Gavin James Wright

Professor Gavin James Wright serves as Chair in Microbial Biochemistry at the University of York with dual appointments in the Department of Biology and The Hull York Medical School, where he leads York Biomedical Research Institute themes. His laboratory develops protein-based technologies to identify extracellular receptor-ligand interactions critical for cellular recognition processes in both genetic and infectious diseases.

His educational background includes a PhD in Molecular Immunology (1999) and Master's in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford (1996), followed by progressive roles at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute as Junior Fellow (2003-2008), Group Leader (2008-2014), and Senior Group Leader (2014-2021).

Wright's research focuses on weak molecular interactions in cellular recognition, requiring bespoke high-avidity protein tools to detect transient binding events. His lab has made seminal discoveries including Juno as the egg receptor for sperm-egg recognition and Basigin as the receptor for malaria parasite invasion of red blood cells. Current work targets vaccine development against trypanosomes and leishmaniasis using systematic protein interaction screening.

Analysis of his publication record reveals sustained focus on extracellular receptor-ligand interactions across reproductive biology and parasitology, with strong translational emphasis on therapeutic targeting of accessible surface proteins for antibody-based interventions and vaccine design against neglected diseases.

His scientific recognition includes election as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2023), highlighting contributions to medical science through innovative target discovery approaches.

• Advising: Actively accepts PhD students through University of York Biology department
• Current Grants: Leads MRC Partnership on host-pathogen screening (2023-2026), BBSRC photonic sensor array project (2024-2025), and MRC cytokine engineering initiative (2025-2028)
• Past Funding: Multiple Wellcome Trust and MRC projects supporting protein interaction technologies

The Wright Laboratory (Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory) operates within York's Department of Biology with strong ties to the York Biomedical Research Institute. It maintains active collaborations with the Wellcome Sanger Institute and global partners, utilizing high-throughput protein expression platforms to address therapeutic target discovery for diseases affecting disadvantaged populations worldwide.