Michael Ferguson

Professor Sir Michael Ferguson is the Regius Professor of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee and an Interim Dean of the School of Life Sciences. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE), Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci), and Royal Society of Biology (FRSB).

Education:

• BSc in Biochemistry, University of Manchester (1976-1979)
• PhD in Biochemistry, University of London (1979-1982)

His research focuses on the biochemistry of protozoan parasites causing tropical diseases such as human African Sleeping Sickness, Chagas' disease, and leishmaniasis. He emphasizes the Biology/Chemistry interface and translational research, co-founding the Drug Discovery Unit and directing the Dundee Proteomics Facility. His work on glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane anchors has transformed understanding of eukaryotic biology.

Recent publications highlight advancements in antimicrobial resistance, serology standards for SARS-CoV-2, and mechanochemical drug formulation. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in Health and Life Sciences.

Scientific Awards:

• Royal Society Leeuwenhoek Medal (2025)
• Biochemical Society Morton Lecture (2024)
• Knight Bachelor (2019)
• Colworth Medal (1991)
• Howard Hughes International Scholar (1993)

He serves on the boards of UK Biobank, Medicines Discovery Catapult, and chairs PhaSER Bio. During the pandemic, he advised the UK government on antibody testing and national core studies.