Heulyn Jones

Dr Heulyn Jones is a Lecturer in Chemistry at Cardiff University's School of Chemistry and works at the Medicines Discovery Institute (MDI). Sponsored by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, Dr Jones contributes significantly to both teaching and research activities within the chemistry department. As an active researcher, Dr Jones leads projects focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches for unmet clinical needs, particularly in the areas of lysosomal storage disorders and CNS-related conditions.

• MChem in Chemistry from Cardiff University
• PhD in Chemistry from Cardiff University (2013)
• Postdoctoral research at University of Strathclyde (2016-2018)
• Research position at University of Manchester (2016)
• Current position at Cardiff University's Medicines Discovery Institute (2018-present)

Dr Jones's research spans the boundary between chemistry and biology, with a focus on developing small molecule therapeutics. Key interests include using synthetic chemistry in conjunction with medicinal chemistry principles to improve the properties of small molecules from initial 'hits' to more suitable drug candidates. Dr Jones is particularly fascinated by bifunctional molecules like PROTACs and has growing interests in diseases caused by protein misfolding. Current research projects include small molecule inhibition of acid ceramidase (funded by LifeArc and Action Medical Research), development of novel fluorescent probes for VATP-ase (MRC-funded), and research on additional lysosomal targets and protein degradation strategies.

Analysis of Dr Jones's recent publications (2016-2025) reveals a strong focus on medicinal chemistry approaches to neurological and metabolic disorders. The research demonstrates expertise in kinase inhibitors (particularly LIMK inhibitors for fragile X syndrome), lysosomal storage disorders, and innovative approaches to protein degradation. There's a clear progression from fundamental synthetic chemistry techniques toward increasingly complex biological applications, with recent work emphasizing CNS-targeted therapies and novel therapeutic modalities like PROTACs.

Dr Jones has contributed to multiple patent applications related to GABA alpha 5 negative allosteric modulators and kinase inhibitors. These include UK patent application 2201949.1 (filed 2022), UK patent application 2106385.4 (filed 2021), and international patents PCT/GB2020/052423 and WO2019220101 related to CaMK1D kinase inhibitors.

As a lecturer, Dr Jones supervises postgraduate students and teaches several core chemistry courses including CH5103 (Foundations of Organic Chemistry), CH5203 (Further Organic and Biological Chemistry), CH5108 (Introduction to University Chemistry), and CH5110 (Year 1 Chemistry Foundation Practical). Dr Jones also contributes to courses on communicating chemistry, biochemistry, and final year projects. Research funding includes support from Wellcome Trust, MRC, LifeArc, Action Medical Research, and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Dr Jones is a key member of the Medicines Discovery Institute at Cardiff University, collaborating with researchers including Prof Simon Ward, Prof Emyr Lloyd Evans, Dr Helen Waller-Evans, Prof Awen Gallimore, Dr Niek Buurma, and Dr Katherine Smith. The research environment fosters multidisciplinary approaches to drug discovery, with particular emphasis on translating chemical innovations into potential therapeutic applications for challenging medical conditions.