04.05.2006
Vice-Chancellor at the University of Brighton, Professor Julian Crampton's Inaugural Lecture
Insects traditionally get a negative press. In many parts of the world they threaten people's well-being, spread disease, and destroy crops and livestock - this is despite massive investment in drugs, vaccines and pesticides.
Professor Julian Crampton, a molecular-biologist by training, will argue that the lack of a reliable and cost-effective way to deliver treatments can be solved by harnessing the problem pests themselves.
The event will take place on 31 May, at 6.30pm in Lecture Theatre 129, Hillbrow, at the University of Brighton's Eastbourne campus.
Malaria and insect born diseases are becoming a huge problem across the globe. Professor Crampton will explain that molecular biology can be used to solve some of the issues. One of the applications is to use Mosquitoes as a 'flying hypodermic syringe'. It is possible to genetically engineer these pests to transfer a protein through their saliva when biting humans and animals and to immunise them against malaria.
Other biting and blood sucking insects could also be used to carry vaccines against many other diseases if the research is successful. Professor Crampton said: "Once you start thinking along these lines, it's not long before you realise you could exploit all sorts of insects to control all sorts of human diseases - for instance dengue fever, Hepatitis B and sleeping sickness."
With climate change - diseases such as malaria are set to become an even bigger issue. Professor Crampton will explain that insects can be mass produced and have the potential to provide a cheap and highly effective distribution system.
If you would like to come to the event please contact Charlotte Hopes at c.hopes@brighton.ac.uk.
Julian Crampton was appointed Vice-Chancellor at the University of Brighton in October 2005. Previously he was Professor of Molecular Biology and Special Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Liverpool. He held a range of senior appointments including Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor and has extensive experience of strategic leadership includes research, third-stream initiatives, finance and personnel. His own research is in the area of molecular biology/biotechnology with a particular interest in tropical diseases. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Institute of Biology, Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and was elected Honorary Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society in 2001.
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