Dr. Nikolai Windbichler

Biography

Nikolai Windbichler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London and Principal Investigator of the Transmission Zero research collaboration, which aims to develop transmission-blocking gene drives for malaria mosquito population replacement. With extensive experience in insect genome engineering over decades, Nikolai specializes in molecular genetics and the development of novel genetic control strategies for insect disease vectors and pests in agriculture. He has successfully led several projects funded by the European Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Nikolai obtained his PhD in Genetics from the University of Vienna and joined Imperial College in 2006 as a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Andrea Crisanti's group. His work has transformed the theoretical concept of using selfish genes to control disease vector populations into practical applications, including the development of a gene drive system that successfully demonstrated the rapid inheritance of gene edits in caged mosquito populations. He also pioneered the creation of a meiotic sex-distortion system for genetic control, generating sexually sterile transgenic Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes for potential release in targeted environments such as Mauritius. In addition, Nikolai engages in initiatives addressing the ethical and ecological implications of gene drive applications in the environment.

Research Interests

Experience