Biofilms in Infection Prevention and Control

emphasis on studies involving microbial biofilms. Dr. Williams' research encompasses investigating biofilm susceptibility to antimicrobial agents, expression of virulence factors such as hydrolytic enzyme production, adhesion, and microbial modulation of innate immune responses. Of particular interest has been research into the development of biomaterials (e.g. silicone rubber, acrylic, titanium) to inhibit biofilm formation on medical devices. Dr. Williams is a previous recipient of the Senior Colgate Award (British Society for Oral and Dental Research) and the International Hatton Award (The International Association for Dental Research). Tracey Cooper works as Assistant Director of Nursing - Infection Prevention for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in Wales. Prior to this she worked as a Director of Infection Prevention and Control in London for four years, having first 'got the bug' for infection prevention and control in 1996. She has also previously worked in infection prevention in Devon, on the Isle of Wight, and in Southampton, covering both acute and community issues. Her background includes work in intensive and coronary care, as well as acute hospital ward experience.



Tracey has experience as both an author and peer reviewer and was the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) Editor from 2004-2008. She subsequently served as IPS Vice-President, and then President until 2012. She continues to participate in national and professional society initiatives and projects, and is particularly interested in professional development, change management and patient safety initiatives.



Outside work she enjoys running, loves the outdoors and participates in several Mountain Marathons each year. Until recently Jacqueline Randle was working as an Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham where she was involved with a range of funded research projects in the area of infection prevention and control. She worked as the Research Lead for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and also worked as a national Research Mentor. She was also Visiting Professor in Infection Control at Belo Horizonte University, Brazil and has published widely in the area of infection prevention and healthcare practice. Currently she is working as a freelance Medical Investigator.