Dr Martin Ashby

Prior to joining The Pirbright Institute Martin obtained a First-Class Honours degree in microbiology from the University of Surrey and later went on to complete his PhD at St George's, University of London. His PhD thesis involved designing, synthesising and testing short peptides that hold potential as antimicrobial compounds to target Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). During his studies he developed skills in various microbiology and peptide chemistry techniques.

In January 2018, Martin began working in the Non-Vesicular disease Reference Laboratory (NVRL) as a Senior Technician and in 2021 he became Technical Manager of the laboratory. Operating under ISO/IEC 17025 standards, his work involves overseeing diagnostic and surveillance testing for several animal viruses including bluetongue virus, African horse sickness virus, African swine fever virus, capripox viruses, epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus and peste des petits ruminants virus.

Martin is interested in bringing new research and technology into the laboratory and his aim is to ensure we are working with the most up to date and reliable test methods to achieve our objectives. Martin manages research projects which continue to improve diagnostic capabilities.