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David John Procter is a Professor of Organic Chemistry and Head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Manchester. His career includes academic roles at the University of Glasgow (Lecturer, Senior Lecturer) and a Readership at the University of Manchester, where he became a Professor in 2008. His research focuses on developing new synthetic methods, catalysis, and materials chemistry, with applications in drug discovery, biocatalysis, and organic electronics. Education: BSc Chemistry (University of Leeds, 1992), PhD (1995, supervised by Prof. Christopher Rayner). Postdoctoral work: Florida State University (Prof. Robert Holton, Taxol analog synthesis). Research interests include samarium diiodide-mediated reactions, metal-free coupling processes, and sustainable synthesis methods. He leads projects funded by EPSRC, Industry (30 grants), and international collaborations. Awards include the EPSRC Established Career Fellowship (2015–2020), Bader Prize (2014), and Young Heterocyclic Chemist Award (2015). Key contributions: Total synthesis of natural products (e.g., pleuromutilin), development of copper-catalyzed multicomponent couplings, and innovative methods for organic materials. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy and responsible consumption. Collaborations span academic and industrial partnerships in chemistry, physics, and biology. He supervises 60+ students and contributes to the Organic Materials Innovation Centre (OMIC). His group’s research is detailed at proctergroupresearch.com .

• Organic Synthesis
• Catalysis
• New Synthetic Methods
• +5 more

Andrew Regan is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at the University of Manchester, specializing in organic synthesis and drug discovery. He holds a B.A. (1981), M.A. (1985), and Ph.D. (1985) from the University of Cambridge. His career includes postdoctoral research at Columbia University and a lectureship at the University of Kent before joining Manchester in 1991. Research interests focus on synthesizing biologically active compounds, such as phosphinic acids for anticancer agents, and developing novel synthetic methods. His work contributes to drug discovery, green chemistry, and efficient chemical processes. He currently supervises two PhD students researching phosphinic acid analogues and simplified erythromycin analogues. Key achievements include the synthesis of epibatidine and advancements in macrolide antibiotic design. His research aligns with sustainable development goals through eco-friendly synthesis methods.

• Drug Discovery
• Organic Synthesis
• Biologically Active Compounds
• +5 more

Dr. Zaheer Nasar is a Reader in Atmospheric Aerosols at Cranfield University's School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing. His work focuses on real-time bioaerosol characterization, indoor/outdoor air quality dynamics, and environmental health impacts of particulate matter. He leads the NERC-funded Light-Induced Fluorescence sensor project and contributes to the BioAirNet network (NE/V002171/1) as Co-I. Research Interests Physico-chemical and biological characterization of aerosols Spatio-temporal dynamics of particulate matter (PM) and bioaerosols Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) methodologies Low-cost air quality sensor networks and machine learning calibration Urban green infrastructure effects on air pollution Policy development in Hindu Kush Himalayan air quality Recent publications emphasize machine learning-enhanced sensor calibration (2024 IEEE paper), wastewater plant bioaerosol risks (2024 Water Research), and urban air quality interventions across the UK and Lahore. He has secured over £1.6M in grants from NERC, STFC, and UKRI GCRF, with significant work on BTEX exposure in Nigeria and SARS-CoV-2 risks in wastewater facilities. Scientific Recognition Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Co-investigator in multiple NERC/UKRI projects Active participant in BSI bioaerosol standards committee As an advisor, he mentors five postgraduate researchers including Reece Dillon and Hathaikarn Tathong, with a strong publication record in journals like Environmental Science: Atmospheres , Risk Analysis , and BJPsych Open . His work bridges environmental science, public health, and policy implementation through interdisciplinary research.

