Professor Joy Watts
Biography
Joy Watts is Associate Dean for Research and Innovation and a Professor of Environmental Microbiology with her research focusing upon the application of molecular tools to understand the microbial diversity and important interactions that can degrade recalcitrant organic compounds, such as lignin. This includes diversity and function of microbes associated with the GI tracts of wood eating organisms, detection of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture and marine systems. She has active expert panel roles for the European Commission Horizon 2020 programme, is an editorial board member for journals, including Nature Scientific Reports, is Editor-in-Chief for Environmental Microbiome, and is an advisor for the Marine Microbiome Policy Report. With a funding track record from the European Commission, NERC and Innovate UK.
Research interests
The application of molecular tools to better understand microbial diversity and interactions in the environment. Recognised for her research into microbial diversity, specifically targeting deconstruction of solid polymer substrates for industrial applications.
The diversity and function of microbes associated with the GI tract of xylophagous fish and their role in cellulose and lignin digestion has been a major theme.
Antimicrobial resistance in the environment and its transfer and concentration in aquaculture systems.
Microbial diversity on the plastisphere of marine pollution and its possible role in AMR transfer.
The detection and isolation of new anaerobic PCB dechlorinating microbes.
Research outputs
2025
Faecal microbiome, gastrointestinal integrity, inflammation and thermoregulation in recent exertional heat illness patients and matched controls
Gould, A. A. M., Walsh, N. P., Tipton, M. J., Zurawlew, M. J., Tayari, O., House, C., Delves, S. K., Robson, S. C., Shute, J. J., Watts, J. E. M., Roberts, A. J., Rawcliffe, A. J., Robinson, M. R., Corbett, J.
23 Jun 2025, In: Experimental Physiology
Research output: Article
2024
An evaluation of conventional and nature-based technologies for controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistant genes in wastewater treatment plants
Hazra, M., Watts, J. E. M., Williams, J. B., Joshi, H.
20 Mar 2024, In: Science of the Total Environment. 917, 20p., 170433
Research output: Article
2023
Microbiome species diversity and seasonal stability of two temperate marine sponges Hymeniacidon perlevis and Suberites massa
Lamb, C. E., Watts, J. E. M.
1 Dec 2023, In: Environmental Microbiome. 18, 1, 11p., 52
Research output: Article
2022
Antibiotics and antibiotic resistant bacteria/genes in urban wastewater: a comparison of their fate in conventional treatment systems and constructed wetlands
Harza, M., Joshi, H., Williams, J., Watts, J.
1 Sep 2022, In: Chemosphere. 303, 2, 16p., 135148
Research output: Article
2021
The plastic Trojan horse: Biofilms increase microplastic uptake in marine filter feeders impacting microbial transfer and organism health
Fabra, M., Watts, J., Hale, M., Couceiro, F., Preston, J.
1 Nov 2021, In: Science of the Total Environment. 797, 9p., 149217
Research output: Article
Marine biofilms on different fouling control coating types reveal differences in microbial community composition and abundance
Papadatou, M., Robson, S. C., Dobretsov, S., Watts, J. E. M., Longyear, J., Salta, M.
24 Aug 2021, In: MicrobiologyOpen. 10, 4, 17p., e1231
Research output: Article
Wood degradation by Panaque nigrolineatus, a neotropical catfish: diversity and activity of gastrointestinal tract lignocellulolytic and nitrogen fixing communities
Watts, J. E. M., McDonald, R. C., Schreier, H. J.
5 Aug 2021,
Research output: Chapter (peer-reviewed)
The skin microbiome of Xenopus laevis and the effects of husbandry conditions
Piccinni, M., Watts, J., Fourny, M., Guille, M., Robson, S.
5 Feb 2021, In: Animal Microbiome. 3, 13p., 17
Research output: Article
2020
The development of a rapid and reliable method (SAPSWash): for the extraction and recovery of spermatozoa from superabsorbent polymer containing products
Watts, J., O'Connor, A.
1 Nov 2020, In: Forensic Science International. 316, 11p., 110501
Research output: Article
Vascular plants are globally significant contributors to marine carbon fluxes and sinks
Cragg, S. M., Friess, D. A., Gillis, L. G., Trevathan-tackett, S. M., Terrett, O. M., Watts, J. E., Distel, D. L., Dupree, P.
3 Jan 2020, In: Annual Review of Marine Science. 12, 1, p. 16.1-16.29
Research output: Article