Claas Kirchhelle is a historian of ‘bugs and drugs’ and works as an Associate Professor (chargé de recherche) for the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM). His research focuses on the history of microbial environments, disease surveillance and control, and pharmaceutical innovation and regulation.

Claas has authored four books on the history of antibiotics in food production (Pyrrhic Progress, 2020), animal welfare science and activism (Bearing Witness, 2021), typhoid and public health (Typhoid, 2022), and a co-authored graphic novel on typhoid in Edwardian Dublin (Fear & Fever, 2024). He has also published over 60 peer-reviewed articles and commentaries on history and biomedicine.

His research has informed policy reports on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), public health surveillance, drug innovation, and adverse effect compensation. In 2023, he was asked to serve as expert witness on public health systems and pandemic preparedness for the UK COVID-19 Inquiry. Since 2017, I have co-curated two multi award-winning exhibition projects on the history of penicillin (Back from the Dead) and typhoid (Typhoidland), advised on radio and theatre plays (Dangerous Visions: Culture, BBC Radio 4), authored media articles, and appeared on TV & radio (In Our Time: Bacteriophages, BBC Radio 4; Coronavirus Explained, Netflix).

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