The world is changing. Climate change and increased pollution is not only a direct problem for public health but a major problem for vector-borne diseases. Mosquitoes, like most insects, are sensitive to temperature. Crucially, the immature stages live in water and are sensitive to the increasing levels of water pollution. These animals, however, are still successful largely due to their capacity to adapt. One of these major adaptations is insecticide resistance. This phenotype is underpinned by a complex genotype and physiology which has a number of pleiotropic consequences.

The Vector Control Reference Laboratory in the Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases has an active research programme investigating all aspects of insecticide resistance. This includes investigating novel chemical interventions, the interplay between insecticide resistance and pollution as well as understanding the interplay between insecticide resistance and vector competence. This student-driven research aims to leverage basic biological knowledge for improving vector control.