John Hunt

Professor John Hunt is a distinguished academic and researcher at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), where he serves as Head of the NTU Strategic Research Theme within the School of Science & Technology. With a career spanning over three decades, Professor Hunt has established himself as a leading expert in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. His research focuses on developing breakthrough therapies and devices to repair, replace, augment, and regenerate diseased or damaged tissues using material interventions, with particular emphasis on cellular responses to implanted materials.

Professor Hunt earned his Ph.D. in 1992 and D.Sc. in 2006, both from the University of Liverpool. His educational foundation in clinical engineering has enabled his interdisciplinary approach that bridges engineering, materials science, and medicine. He has received research funding from major organizations including the European Commission, BBSRC, MRC, and EPSRC, as well as industry partners.

Professor Hunt's research interests center on understanding the fundamental science behind interventional medical therapies requiring material use. His work takes a first-principles approach to directing cellular and molecular mechanisms related to clinical outcomes, biocompatibility, inflammation, and stem cell biology. His specific applications span musculoskeletal tissues (cartilage and bone), visceral and vascular tissues. His publication record demonstrates leadership in developing tissue engineering processes and biomaterials for clinical applications.

His recent research (2021-2025) shows expansion into novel areas including perovskite-graphene biosensors for cytokine detection, noninvasive breast cancer detection technologies, nanoarchitectonics of bactericidal coatings, and textile-based protein sensors for wound monitoring. These works reflect his ability to bridge fundamental materials science with practical clinical applications.

• Chair of the Committee of Analytical Biosciences Group, The Royal Society of Chemistry (2004)
• Steering committee member and elected treasurer, International College of Fellows of Biomaterials Science and Engineering (2016)
• Athena Swan Review Panel Member (2014)
• Wellcome Trust Innovations Advisory Group (2012)
• International Board Member for Journal Biomaterials (2002)

Professor Hunt has organized seven national and international conferences, including the European Society for Biomaterials meeting in 2014. He holds multiple patents related to osteoinductive materials, stem cell culture methods, and cell growth technologies, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical applications. His work continues to advance regenerative medicine through innovative biomaterials development and tissue engineering approaches.