Beyond the Biofilm: Evolving Representation in Science

Curiosity, Passion, and Persistence

When I really started getting into science, I was pretty young. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be involved in science, I just wasn’t sure which area I wanted to explore. Over time, I met many inspirational people throughout college and my undergraduate degree who guided me down a really positive path. Their influence is a big part of why I’m here now, doing something I genuinely love.

I’ve always had a strong passion for learning and gaining knowledge. I wanted to learn the next thing – and then the next thing after that. It didn’t matter what the subject was, I just wanted to expand my understanding. That curiosity is what eventually led me into this particular area of research, where everything is constantly evolving, new, and modern. That passion for learning really pushed me into this field.

There have been a few key moments that shaped my career path. I had some very good, very strong biology teachers throughout school, and during my undergraduate degree we had powerful lecturers who were clearly passionate about microbiology. Their enthusiasm first sparked my interest and shifted my focus away from biochemistry and more firmly into microbiology.

I also remember several occasions where people told me I wasn’t smart enough to pursue a career in this area. Being as stubborn as I am, I refused to accept that. I took it upon myself to prove them wrong, and that determination played a big part in getting me to where I am now.

Unravelling the Complexity of Polymicrobial Biofilms

My research focuses on the development and understanding of complex polymicrobial biofilm models. I’m interested in how interactions between microbes, including bacteria and fungi, shape how antibiotic treatments work, and how we might use these interactions to develop new therapeutics. Although my work mainly revolves around human infections, it also has applications in industrial settings, such as wastewater treatment or other pipeline systems.

Everything I do centres on biofilms and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and how microbial interactions influence how biofilms form, develop, and respond to treatment. We already know these interactions can make microbes more tolerant to both physical disruption and antimicrobial therapies. The real-world problems we’re aiming to address relate to overcoming AMR and tolerance. By understanding these microbial relationships, we can develop better therapeutic options and potentially harness these interactions to influence the development of novel treatments.

Throughout my PhD, we’ve made several exciting breakthroughs. One major achievement is successfully growing complex species together, something many groups have struggled with, and growing them in ways that resemble real human infections. We’ve shown that these polymicrobial interactions significantly increase tolerance and resistance compared to when microbes are studied individually. This helps explain why different patients respond differently to treatments based on the other microbes present in their infections.

Beyond Tick-Box Diversity

I consider myself quite lucky in that I haven’t faced major issues as a gay man in academia. I’ve had a few negative experiences outside academia, particularly in a previous workplace, where I felt judged by managers and staff for how I presented myself. In some cases, I wasn’t considered for certain roles or promotions because of who I am. But these were isolated incidents that were eventually resolved.

Seeing people like me, or anyone who identifies as part of the EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) community, in strong positions is incredibly empowering. It’s important to see scientists recognised for their abilities, not defined by a protected characteristic. It reassures me that I can reach those positions too, without being judged for who I am.

There are still several challenges both in science and more broadly regarding EDI. One major issue, for me, is that EDI often becomes a tick-box exercise, organisations focus on percentages or quotas rather than genuinely creating inclusive spaces. Progress will only come when people can work in an industry without needing to consider EDI metrics as a condition for hiring or funding.

I also think the scientific community can be quite narrow-minded in its approach to EDI. Often, EDI panels are dominated by “women in STEM,” which is absolutely important, but EDI is so much broader than that. A more inclusive approach, one that considers neurodiversity, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, gender identity, and more, would create richer discussions and more meaningful progress.

Another issue is that organisers often approach the same small group of people to speak about EDI instead of opening opportunities to the wider community. By actively seeking diverse voices, we could create panels that truly reflect a range of experiences rather than repeatedly focusing on a single characteristic.

Additionally, EDI is sometimes presented as something organisations must achieve to qualify for grants or access funding. While funding incentives can help, I think it’s important to highlight the real benefits of a diverse community: broader knowledge bases, different learning styles, better collaboration, and richer social and academic environments.

Finding Confidence with the Right Support

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have great mentors, particularly my PhD supervisors. They encouraged me to become independent in my work and supported my goals even when I struggled with imposter syndrome. I often doubted my abilities and lacked confidence in my results or interpretations. My mentors helped me see that my science was good and encouraged me to take the next steps, often in a light-hearted, supportive way that suited my personality. Their guidance played a huge role in getting me to where I am now.

Having my postdoc funded by the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) has been a massive help for my career progression. NBIC trusted me and supported my development by involving me in opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise, public outreach, science festivals, interdisciplinary communication, and lecturing on training courses. Attending the NBIC Summit, recent Biofilms 11 conference, and becoming part of a large, diverse network centred around biofilms has also been incredibly beneficial.

Driven by Discovery and Innovation

I’ve recently started my first postdoc, and publishing with NBIC’s support is my main priority at the moment. Long-term, I want to keep expanding my knowledge and uncovering new insights that I can share with early-career scientists like I once was. Ultimately, I’d love to progress into my own funded research and maybe even follow the professorship route someday.

I’m excited about the future of biofilm research. I love learning new things, and the field is constantly full of new information. Being at the cutting edge of discovery, finding knowledge that can help people in need of new treatments, is incredibly fulfilling.

The scientific world is changing rapidly, especially with the integration of AI. The interplay between in-lab research and AI-driven model development is fascinating. Using AI to make predictions and then validating them in the lab offers huge potential. I think this collaboration between experimental researchers and AI specialists will push both science and biofilm research further than ever before.

Find out more

If you are interested in learning more about Brogan’s work and would like to connect, please contact NBIC at nbic@biofilms.ac.uk

Brogan Richards, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham.