Michael George Tanner

Dr. Michael George Tanner is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Photonics at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering & Physical Sciences. He leads research in applying single photon detection and optical fiber technologies for clinical and biomedical applications. His roles include co-leading the 'Sense' capability in the Global Research Institute for Health & Care Technologies and serving as Treasurer of the Institute of Physics’ Medical Physics Special Interest Group.

Education: PhD from Cambridge University (Microelectronics Research Centre), Postdoctoral work at Hitachi Cambridge Lab, and later research roles at Heriot-Watt University, University of Glasgow, and QMRI Edinburgh.

Research Interests: Development of photon-counting devices, fiber-optic sensors, and quantum technologies for medical diagnostics. Key areas include biomedical imaging, endoscopy, and clinical translation of photonics innovations. Recent work focuses on translating advanced photonics into practical medical tools, such as pH sensing via optical fibers and fluorescence-based bacterial detection.

Teaching: Leads Solid State Physics (3rd year) and Investigative Techniques labs (1st year) in the Physics department, supervising experimental undergraduate projects.

Grants & Funding: Supported by MRC, EPSRC, and Scottish Enterprise. Active in industry collaborations and interdisciplinary initiatives.

Labs/Teams: Heads a growing research group at the David Brewster Building, collaborating with the Photonic Instrumentation group and the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences.