About
The PhageCompass consortium: mission, members, funding and contacts.
About the PhageCompass
The PhageCompass: Navigating the Future of Phage Therapy, Discovery, and Education
The PhageCompass is an international consortium committed to advancing bacteriophage research and its practical applications. Initially established to develop cutting-edge genomic prediction tools for phages, our work has naturally evolved while staying true to this core mission.
Scientific mission
The PhageCompass efforts are focused on several key areas:
Expanding Phage Discovery
The consortium is dedicated to broadening the scientific and medical understanding of bacteriophages. We are actively exploring diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, in search of novel phages with the potential to revolutionise medical treatment.
Beyond Sequence Similarity
In our pursuit of deeper insights into phage genomes, we are developing innovative tools to analyse phages beyond traditional sequence similarities. These tools allow us to fully explore the vast genetic diversity of phages, revealing their untapped biological potential.
Innovative Phage Therapy
We are leading efforts to develop and apply phage-based treatments for critical conditions such as necrotising fasciitis, urinary tract infections, and sepsis. In addressing the global need for alternatives to failing traditional therapies, we aim to provide effective, phage-driven solutions.
Aquaculture Health
We are tackling significant challenges in aquaculture by developing phage therapies that protect key species, such as salmon, from bacterial pathogens like Pasteurella. Our work supports sustainable practices and contributes to food security—issues that are increasingly important for a growing global population.
Educating the Next Generation
A central mission of PhageCompass is to train and mentor the next generation of phage researchers. Through our global network and collaborations with Phages for Global Health, we offer educational opportunities and hands-on experience to budding scientists, ensuring that the future of phage research is in capable hands.
The consortium
Our founding members form a diverse and collaborative network dedicated to unlocking the potential of phages.
Tools and publications
This page hosts the different prediction servers developed in the consortium. See Tools for descriptions and launch links, and Resources for the scientific publications.
Technical implementation
Bent Petersen is responsible for the technical implementation, integration and maintenance of the PhageCompass platform and its scientific tools: developing the platform, integrating each tool, and operating and supporting its scientific services. Scientific authorship of each tool is credited to its authors in the publications listed under Resources.
Funding
The PhageCompass is supported by funding from
- Leo Foundation (opens in a new tab)
- UK BBSRC (opens in a new tab)
- FHF – Norwegian Seafood Research Fund (opens in a new tab)
- UK MRC (opens in a new tab)
- The European Union (opens in a new tab)
- CLIMB Big Data (opens in a new tab)
- The Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia (opens in a new tab)
- Mælkeafgiftsfonden (opens in a new tab)
- Foundation Idella (opens in a new tab)
Contact
Scientific contacts
Technical contact & platform implementation
Bent Petersen, PhDSenior ResearcherGlobe Institute, University of Copenhagen
Technical development, implementation and maintenance of the PhageCompass platform and its scientific tools.
Powered by Scientific Web Services
Selected PhageCompass tools run on Scientific Web Services (SWS), the University of Copenhagen platform for scientific applications. Other tools run on their own project servers, as noted on each tool card.