Mark Craig Butcher, PhD, is a Senior Microbiome Innovation Scientist at Glasgow Caledonian University, specialising in oral microbiology. A British national from Scotland, he has dedicated his research to improving understanding and prediction of oral disease, with his latest work published in the Journal of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology on meta-analysis of caries microbiome studies. At 35, he combines academic expertise with industrial innovation, driving translational research in microbiology.
“I would aspire to follow suit and hopefully inspire future academic talent.”
What is your (latest) PMI article about in layman’s terms?
Our study sought to examine predictability of oral caries when comparing healthy and diseased patients through a reproducible meta-analysis pipeline, with public sequencing data. Our findings revealed significant differences in diversity metrics between carious and healthy microbiomes. Random-forest machine learning models, particularly using genera like Selenomonas, Aggregatibacter, Actinomyces, and Treponema, can potentially predict caries. The study also suggests optimal designs for future caries microbiome research.
Read the study here
Why did you become a researcher?
I grew up in an environment that really valued the University experience and the potential afforded by a degree. Despite this positive reinforcement, or perhaps in spite of it, I attained no qualifications at school and didn’t embark on my academic journey until some time later, when I enrolled in a biomedical science course at a local college as a mature student. My experience there left me inspired and really instilled the notion that a career in academia could be something of great interest to me. I went on to obtain a BSc in Biomedical Science and, after a 6-month post as a research technician with Prof. Gordon Ramage, formerly of the Oral Science Research Group at the University of Glasgow, commenced a PhD in oral microbiology in 2021, which I have just completed.
Who inspires you academically?
I would not be in an academic role if not for the inspiration of my family. In research, my success can be attributed to the inspiring presence of my PhD supervisor and current manager, Gordon Ramage.
What research are you reading right now for inspiration?
My current position as an innovation research scientist for Haleon has me looking for research inspiration across many disciplines related to oral care. Particularly, the application of pre-, pro-, and post-biotics in the context of oral hygiene and microbiome modulation.
What research are you reading right now for inspiration?
My current research project, a knowledge transfer partnership between Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and Haleon, has opened the door to considerations in both academic and industrial fields. I’m very grateful for this opportunity to explore opportunities across industry, but I am also aware that one of my preliminary goals when embarking on my academic journey was inspired by the nurturing personalities of my college and university lecturers in the past, and ultimately, I would aspire to follow suit and hopefully inspire future academic talent.
Why did you choose PMI?
PMI is a respected, recognised, peer-reviewed outlet which attracts an audience across pathology, microbiology, and immunology, with a focus on disease mechanisms, infectious agents, and the corresponding immune response. As a researcher in oral microbiology, there are a number of great parallels in the development of pathological outcomes and their corresponding immunological processes which, I feel, fit very well thematically with the intention of the PMI journal.
At PMI, we are committed to supporting early-career researchers in pathology, microbiology, and immunology.
Find more information about publishing opportunities and our author guidelines HERE. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or wish to discuss a potential submission – we’re happy to hear from you!
