Richard is a Emeritus Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the University of Exeter. Rick Titball's principal interests lie with understanding the molecular basis of disease caused by a range of bacterial pathogens. His previous work has involved extensive studies on biothreat agents. He has a strong interest in using information on the molecular biology of pathogens to devise vaccines and have previously developed vaccines against Yersinia pestis and Clostridium perfringens toxins.