Graham Pavitt

Graham Pavitt is a Professor in the Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health (FBMH) at the University of Manchester, holding the position of Chair in the Division of Molecular & Cellular Function. His research focuses on the mechanism and regulation of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells, particularly using baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and zebrafish as model organisms. He investigates translational control pathways, stress responses, and their links to human diseases such as neurodevelopmental disorders.

Education: BSc in Microbiology & Virology (University of Warwick, 1988), DPhil in Biochemistry (University of Oxford, 1992). Postdoctoral training at NIH (USA) under Dr. Alan Hinnebusch. Career milestones include roles at the University of Dundee (1998–2000) and Manchester (2000–present), with promotions to Senior Lecturer (2005), Reader (2009), and Professor (2013).

Research Interests: Mechanisms of protein synthesis initiation, translational control by eIF2B and eIF5, stress response pathways, and modeling human diseases (e.g., FABAS syndrome). Collaborations include studies on eIF5A mutations and spermidine rescue mechanisms.

• Awards: FLS Researcher of the Year (2011), FLS Teacher of the Year (2014)
• Grants: BBSRC, MRC-DTP, Wellcome Trust, EU
• Lab Members: Postdocs and PhD students including Sophie Mogg, Jorge Peinado, and Blanca Navarrete

Key projects include the study of eIF2B-eIF2 interactions via cryo-EM and investigations into ribosome-colliding proteins during oxidative stress. Pavitt has co-organized major conferences on translation and yeast biology, contributing to both research and academic leadership in his field.