Can Zhao

Dr Can Zhao is Reader in Translational Microbiology at Manchester Metropolitan University and an Honorary Lecturer within the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG), University of Manchester. His research combines fungal genetics, chemical biology and translational microbiology to understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning fungal pathogenesis and to develop new therapeutic strategies for fungal keratitis, one of the leading infectious causes of blindness worldwide. His research programme spans the complete antifungal discovery pipeline, from target identification and validation through to preclinical efficacy testing, intellectual property generation and commercial translation. His group has developed innovative experimental platforms, including longitudinal ex vivo infection models, to investigate fungal invasion and accelerate antifungal drug discovery while reducing reliance on animal models. These approaches have enabled the identification and validation of novel antifungal