Dr Cliodna McNulty, Honorary visiting Professor, University of Cardiff & retired medical microbiologist

Dr Cliodna McNulty is Honorary visiting Professor at the University of Cardiff and a retired medical microbiologist.  Cliodna was inspired by Martin Skirrow as his microbiology registrar at Worcester Royal Infirmary. In 1983 Barry Marshall the future Noble prize winner visited Worcester and Cliodna was involved in the first isolation of Helicobacter pylori (then known as campylobacter-like-organisms) outside Australia. Then ensued a very busy period investigating the clinical importance and treatment of Helicobacter pylori, and Cliodna was at the forefront of worldwide research.  Birth of her three children paused this work, and in 1990 Cliodna was appointed as medical microbiologist at Gloucester. Although Cliodna continued an interest in helicobacters and campylobacters she changed direction, soon heading a community focused guidance and research Unit with the aim of improving the management of infections in the community. For over 20 years Cliodna led the production and review of the national community antimicrobial and laboratory use guidance, informed by research and evaluation, leading to the development of the TARGET toolkit for general practitioners (Treat Antibiotics Respectfully, Guidance, Education Tools) and pharmacy TARGET antibiotic checklist. Both are still available on the RCGP website and have been used by 10s of 1000s. A 2025 publication described over 400,000 uses of the pharmacy TARGET checklist! Cliodna sat on numerous advisory groups and advised NICE and the English Antibiotic Awareness Campaigns.  Cliodna led the European e-Bug project development of educational resources for young people teaching about microbes, spread and prevention of infection, and prudent antibiotic use.  At its peak e-Bug was available in 25 languages, and is probably the most successful European funded project for its reach and longevity.

Cliodna is very proud to be chairing this session in honour of Dr Martin Skirrow who set her on this fascinating and varied path of medical microbiology.