Timothy Grocott

Dr. Timothy Grocott is a Lecturer in Biomedicine at the School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia (UEA), where he leads the Grocott Lab. He is an active member of the Cells and Tissues research group and contributes to the Norwich Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Network. He is currently accepting PhD and Research Masters students and is actively involved in both research and teaching.

Research Interests: His research focuses on understanding how cells self-organize into complex organs, particularly the developing eye. He investigates gene regulatory networks and signaling pathways (e.g., TGF-β, Wnt, FGF) that govern tissue patterning and morphogenesis. His lab uses a multidisciplinary approach combining chick embryology, human pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids, and computational modeling (e.g., reaction-diffusion systems). Key topics include Pax6 function, Turing networks in retinal development, and the alignment of lens and retina.

Recent Research Trends: Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on developmental mechanisms, particularly in eye and sensory organ formation. His work integrates molecular biology with computational tools to model self-organization. A central theme is the role of master regulators like Pax6 and how signaling networks translate genetic information into 3D tissue architecture. His research has strong implications for understanding congenital malformations and advancing regenerative medicine.

• Scientific Awards:
• Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award (2021)
• Fight for Sight Early Career Investigator Award (2011)
• Transforming Education Awards - Staff Member of the Year (2022)

Teaching and Supervision: Dr. Grocott is Course Director for the MSc in Stem Cells in Development, Disease and Regeneration and Module Organiser for Embryo Development and Stem Cell Biology. He teaches across multiple undergraduate and postgraduate modules, including Cell Biology, Skills for Biologists, and Research Projects. He actively supervises research projects and welcomes inquiries from prospective PhD and Masters students.

Laboratory and Research Projects: The Grocott Lab (www.grocottlab.com, @GrocottLab) conducts research funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, and the Genetics Society. Current and recent projects include studying Pax7+ progenitors in eye development, harnessing self-organisation in human retinal organoids, and investigating c-Myc in eye development. The lab has developed computational tools like the Atlas Toolkit for 3D imaging data registration.