From mushrooms to Marek’s Disease: Dr Steve Fiddaman’s journey to the cutting edge of science

What had been a simple class task—bringing in a single mushroom—turned into a deep dive into the world of mycology.

His teacher, Mr Downie, watched in amusement as Steve presented an entire fungal inventory, complete with a prized cep mushroom. That mushroom, to Steve’s dismay, was promptly ‘confiscated’ and eaten by his teachers.

But it wasn’t just a funny school anecdote—it was the beginning of a scientific journey that would take him from the forests of North East England to the cutting edge of avian genetics research, working to combat some of the most dangerous poultry diseases in the world. Now leading the Avian Genetics group at the Pirbright Institute, Steve credits Dame Allan’s with instilling the curiosity, confidence and passion that led him to a pioneering career in science.

Growing up in Consett, Steve’s love for science was evident from an early age. He spent his childhood exploring the countryside, fascinated by wildlife, fungi and the natural world. When he joined Dame Allan’s Schools in 2003, at the age of 11, he found an environment that nurtured his inquisitive mind.

“I was always the kid who came back covered in mud,” he laughs. “Dame Allan’s was the perfect place for someone like me because the teachers encouraged that curiosity.”

Mr Downie, a key influence during Steve’s school years, quickly recognised his enthusiasm for biology. Whether it was discussing waxcap mushrooms found on the school quad or setting up experiments in the lab, Steve found himself immersed in the subject.

But it wasn’t just biology that captured his interest. The school’s holistic approach meant that by the time he reached the Sixth Form, Steve was encouraged to study English, alongside A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. “Dame Allan’s encouraged me to explore different interests, which really helped me later on,” he says. “Science isn’t just about formulas and lab work—it’s about communication, creativity and seeing connections between disciplines.”

Dame Allan’s provided Steve with more than just classroom learning—it gave him experiences that would shape his future career. He was involved in Café Scientifique, a student-led initiative that brought in guest scientists to speak about their work. He also attended a summer school at Imperial College London, where he worked on real-world scientific projects and wrote reports that earned him accreditation through the prestigious CREST scheme.

“The school really pushed us to think beyond the syllabus,” he says. “I had amazing teachers like Mr Wildsmith and Dr Wilkinson who encouraged me to go further, whether it was doing extra research or preparing for university interviews.”

This preparation paid off when Steve applied to Oxford. The school provided rigorous interview practice, helping him secure a place. “At the time, I didn’t realise how well-prepared I was. But looking back, I had so much support from the school that it made a huge difference,” he recalls.

Now an established scientist, Steve remains connected to his old school. For the past seven years, he has volunteered to conduct mock Oxbridge interviews for Dame Allan’s pupils applying to biology, natural sciences and veterinary science courses.

“I remember how stressful the process was, so I want to help students feel more confident,” he explains. “Dame Allan’s gave me so much, and it’s nice to give something back.”

After completing his undergraduate degree, PhD and postdoctoral research at Oxford—spanning 14 years—Steve reached a major milestone: leading his own research group. Now based at the Pirbright Institute in Surrey, he is at the forefront of tackling some of the world’s most pressing animal health challenges.

Pirbright is a national research centre specialising in livestock diseases, particularly viruses that threaten food security. Steve’s research focuses on developing genetically resilient chicken populations that can naturally resist infections, reducing the need for vaccines. He also leads research into Marek’s Disease Virus—an aggressive, cancer-causing herpesvirus in chickens that has become increasingly severe in recent years. His work aims to understand how the virus is evolving and identify measures to reduce its impact on poultry farming.

For students considering a career in research, Steve emphasises that science is about much more than memorising facts—it’s about discovery. “You’re not just learning from textbooks, you’re writing them. You’re generating knowledge that no one else has ever had before. That’s an amazing feeling,” he says.

Though the journey isn’t always easy—scientific research is highly competitive and funding-dependent— Steve insists that the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

“You don’t go into science for the money,” he smiles, “but if you have the passion, it’s one of the most fulfilling careers out there.”

Steve’s message to current Dame Allan’s students is clear: make the most of the opportunities available.

“Dame Allan’s is a special place. There are so many opportunities that you might not even realise at the time how valuable they are. Say yes to things, explore your interests and don’t be afraid to go beyond what’s expected of you,” he encourages.

Steve’s story is proof that a passion nurtured in childhood—especially in the right environment—can lead to groundbreaking discoveries that impact the world.