Beyond the Biofilm: Regulating Microbial Innovation
As part of #BiofilmWeek, our Beyond the Biofilm series is spotlighting exciting and diverse research from across our NBIC partner institutions. We hear from early career researchers, PhD students, and Interdisciplinary Research Fellows who are contributing fresh perspectives to biofilm and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) science. Their stories highlight not only innovation in research, but also the value of inclusion, collaboration, and diversity in driving scientific discovery.
In this blog, Dr James Redfern, Reader in Microbiology and Deputy Head of Department of Natural Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), shares his journey from a curious student to a researcher working at the intersection of academia, industry, and regulatory science. He reflects on the mentors and collaborations that shaped his career, and highlights the importance of inclusion and practical impact in scientific research.
Members of the Biofilm Alliance at the 2025 Biofilm Alliance Conference in October 2025.
Bridging Academia, Industry, and Regulation
My fascination with science began at school, which naturally led me to study Biology at Manchester MMU. During my degree, I spent a year at South Dakota State University, USA, where an enthusiastic microbiology lecturer opened my eyes to the field. Inspired by this experience, I returned to MMU to complete my Undergraduate project in Microbiology, and it was then that I decided to pursue the subject further through a PhD.
Today, I am a microbiologist focused on controlling microorganisms and biofilms using antimicrobial surfaces, biocides, and other novel materials. My work spans industrial settings such as cooling waters, oil and gas, paper pulp, paint and polymers, as well as the built environment. Much of my time is spent collaborating with industry to ensure that microbial control methods are effective, reproducible, and robust, and exploring the intersection of academic research, industrial applications, and regulatory decision-making.
While microbiology is at the heart of my work, my research is inherently multidisciplinary. I regularly collaborate with other biologists, engineers, chemists, and experts in testing, standardisation, and regulatory science to ensure that our approaches are not only scientifically rigorous but also practical and impactful.
The Power of Mentorship and Collaboration
I think people sometimes make assumptions about each other, whether about their personal or professional lives, which can lead to underestimating someone’s potential or even deliberately creating barriers to opportunity. That may have happened once or twice in my career, but I have always been fortunate to be supported by wonderful mentors, people who championed my strengths, built my confidence, and ensured I had access to opportunities. It’s this kind of support that I now strive to provide for my own team.
A pivotal example of this support came early in my career: my Undergraduate Project Supervisor (Professor Joanna Verran, MMU) became my PhD supervisor and was definitely the most significant mentor in my career journey. I was very fortunate to have a chance conversation about final year projects many, many years ago, which ultimately put me on the path to where I am today.
Beyond individual mentorship, I’ve also benefited from institutional support. The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) has supported me numerous times, from small funding for public engagement through to match-funding of PhD studentships. Most critically, it has enabled me to network with others and highlight the need for standards and method development within the biofilm field. Alongside NBIC, the University of Swansea, and Industrial Microbiology Services Limited, we have successfully achieved Innovate UK funding to establish the Biofilm Alliance, a regulatory science network that aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and regulatory decision-making, which we are particularly proud of.
Find out more
If you are interested in learning more about James’ work and would like to connect, please contact NBIC at nbic@biofilms.ac.uk
Dr James Redfern, Reader in Microbiology and Deputy Head of Department of Natural Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University.