• Atmospheric Aerosols
• Environmental Health
• Air Quality Monitoring
• +7 more

Professor Gideon James Grogan is a distinguished academic at the University of York, holding a position in the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Sciences. With expertise spanning structural and applied enzymology, he leads research at the intersection of chemistry and biology, developing novel biocatalysts for sustainable chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical applications. Professor Grogan's research focuses on the identification, characterization, and application of enzymes with biotechnological potential. His work encompasses: Oxygenases including P450s, flavoprotein monooxygenases, and peroxygenases Reductases such as ketoreductases (KREDs), imine reductases (IREDs), and reductive aminases (RedAms) Lyases catalyzing asymmetric hydration of alkenes Ligases for amide bond formation His multidisciplinary approach integrates synthetic chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and X-ray crystallography to engineer enzymes using in vitro evolution techniques. Recent research has yielded significant advances in biocatalytic pathways for chiral pharmaceutical precursors and renewable material processing. Professor Grogan's publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in biocatalysis, with recent work focusing on peroxygenase applications, reductive amination technologies, and enzyme engineering for improved catalytic properties. His research shows strong trends in developing sustainable enzymatic routes for pharmaceutical synthesis, with particular emphasis on stereoselective transformations and cascade reactions. Professor Grogan has received significant research funding through major grants from: BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) He actively supervises PhD students and collaborates extensively both within the University of York and internationally. His work bridges the Departments of Chemistry and the York Structural Biology Laboratory (YSBL), leveraging state-of-the-art facilities for organic synthesis, protein expression, and structural analysis. Professor Grogan maintains strong industry connections, translating fundamental research into practical applications for pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing. His current projects include sustainable production of menthol enantiomers, development of native amine dehydrogenases for chiral amine synthesis, and discovery of securinine alkaloid biosynthesis pathways.

• Structural and Applied Enzymology
• Biocatalysis
• Enzyme Engineering
• +9 more

Dr. Martin Anthony Fascione is a Reader in Chemistry at the University of York, where he leads the Fascione Lab within the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on the interface between chemistry and biology, particularly in the field of chemical glycobiology. He has established himself as a leading researcher in carbohydrate chemistry with expertise in synthetic methods and biological applications. Dr. Fascione received his Ph.D. from the University of Leeds in 2009 under the supervision of W. Bruce Turnbull, followed by a Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship at the University of British Columbia with Prof. Steve Withers and the University of York with Prof. Gideon Davies. Since August 2014, he has been at the York Structural Biology Laboratory, progressing from Lecturer to his current position as Reader. His research centers on complex sugars (glycans) and their roles in biological processes and disease, with particular emphasis on sialic acid-like molecules critical for bacterial pathogens. The Fascione group develops chemical tools to study and perturb glycan activity in vivo using synthetic and enzymatic carbohydrate chemistry, organocatalysis, enzymology, and molecular biology. Key research areas include pseudaminic acid biosynthesis, protein bioconjugation, and glycoconjugate development for therapeutic applications. Analysis of Dr. Fascione's recent publications reveals a strong focus on bacterial glycans, particularly pseudaminic acid, and their role in pathogenesis. His work combines synthetic chemistry with biological applications, developing novel methods for protein modification, carbohydrate synthesis, and glycan-based therapeutics. Major themes include bioorthogonal chemistry, enzymatic synthesis of complex carbohydrates, and the development of glycoconjugates for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Dr. Fascione has received significant recognition for his work, including: Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship (2012-2014) ERC Consolidator Grant (2022) As an active researcher, Dr. Fascione supervises PhD students and collaborates extensively with researchers in the UK and internationally. His laboratory is involved in multiple research projects focused on chemical glycobiology for infectious disease research and therapeutic development. The Fascione Lab has established itself as a leading center for research at the chemistry-biology interface, with particular expertise in carbohydrate-active enzymes and glycan-based tools for biological investigation.

• Carbohydrate Chemistry
• Chemical Glycobiology
• Glycomedicine
• +11 more

Prof Jean Van Den Elsen is a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Bath , affiliated with the Department of Life Sciences and several research centers including the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT) , Centre for Therapeutic Innovation , and Milner Centre for Evolution . They are actively accepting doctoral students and leading multidisciplinary projects at the intersection of structural biology and immunology. Education: Not explicitly mentioned Appointments: University of Bath (current), with collaborations across Chemistry, Biology & Biochemistry departments Research Focus: The laboratory investigates protein structural biology in two major areas: Complement System Interactions: Studying how pathogenic microbes like Staphylococcus aureus evade host immunity through complement system manipulation , with structural analysis of proteins such as C3d and C5 complexes. This work directly informs vaccine design and autoimmune disease treatment . Glycation Mechanisms: Developing diagnostic tools for detecting non-enzymatic sugar modifications linked to diabetes , Alzheimer's , and aging, with commercial partnerships like Abcam . Article Trends: Recent publications demonstrate: Structural analysis of complement evasion proteins (2022-2025) Engineering knob domains as miniature antibodies (2023) Evolutionary studies on cooperative behavior (2021-2025) Advancements in peptide synthesis platforms (2022-2023) Applications of AI protein folding (2020) Scientific Contributions: ORCID: 0000-0002-0367-1956 BBSRC Funding recipient (2023) 100+ citations across 76 research outputs Student Mentorship: Directly supervising 4 current PhD students and 1 postdoc, with a track record of mentoring 11 previous students including Daphne Jackson Fellows and MSCA researchers. Collaborations: Maintains active partnerships with Dr. Tony James (Chemistry), Dr. Rob Williams (Biochemistry), and industry partners UCB Celltech and Porton Biopharma Ltd. Their work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health), 12 (Responsible Consumption), and 13 (Climate Action).

