معرفی
David Leys is a Professor of Structural Biology at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Ghent (2000) and has held academic roles including a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, a position as a Research Fellow at the University of Leicester, and a Reader in Molecular Enzymology before becoming a Professor in 2010. His work has been recognized with awards such as the Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2003–2011), EMBO YIP (2004), and the 2015 Wain Medal in Biochemistry.
Leys' research focuses on understanding the atomic basis of biological processes through structural biology and biochemical techniques. Key areas include interprotein electron transfer, substrate channelling strategies, enzymatic H-tunnelling, and organohalide respiration. His group investigates protein structure-function relationships, particularly in enzymes relevant to biotechnology, such as those involved in biofuel production. Recent work has uncovered novel roles for vitamins B2 and B12 in enzymatic mechanisms.
He leads an independent research group funded by BBSRC, ERC, and industry, comprising ~4 postdoctoral scientists and 5 PhD students. His projects include the High Resolution Cyclic Ion Mobility HDX Mass Spectrometry of Protein Dynamics (2022–2023), Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre (2014–2020), and Innovative Routes to Monoterpene Hydrocarbons (2014–2020). His contributions align with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to Biotechnology and Sustainable Futures.
Notable datasets include crystal structure determinations and enzyme docking models, with widespread academic and industry engagement. His work bridges fundamental research and applied biotechnology, emphasizing protein engineering and structure-based drug design.
