Christopher Pudney

Christopher Pudney is a Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath. His research focuses on developing analytical technologies rooted in biophysics, with three main strands: predicting biopharmaceutical stability via the QUBES technology, creating point-of-care tools for detecting synthetic cannabinoids, and studying enzyme behavior under varying temperatures. He leads initiatives to commercialize technologies like Bloclaboratories' 'Software as a Service' platform for protein stability prediction. His work contributes to harm reduction in vulnerable populations and industrial biocatalyst optimization.

Projects:

• Rapid detection of synthetic opioids and opioid analogs
• Development of portable devices for illicit drug discrimination
• Enzyme temperature activity studies for industrial applications

Research Interests:

Pudney's lab integrates fluorescence spectroscopy, machine learning, and biochemical engineering to address challenges in drug development and public health. Key innovations include the QUBES platform and portable detection systems for synthetic cannabinoids in prisons and schools. His enzyme studies explore protein dynamics and thermal adaptation mechanisms. Collaborations span academia and government agencies like the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

Grants & Collaborations:

• Funded by EPSRC, MRC, and DSTL for projects like 'Reducing cannabis harms through evidence-based drug policy'
• Interdisciplinary work with chemists and engineers on bioelectronic diagnostics

Labs & Teams:

Hosts the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT) and collaborates with the Innovation Bridge Institute, focusing on translating research into scalable solutions for sustainability and health challenges.