• Structural Biochemistry
• Protein Homeostasis
• Immune Evasion Mechanisms
• +5 more

Professor Patrick Steel is a faculty member at Durham University in the Department of Chemistry . His work spans Synthetic Organic Chemistry , Organosilicon Chemistry , and Chemical Biology , with applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and parasitic disease treatment. Research Highlights: Developing C-H borylation methods for pharmaceutical intermediates Exploring silene cycloadditions for alkene functionalization Designing small molecule probes for plant and parasite biology Collaborating with Todd Marder (Würzburg) and others in synthetic biology Key Collaborations: Partnerships with pharmaceutical companies (GSK, Pfizer) and academic teams focus on novel antileishmanial compounds and herbicide resistance mechanisms . His group's organosilicon work intersects with collaborations on stereoselective synthesis and natural product analogs . Recent Publications (2025-2021) demonstrate expertise in transition metal catalysis , chemical probe development , and neglected disease research . The 2023 Leishmania proteomics and 2022 miltefosine studies show translational impact.

• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Organosilicon Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• +2 more

Tim Donohoe is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Magdalen College. His research focuses on developing new catalytic reactions, particularly hydrogen borrowing catalysis, dearomatization, and metathesis processes, with applications in natural products synthesis. His group includes ten DPhil students and four postdoctoral researchers, working on projects such as quaternary stereocentre formation, isoquinoline alkylation, and cyclopropane synthesis. The group utilizes advanced facilities in the Chemistry Research Laboratory (CRL). Research Interests: Hydrogen borrowing catalysis for C-C bond formation Catalytic dearomatization of heteroarenes Development of novel synthetic methodologies Total synthesis of biologically active natural products Key Recent Work: Recent publications emphasize asymmetric alkylation, oxidative rearomatization, and functional group-tolerant reactions, with a focus on expanding the scope of hydrogen borrowing systems. The group's work intersects with medicinal chemistry, supported by pharmaceutical industry collaborations. Laboratory Activities: The Donohoe Group operates within the CRL, emphasizing problem-solving sessions and literature discussion. Current projects explore rhodium-catalyzed methylation, iridium-mediated hydride shifts, and HFIP solvent applications in alcohol-based alkylations.

• Organic Chemistry
• Catalytic Reactions
• Natural Products Synthesis
• +3 more

Dawn Louise Maskell is a Professor in the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering within the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. Her academic career spans brewing science, yeast physiology, and sustainable fermentation processes, with significant contributions to both academic research and industry applications. Education BSc (Hons) in Brewing & Distilling PhD in Brewing Yeast Physiology Diploma in Brewing from the Institute of Brewing & Distilling Professor Maskell's research focuses on yeast physiology, particularly how stress impacts brewing yeast performance and fermentation. Her work has expanded to encompass all aspects of yeast and fermentation science with emphasis on process improvements for sustainability. She actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through her research on circular economy approaches in brewing and distilling. Her publication portfolio reveals consistent scholarly output with 29 research contributions, showing increased productivity in recent years (5 publications in 2021 alone). The research trends demonstrate a clear progression from fundamental yeast physiology studies toward applied sustainability research, particularly in carbon dioxide valorization from fermentation and circular economy innovations in the brewing industry. Scientific Recognition Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers (awarded July 2, 2025) Professor Maskell maintains significant professional engagement through multiple leadership roles. She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Brewing Chemists (since 2021), chairs their Technical Committee, and sits on the Editorial Board of the Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists. She has been part of the Institute of Brewing & Distilling's Board of Examiners for the Diploma in Brewing since 2014. Her impact extends beyond academia through the Horizon Proteins project, which develops circular economy innovations converting whisky by-products into fish feedstock with documented economic and environmental benefits. Her professional standing is further evidenced by her status as a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers and an Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Brewers, along with holding the Freedom of the City of London.

