Jonathan Cox

Jonathan Cox is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath, where he has been a faculty member since 1993. His interdisciplinary research bridges chemistry, biology, and engineering, focusing on the sensory mechanisms of aquatic vertebrates, particularly fish olfaction. He is affiliated with international research networks including the Natural History Museum, University of Glasgow, Penn State University, and the University of Guelph.

• PhD in Chemistry, Durham University, 1989
• BSc in Chemistry, Durham University, 1986
• Postdoctoral Research Assistant, University Chemical Laboratory, Cambridge, 1989–1990
• SERC Postdoctoral Fellow, University Chemical Laboratory, Cambridge, 1990–1992
• Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Centre for Protein Engineering, Cambridge, 1992–1993
• Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, 1993–present

Dr. Cox’s research centers on understanding how odorants are transported to the olfactory epithelium in cartilaginous fish such as sharks, rays, hagfish, and chimaeras. He employs advanced imaging techniques including micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to reconstruct detailed 3D models of nasal anatomy. These models are then used in physical experimental setups or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze flow patterns and sensory efficiency.

His recent publications (2019–2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on olfactory mechanics across diverse fish species—from sturgeons and pike to sea catfish and hammerhead sharks. The work reveals how morphological adaptations influence odorant capture and sensory input, contributing to broader understanding of aquatic sensory ecology and evolutionary biology. Themes across these studies include externally driven olfactory flow, resampling behaviors, and the integration of imaging with biomechanical modeling.

Dr. Cox has led two significant research projects: Using Mechanical Models to Attack the Protein Folding Problem (funded by the Leverhulme Trust, 2005–2008) and Artificial Nasal Cavity (funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, 2005–2009). These projects reflect his expertise in applying physical modeling to biological questions.

He is an active participant in academic discourse, with recent and upcoming presentations at key scientific events such as the Symposium for Vertebrate Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy (2024) and talks titled Navigating with a Single Nose and The Fluid Dynamics of a Hammerhead Shark’s Nose (2024–2025). His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and responsible scientific innovation.

Dr. Cox collaborates extensively with global institutions, including the CT unit at the Natural History Museum, Simpleware, Glasgow Experimental MRI Centre, Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph, and the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University. These partnerships enhance the technical and comparative scope of his research.