Chris Tonkin

Chris Tonkin is interested in how parasites cause disease and how we can turn this knowledge into better treatments. His laboratory studies three closely related parasites responsible for major human diseases: Plasmodium, which causes malaria; Toxoplasma, which causes toxoplasmosis; and Cryptosporidium, a leading cause of severe diarrhoeal disease. By understanding the molecular tricks these parasites use to survive in their hosts, Chris’ research bridges fundamental biology and the development of new medicines in partnership with pharmaceutical companies.