapeutic potential for FMT to manage and treat diseases such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and diabetes (sponsored by Swansea Bay University Health Board).