Charles Cranfield

Charles Cranfield is an Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He leads the Membrane Biophysics Group and has held roles such as Director of HDR Programs (2021–present) and Program Director for Biomedical Science degrees. His research focuses on membrane biophysics, ion channels, and biosensor development, with applications in medical diagnostics and disease studies. He has pioneered technologies like the world’s first nonlinear endoscope and lipid-based biosensors for detecting diseases like inflammatory bowel disorder. Cranfield earned his PhD in Biophysics from Swinburne University of Technology and completed postdoctoral work in the UK and Germany, including Marie Curie Fellowships. His academic career includes leadership roles in curriculum design and research administration.

Education: BSc (Honours) in Pharmacology (Monash University, 1996), PhD in Biophysics (Swinburne University of Technology, 2002). Key research areas include membrane-ion interactions, lipid-peptide dynamics, and diagnostic device innovation. He collaborates internationally on projects funded by grants exceeding $15M, including roles as team leader and discipline deputy. Awards include Marie Curie Fellowships and recognition for discoveries in biogenic magnetite and ion channel clustering.

• Leadership: Director of HDR Programs (Science Faculty), Program Director (Medical Science & Advanced Science)
• Grants: ARC Research Hub for Integrated Device for End-user Analysis at Low-levels (2017–2023)
• Service: Peer review for journals like Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, member of the Biophysical Society

Current lab activities include developing novel biosensors for lipase activity and phospholipase detection. His team investigates mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and ion transport in biological membranes, with applications in COPD and IBD diagnostics.