Dr Christopher Rooney

Profile

I am a clinical lecturer at the University of Leeds and a specialist registrar in medical microbiology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. My work combines clinical microbiology, research, and teaching. I have a particular interest in the role of the gut microbiome in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. My academic career began with a degree in microbiology prior to studying medicine, subsequently I have always maintained a strong interest in academic infection throughout my training. Following my Academic Clinical Fellowship in Microbiology, I completed a Clinical Research Fellowship funded by Versus Arthritis. Now as an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer I am continuing that research, translating microbiome science into clinical applications. 

Research interests

My research has focused on identifying microbiome changes that predate disease onset, contributing to a better understanding of how microbial factors influence autoimmunity using genomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches. Clinically, I am interested in diagnostic microbiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship, working to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and patient care.

Teaching is a key part of my role, and I co-lead microbiology teaching for undergraduate medical students while contributing to the ESREP module’s core management team.

Qualifications

• PhD - Microbiome/Bioinformatics
• PG Cert - Clinical Bioinformatics
• MRCP
• MD
• B.Sc (hons) Microbiology

Professional memberships

• Royal College of Pathologists
• ECR Committee British Infection Association
• Trainee representative NIHR Yorkshire and Humber infection CRN
• Member EULAR MICMUC group

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's
• Healthcare Associated Infection Research Group.