Hal Drakesmith

Hal Drakesmith is a Professor of Iron Biology at the University of Oxford's Radcliffe Department of Medicine. He is affiliated with Harris Manchester College and conducts research within the MRC Human Immunology Unit and MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine. His work focuses on understanding how pathogens exploit iron metabolism and how manipulating hepcidin—a central regulator of iron—can combat infections. Drakesmith leads research on HIV, malaria, and hepatitis C, exploring their iron-related pathogenic mechanisms. A DPhil project is available in his group to investigate iron's role in immune control.

His research interests include iron biology’s impact on immunity, hepcidin regulation during infections, and the metabolic requirements of pathogens. He examines how iron dysregulation influences disease outcomes, such as malarial anaemia and HCV-associated iron overload. Drakesmith’s studies aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies by targeting iron transport pathways.

Recent articles highlight investigations into iron’s dual role in infection progression, cellular iron utilization, and iron metabolism’s association with diseases like malaria and hepatitis C. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications, emphasizing hepcidin as a therapeutic target. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but his contributions to iron biology research are notable. He currently advises students through the DPhil project and collaborates across interdisciplinary teams. The Drakesmith Group operates within the Radcliffe Department of Medicine and focuses on 'Iron and Immunity' research themes.