David Watts

David Watts is a Professor of Dental Biomaterials Science at the University of Manchester's School of Dentistry. He holds adjunct positions at Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Padova. His research focuses on biomaterials for dentistry and orthopaedics, including polymer systems, composites, adhesives, and photopolymerization kinetics. He has pioneered quantitative methods for evaluating biomaterial handling properties and developed novel instrumentation. His work bridges dental materials science with biomechanics, theology, and sustainable practices.

Education: BSc, PhD, DSc from the University of Wales and Manchester. Key roles include Head of Research Theme in Adhesive Biomaterials, Editor-in-Chief of Dental Materials, and leadership in international collaborations. Awards include the Humboldt Research Award (2010) and IADR Distinguished Scientist Award (2003).

Research emphasizes biomaterial-tissue interfaces, polymerization shrinkage, and material characterization using advanced techniques like X-ray micro-tomography. His lab explores fiber-reinforced biomaterials, electrospun drug delivery systems, and aesthetic properties of materials. Over 70 PhD students have been supervised, contributing to over 500 publications.

Grants and collaborations span institutions worldwide, addressing biomaterials for bone regeneration, CAD-CAM applications, and sustainable dental materials. He also contributes to theology-science dialogues through the Faraday Institute and CTNS.