Dr Holly Wilkinson

I undertook my BSc (hons) in Zoology and MRes in Biological Sciences at The University of Manchester. During my MRes, I developed an avid interest in research. This led to me becoming a KTP associate at The University of Manchester, developing wound models to test the efficacy of commercial antimicrobial products.

Shortly following my KTP, I accepted a Medical Research Council funded PhD studentship in the area of wound healing at The University of Hull where I received no corrections. I then continued my research at post-doctoral level in the Hull York Medical School, accepted a Lectureship in 2020, and I was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2024.

Throughout my career I have received numerous awards for my outstanding work and achievements, and I have published a number of high impact publications in the field of skin and wound biology and microbiology. My research group utilises cutting-edge transcriptomic and metagenomic approaches to: 1) determine the cellular and molecular correlates of pathological wound repair and; 2) explore host-microbial interactions during skin ageing and wound healing.

My current projects include understanding why senescent ("zombie") cells cause poor wound healing (Diabetes UK and British Skin Foundation), evaluating selective antimicrobial therapies for skin and wound infections (National Biofilms Innovation Centre and BBSRC), and developing more faithful non-animal alternatives for skin and wound microbiome research (NC3Rs). I am also involved in a number of research projects with industry partners as I strongly believe that academic/commercial collaboration is key to driving impactful research that will lead to patient benefit.