Dr Thomas Shinnick

Dr Shinnick has a PhD in biochemistry and a post-doc in molecular biology. Dr Shinnick has relevant expertise in the general fields of mycobacteriology, sequencing, drug-susceptibility testing, the molecular basis of drug resistance, molecular diagnostics, diagnostic networks, quality management systems and clinical laboratory services. He has considerable experience in providing advice for the development of global policy and guidance related to TB diagnostics and laboratory strengthening; providing technical assistance for TB laboratory strengthening in low- and middle-income countries; developing practical guidance for TB laboratory strengthening and implementation of new diagnostic technologies; developing tools to evaluate TB laboratories and TB diagnostic networks; conducting applied research on molecular diagnostics; implementing quality management systems and external quality assessment systems for ensuring the quality of laboratory services; implementing biosafety precautions for working safely with mycobacteria; serving as a Member and Chair of the Global Laboratory Initiative; and serving on a variety of Guideline Development Groups and Expert Review groups related to TB diagnostics for WHO, Global Fund, European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), and US National Institutes of Health.

His scientific interests focus on understanding the biology, and genetics of the pathogenic mycobacteria, elucidating mechanisms of pathogenicity and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, developing rapid methods for the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections, using genotyping to support TB control programs and elucidate the dynamics of transmission. His programmatic work focuses on building laboratory capacity for the diagnosis of TB in resource-limited settings and high burden countries.