PROFESSOR JAMES LOGAN

Professor James Logan is a scientist, television presenter and internationally renowned research leader, with a passion for science and natural history. A biologist and medical entomologist with a first-class honours degree in Zoology, he won the Alfred Russell Wallace Award for his PhD. James is renowned for his groundbreaking work in the field of vector-borne diseases, vector control and aspects of travel health, and was Head of the Department of Disease Control at the world renowned and prestigious London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for a number of years. He has made significant contributions to understanding the behaviour and control of disease vectors such as mosquitoes, which are responsible for transmitting deadly pathogens like malaria, dengue, and Zika virus.

As the Director of Arctec, one of the most reputable and competitive institutions for the testing of arthropod control products in the world, James leads a team who dedicate their time to product development in the lab and testing in field conditions. His research primarily focuses on the interactions between insects and humans, particularly in the context of how insects use chemical cues to locate their hosts. His innovative approaches have led to the development of new strategies for pest control and disease prevention, including the creation of effective insect repellents and attractants, and the development of novel, non-invasive odour-based diagnostics for disease.

 

In recent years, James ran research programmes at LSHTM which saw him travel the world teaching and advising on various aspects of biology, entomology, parasites and disease control. James and his department were at the forefront of leading research in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, and James worked with Durham University and the charity, Medical Detection Dogs in using sniffer dogs in the fight against the virus.

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James’ Scottish charm and boundless enthusiasm for science makes him an excellent presenter and popular guest speaker. Credits include;
 
Insect Dissection (BBC4)

Embarrassing Bodies and Live from the Clinic (C4)

Squeamish (DMAX)

Bang Goes the Theory (BBC1)

Weird Connections (Discovery)

The Great Butterfly Adventure (BBC4)

The Secret Life of Midges (BBC1)

The One Show (BBC1)

This Morning (ITV)

James loves to travel and has contributed to numerous volunteer projects around the globe, protecting and monitoring primates, turtles and endangered marsupials in Costa Rica, Northern Cyprus and the South Australian outback. A keen entrepreneur and innovator, he also has several inventions under his belt, following in the footsteps of his ancestor who invented the modern bicycle! James is no stranger to a spot of self experimentation either, having famously infested himself with hookworms in a pioneering experiment for Embarrassing Bodies.

 

Passionate about making science accessible and fun for everyone, when he’s not busy filming or leading landmark research, James is also a Science Ambassador for the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Network (STEMNET), which aims to inspire young people in science.

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