Tom Clarke

Tom Clarke is a Professor of Protein Biochemistry at the University of East Anglia, where he serves as a member of the School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, Energy Materials Laboratory, and Molecular Microbiology. He currently holds the position of Biological Sciences Postgraduate Research Co-Director and Natural Sciences Exam Board Chair.

• Professor of Protein Biochemistry (2021-present)
• Lecturer (2011-2021)
• RCUK Research Fellow (2006-2011)
• Senior Research Associate (2003-2006)
• Research Fellow, University of Michigan (2001-2003)

Professor Clarke's research focuses on the characterization of metal cofactor-containing enzymes involved in bacterial respiration, including cytoplasmic, periplasmic, membrane, and extracellular proteins. His work combines biological, biochemical, and biophysical techniques to explore protein-protein interactions, electron transfer mechanisms, and enzyme catalysis. Current research projects include extracellular electron transfer, interactions between outer membrane cytochromes and mineral surfaces, and reverse electron transfer (bioelectrosynthesis).

His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on bacterial electron transport mechanisms, with particular emphasis on multiheme cytochromes, extracellular catalysis, and the structural basis of electron transfer across bacterial cell envelopes. His research group employs diverse techniques from cyclic voltammetry to microbial culturing, sharing laboratory space with colleagues studying related biochemical processes.

• The Biochemical Society (Ambassador since 2022)
• Centre of Electromicrobiology, Aarhus (Board Member since 2018)
• Scientific Reports (Associate Editor since 2017)

Professor Clarke actively supervises PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with current projects focusing on environmental processing, metal recovery, mitochondrial uncoupling proteins, and bacterial bioelectronics. His teaching portfolio includes Microbial Biotechnology, Molecular Enzymology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Physical and Analytical Methods in Biological Sciences.