• Yeast physiology
• Brewing science
• Fermentation technology
• +4 more

Calum Holmes is an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University, affiliated with the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences and the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering. His research focuses on distilling science, brewing chemistry, and the optimization of malt whisky production processes. Key areas include volatile compound analysis, aroma development, and sustainable agricultural practices in beverage production. Holmes contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through his work on resource-efficient distilling methods and heritage grain utilization. Education details are not explicitly provided, but his research aligns with advanced studies in chemical engineering and food science. His recent work explores topics such as ester composition in whisky, tropical aroma profiles, and roasted malt impacts on spirit quality. Holmes is an active member of professional organizations like the Institute of Brewing and Distilling and has delivered invited lectures on topics including heritage barley applications and ancient grain utilization in modern malting. His publications emphasize analytical methodologies and sensory science in alcoholic beverage research. Collaborations span academic and industrial partners, focusing on innovation in distilling processes and product quality. Holmes' research also addresses forensic aspects of alcohol analysis, as seen in his work on Widmark equation uncertainties in beer alcohol content calculations.

• Brewing Science
• Distilling Technology
• Food Chemistry
• +3 more

Professor Ross King is a faculty member at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. His research focuses on the automation of scientific discovery, machine learning applications in biology and chemistry, and DNA computing. Developed the first autonomous 'Robot Scientist' systems (Adam, Eve, Genesis) capable of hypothesis generation, experimental design, and execution using AI Pioneer in DNA computing, demonstrating the first physical Nondeterministic Universal Turing Machine (NUTM) 35+ years of expertise in machine learning, particularly relational learning for complex biological/chemical data Organizer of the international 'Nobel Turing Grand Challenge' for AI scientists His work in computational biology spans eukaryotic cell modeling, cancer signaling pathways, and AI-driven drug discovery for neglected tropical diseases like malaria and Chagas disease. The Genesis system aims to automate 10,000 simultaneous closed-loop experiments using micro-chemostats to model cellular complexity. The DNA computing research demonstrates exponential theoretical advantages over classical and quantum computing architectures for NP-complete problems, utilizing Thue string rewriting systems and polymerase chain reaction techniques. This work has significant implications for computer science, physics, and practical computing resource utilization. King's machine learning contributions include active learning strategies for compound selection in drug design and meta-learning approaches to optimize ML applications in bioinformatics and chemoinformatics.

• Automation of Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Simon Tang is a BBSRC Research Fellow and Proleptic Lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath. He also holds a Visiting Researcher position in the same department. His research is supported by prestigious grants from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), where he serves as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (CoI) on multiple active projects. His research focuses on advancing sustainable biotechnological solutions for drug discovery, particularly through the engineering of enzymes such as asparaginyl endopeptidases and peptide ligases. Key areas include the intracellular production of cyclic peptides, enzyme compartmentalization, and the development of novel screening platforms for bioactive compounds. The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on chemical biology, protein engineering, and enzyme mechanism studies. His work integrates synthetic biology with therapeutic discovery, targeting neurodegenerative diseases and sustainable pharmaceutical development. Scientific Awards: BBSRC Research Fellowship (2025), competitively awarded for innovative work in sustainable cyclic peptide production. Dr. Tang leads independent research projects, including the development of intracellular screening platforms and methods for controlling enzyme activity. He collaborates closely with Prof. Jody Mason and Dr. Luet Luk. While no formal advisees are listed, his leadership roles indicate active mentorship and research supervision. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and sustainable industry. He is associated with research networks in enzyme engineering and peptide therapeutics, with collaborations spanning multiple institutions and countries.

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Enzyme Engineering
• +7 more

Professor Joseph P.A. Harrity is a Professor of Synthetic Organic Chemistry at the University of Sheffield, affiliated with the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. He leads Chemistry recruitment and specializes in developing novel synthetic methodologies for heterocyclic compounds and natural products. His research focuses on carbon-carbon bond formation strategies, particularly involving boron-based intermediates and transition metal catalysis. Education: BSc (Hons.) in Chemistry (University of Strathclyde, 1991), PhD in Chemistry (University of Strathclyde, 1994). Postdoctoral research at Boston College, USA (1994–1997). Academic career progression includes roles as Lecturer (University of Sheffield, 1997), Senior Lecturer, Reader, and Professor (2009). Research interests include cycloaddition reactions, fluorinated heterocycles, and medicinal chemistry applications. He pioneered a Royal Society Industry Fellowship (2012–2015) collaborating with Peakdale Molecular to develop functionalized intermediates for pharmaceutical libraries. Awards: Pfizer Discovery Award (2004), AstraZeneca Research Award (2006), RSC Bader Award (2018). Teaching: Undergraduate/postgraduate modules on organic synthesis, stereoselective methods, and laboratory supervision. Active in mentoring research projects and organic chemistry education. Key contributions include the development of Pd-catalyzed annulation strategies, boronic acid-based synthesis platforms, and stereocontrolled natural product syntheses. His work bridges academic research and industrial applications in drug discovery and materials science.

• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Heterocyclic Chemistry
• Organic Synthesis
• +3 more

Robert Falconer serves as Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Director of the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics (ICT) at the University of Bradford. A registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council, he leads a multidisciplinary research team focused on tumor glycocalyx targeting and protease-activated anticancer prodrugs. His academic journey spans from pharmacy training at The School of Pharmacy, University of London to establishing the medicinal chemistry program at ICT in 2005. Pharmacy Degree: The School of Pharmacy, University of London (now UCL School of Pharmacy) PhD in Medicinal Chemistry: London (2000) Professional Registration: General Pharmaceutical Council Professor Falconer's research centers on tumor glycocalyx modulation through polysialyltransferase inhibition and protease-activated drug delivery systems. His work spans osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, breast, and prostate cancers with emphasis on developing targeted therapies that minimize systemic toxicity. The Falconer group employs computational design, solid-phase synthesis, and advanced biological evaluation techniques to develop novel anticancer agents. His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on tumor-specific activation mechanisms (2023-2025), glycocalyx-targeted metastasis inhibition (2019-2021), and prodrug development (2010-2014). Recent work emphasizes theranostic applications and DNA repair targeting for pediatric cancers. Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry Former Honorary Treasurer, RSC Central Yorkshire Local Section Trust (2012-2018) Registered Pharmacist with General Pharmaceutical Council As principal investigator, Falconer has secured substantial funding from Breast Cancer Now, Bone Cancer Research Trust, Worldwide Cancer Research, and Neuroblastoma UK. He leads the £2m ICT Doctoral Training Centre and co-founded spin-out company Incanthera plc, which is advancing the MMP-targeted prodrug ICT2588 to clinical trials. His mentorship includes three PhD students and multiple postdoctoral researchers developing next-generation cancer therapeutics. The Falconer group operates within the ICT's state-of-the-art facilities, collaborating with Stanford University, University of Sheffield, and Ellipses Pharma. Current projects address unmet needs in pediatric oncology while developing platform technologies applicable across multiple cancer types.

• Tumor Glycocalyx Targeting
• Protease-Activated Anticancer Prodrugs
• Cancer Drug Development
• +4 more

Professor Samuel Fountain is a leading academic in pharmacology at the University of East Anglia, where he serves as Chair of Pharmacology within the School of Biological Sciences. He holds additional leadership roles as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the UEA Doctoral College and has previously served as Associate Dean for Postgraduate Research and Director of the Biomedical Research Centre. He is actively supervising multiple PhD students and securing major research funding. BSc (Hons) Pharmacology, University of Leeds (1997–2000) MRC-funded PhD, University of Leeds (2000–2004) Wellcome Trust Research Associate, University of Manchester (2004–2008) BBSRC David Phillips Fellow, University of Leeds (2008–2010) Lecturer to Professor of Pharmacology, University of East Anglia (2010–present) His research focuses on the role of ion channels—particularly P2X receptors—in vascular and adipose tissues, with implications for cardiometabolic diseases. His work integrates pharmacology, physiology, and molecular biology to understand neurovascular and neuroadipose communication, receptor-ligand interactions, and drug discovery. He employs techniques such as pressure myography, patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and molecular modelling. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on purinergic signalling, ion channel pharmacology, and autonomic control of blood vessels and fat tissue. His work bridges basic science with translational applications, particularly in hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Collaborations with AstraZeneca, Merck, and the British Heart Foundation underscore the clinical and pharmaceutical relevance of his research. Notable scientific recognition includes the prestigious BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship. He also contributes to the academic community through editorial roles, including as Editor of Purinergic Signalling , and as a member of the British Pharmacological Society and The Physiological Society. Professor Fountain actively mentors postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, several of whom are funded by BBSRC, BHF, and AstraZeneca iCASE awards. His lab is supported by significant grants from the British Heart Foundation, BBSRC, and industry partners, enabling cutting-edge research in vascular and metabolic pharmacology. He leads multiple active projects on neurovascular transmission, purinergic control, and drug discovery for P2X receptors. His research group operates within the Cells and Tissues research theme at UEA and utilizes advanced experimental platforms including human tissue studies, high-throughput screening, and computational ligand docking. The lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between pharmacologists, physiologists, and clinicians, positioning it at the forefront of autonomic and metabolic research.

• Pharmacology
• Ion Channels
• Cardiometabolic Physiology
• +12 more