Cath Rees

Prof. Cath Rees originally studied Biochemistry at Oxford and then completed a PhD in Bacterial Genetics at Leicester University. Over the last 30 years she has developed a research focus using molecular techniques to the study of applied microbiology, with specific interest in the study of Listeria and Mycobacteria in food and agricultural systems.
Recent research has resulted in the development of rapid, phage-based tests for the detection of mycobacterial pathogens including M. tuberculosis in humans and M. paratuberculosis and M. bovis in animals. This has led to the establishment of a University of Nottingham spin-out company, PBD Biotech Ltd, where she also holds the position of CSO. In 2019 the company was awarded The Royal Dairy Innovation Award for research and development in the field of dairy farming and more recently won the British Veterinary Association 2021 Innovation Award.