David Klenerman

David Klenerman is a Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Cambridge, holding the Royal Society Chair since 2016. Previously, he was Professor of Biophysical Chemistry (2007–2016), Reader in Biophysical Chemistry (2004–2007), and Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry (1994–2004). His research focuses on biophysical methods applied to biomedical problems, including protein misfolding, neurodegenerative diseases, and high-speed DNA sequencing. He co-invented the Solexa (Illumina) sequencing technology and founded the biotech company Solexa.

Research Interests:

• Protein folding/misfolding mechanisms
• Molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's)
• Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy
• Imaging adaptive immune responses
• Genomic technologies (DNA sequencing)

Key Awards:

• 2022 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences
• 2021 Millennium Technology Prize
• 2018 Royal Medal (Royal Society)
• 2016 Royal Society Glaxo Wellcome Professorship
• 2012 Fellowship of the Royal Society

Labs/Teams: Co-founder of Solexa (now Illumina), leading interdisciplinary research groups focused on biophysical techniques for biomedical applications. His work bridges chemistry, physics, and medicine, with applications in diagnostics and drug discovery.