Charles Knowles

Professor Charles Knowles is a Professor of Surgery at Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, affiliated with the Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma. He serves as Deputy Director of the Blizard Institute and Director of the National Bowel Research Centre, with leadership roles in international research committees including the European Society of Coloproctology and Rome IV committee for anorectal disorders.

• MBBChir (London Hospital Medical College), PhD (University of London), FRCS, FRCS (Gen Surg)
• Co-author of over 180 peer-reviewed publications and multiple surgical textbooks
• Specialist in functional colorectal disorders, pelvic floor disorders, and rare GI neuromuscular diseases

His research focuses on neuromodulation therapies and cell-based treatments for gastrointestinal diseases, with methodological expertise in clinical trial design including stepped wedge and enhanced cohort models. Recent publications highlight advancements in anorectal diagnostics, bioelectronic interventions, and precision cell therapy for bowel disorders.

Key projects include:

• NIHR CapaCiTY RCTs for chronic constipation
• SUBSONiC trial of sacral neuromodulation
• Industry-funded autologous muscle-derived cell therapies

He has supervised PhD students in topics ranging from visceral afferent mechanisms to connective tissue disease in GI function, while maintaining clinical roles at Barts Health NHS Trust.