Rate My Professor Charlotte-Eve Short

Dr Short's research specializations centre on the vaginal microbiome, particularly Lactobacillus-depleted dysbiosis in pregnancy among women living with HIV, its proinflammatory effects recruiting local immune cells, and upregulation of MMP-9 implicated in cervical remodelling for labour. She attracted funding as part of Imperial College's successful March of Dimes European Prematurity Research Centre bid. Commencing her Academic Clinical Lectureship in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she led the CoVidity biobanking study, enabling collaborative projects and high-impact publications. Key publications include 'Lactobacillus-Depleted Vaginal Microbiota in Pregnant Women With HIV Is Associated With Vaginal Inflammation and a Pro-inflammatory Cervical Phenotype' (Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2021) and 'MMP-9 in Pregnant Women With HIV, a Potential Preterm Birth Mechanism?' (AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 2021). She was recognised by HRH The Princess Royal at the Academy of Medical Sciences' Helix Reception in 2025 and received an Imperial College Collaboration Kickstarter award. Currently, Dr Short is advancing a programme on BV recurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and novel live biotherapeutic treatments through clinical studies and randomised controlled trials. She delivers Faculty of Medicine staff rounds and produces podcasts exploring HIV stigma and mental health.