James H Naismith

Professor James H Naismith serves as a faculty member at the University of Oxford within the Nuffield Department of Medicine, leading research in structural biology and biochemistry with a focus on bacterial membrane proteins and natural product biosynthesis.

His work centers on Structural Biology and Biochemistry, specifically investigating membrane proteins involved in bacterial sugar polymer assembly and the biosynthesis of novel natural products. This research bridges Microbiology and Natural Products Chemistry, aiming to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of bacterial cell wall synthesis and bioactive compound discovery.

Professor Naismith's scientific contributions have been recognized through prestigious fellowships:

• Fellow of the Royal Society
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh
• Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences

He actively mentors students including Wenbo Li and leads a multidisciplinary team of postdoctoral researchers and research associates. His laboratory operates within the Structural Biology Laboratory (STRUBI), utilizing advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy to study macromolecular structures and mechanisms, with research aligned toward translational applications in health and disease.