Alan Lehmann

Professor Alan Lehmann is a Research Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Sussex's School of Life Sciences, where he leads research in the Genome Damage and Stability Centre. He also serves as a Consultant Scientist at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, contributing to specialist multi-disciplinary clinics for rare genetic disorders.

Professor Lehmann's research focuses on DNA repair mechanisms, particularly in relation to Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne Syndrome (CS), and Trichothiodystrophy (TTD). His work examines how cells respond to ultraviolet light damage and how defects in DNA repair processes lead to clinical manifestations of these disorders. Since 2011, his research has concentrated on understanding the molecular basis of clinical features in these genetic conditions, with worldwide collaborations, especially with colleagues in Netherlands, Italy, and Japan.

His publication record shows consistent high-impact research output across decades, with recent work exploring neurodegeneration in XP, genomic mutation landscapes in XP-related skin cancers, and molecular overlaps between different DNA repair disorders. His research has evolved from fundamental DNA repair mechanisms to increasingly clinically relevant applications.

• Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) (2020)
• Fellow of the Royal Society (2010)
• Fellow of Academy of Medical Sciences (2004)

Professor Lehmann's diagnostic service for XP, CS, and TTD has significantly improved patient care, with his laboratory serving as a key resource for cellular diagnosis. His role as consultant scientist at NHS multi-disciplinary clinics connects his research directly to clinical practice, allowing molecular findings to inform patient management and prognosis. The Lehmann Laboratory remains at the forefront of research into DNA repair disorders, bridging basic science and clinical applications.