Gab Astorga

Gabriel Astorga is an academic and award-winning science communicator based at the Quadram Institute and University of East Anglia. His current research focuses on using whole genome sequencing to investigate bacterial populations, evolution and diversity in humans, animals and the environment.

In 2024, Gabriel delivered a prestigious talk on whole genome sequencing and genomic epidemiology at the Royal Institution for the International Day of LGBTQ+ People in STEM, in collaboration with the charity Pride in STEM. He also gave a lecture on microbial diversity and evolution for the historic Linnean Society and taught workshops around the world, including to university students and academics in Kenya.

With a background in biomedicine, human disease, and current PhD research in microbial genomics, Gabriel is also a passionate science communicator. In 2025, he received the Future Presenter Award at the Amplify X New Voice Awards. His social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok and YouTube) collectively reach over 500,000 followers, with videos that make microbiology, science, and literature accessible, engaging, and fun. He was a participant in the 2024 BBC Creator Lab and appeared on the Royal Institution podcast to discuss antimicrobial resistance.

Gabriel is also a strong advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in science. He collaborates with charities such as Pride in STEM and serves on his institute’s EDI committee as well as his research park’s LGBTQ+ working group.

Suggested speaking topics: 

• Genomic epidemiology – using whole genome sequencing to study disease outbreaks
• Microbial genomics and evolution – diversity and evolution of microbes
• Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria
• LGBTQ+ in STEM
• Science communications