Max Crispin

Max Crispin is Professor of Glycobiology and Director of the Institute for Life Sciences at the University of Southampton's School of Biological Sciences. His research leverages glycoprotein engineering to develop antiviral vaccines (targeting HIV, influenza, SARS-CoV-2) and antibody-based cancer therapeutics. He leads the Glycoprotein Therapeutics Laboratory, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, NIH, EU Horizon 2020, and Against Breast Cancer.

Research Focus: Crispin's work explores how viral glycans shield pathogens from immune detection and how antibody Fc-region glycosylation can be engineered to enhance cancer immunotherapy. His lab develops bispecific antibodies and novel approaches to neutralize competing endogenous antibodies in oncology.

Awards & Honors:

• FRSB (2016), FRSC (2020)
• Highly Cited Researcher (2019, 2022, 2023)
• ASBMB MCP Lectureship Award (2023)
• Supernumerary Fellowship, Oriel College Oxford (2018)

Advising & Grants: He mentors PhD students in biological sciences and leads major grants including:

• Against Breast Cancer Programme Grant
• NIH Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development
• EU Horizon 2020 projects