Expertise

I continue to spend my time in the laboratory with the aim of improving conventional qPCR protocols and developing extreme fast protocols with a view to implementing them on point-of-care devices. It centres on fundamental assay design, novel amplification strategies, and the translation into reliable diagnostics. I also acts a an advisor and expert witness in cases where the accurate use of PCR evidence is critical.

Areas of expertise include:

• PCR and qPCR assay design, optimisation, and validation across research, clinical, and veterinary settings

• Molecular diagnostics for human, animal, and microbial disease

• Standards and reproducibility - lead author of the MIQE guidelines, cited nearly 20,000 times and incorporated into ISO standards

• Research integrity and methodological transparency, with a focus on reproducibility and trust in data

• Exposing misuse of PCR in the false MMR–autism claims, helping to safeguard public confidence in vaccination

• Expert witness testimony, including a New Zealand murder trial where PCR evidence was central

• Development of novel PCR approaches, including Extreme PCR, FlashPCR, and low-volume assays for resource-limited settings