Dr Corrado Minetti

I graduated in biology (zoology and ecology) at the University of Turin, Italy, followed by a Master in medical parasitology and entomology at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), UK. After my PhD in parasite molecular epidemiology at Liverpool University, I did my PostDoc back at LSTM working both in the laboratory and in Ghana on the epidemiology and xenomonitoring of lymphatic filariasis, malaria, and arboviruses. Before joining the OU, I completed a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) training fellowship in public health microbiology at the Instituto Nacional de Saúde Ricardo Jorge (INSA) in Lisbon. 

Memberships: British Society for Parasitology, Royal Entomological Society, Microbiology Society, Applied Microbiology International, EPIET Alumni Network

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES 

I work on integrating entomological, epidemiological, and molecular (including genomic) data to investigate infectious disease transmission and ecology, more specifically vector-borne and (re-)emerging pathogens in a One Health perspective. 

1. Main topics and projects

1. Characterizing the virome of insects and disease vectors using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, for both surveillance and discovery.

2. Exploring novel environmental DNA/RNA detection approaches for insects, vectors, and pathogens by exploiting sugar feeding, pollination, and other insect behaviours. 

3. Assessing the diversity and adundance of arthropod vectors and their pathogens in mixed urban-rural environments to understand how they are affected by urban greenery, animal-human contacts, and environmental change.

I collaborate with the School of Environment, Earth, and Ecosystem Sciences (EEES) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

2. PhD opportunities 

NEW! Applications are open for the 2026/27 intake of the ILESLA Doctoral Training Program between Open University, Oxford and Oxford Brookes. If you are interested in my research topics, I will be offering rotations and a path towards a PhD project. Deadline for applications is Thursday 8th January 2026 at 12 midday (UK time). Contact me for more information and learn about the program and admission process here: https://www.ilesla.ox.ac.uk/

For other opportunities (including doing a self-funded PhD) or research collaborations, contact me via email/Linkedin