Nigel Scrutton

Nigel Scrutton is a Professor of Molecular Enzymology, Chemical Biology, and Biological Chemistry at The University of Manchester. He leads the EPSRC Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub and directs the BBSRC-funded Synthetic Biology Research Centre 'SYNBIOCHEM'. Previously, he served as Director of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) from 2010–2019, recognized with the Queen's Anniversary Prize. His research focuses on enzyme catalysis, quantum biology, and photocatalysis, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches in biophysics and synthetic biology.

Scrutton's academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Cambridge and postdoctoral roles as a Research Fellow at St John’s College. He held professorships at the University of Leicester before joining Manchester in 2005. His honors include Fellowship of the Royal Society (2020), Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award, and multiple medals from the Biochemical Society and Royal Society of Chemistry.

Key research contributions include discoveries on hydrogen tunneling in enzymes, novel biological cofactors, and engineered systems for biofuel and chemical production. His labs include SYNBIOCHEM, MCBC (Manchester Centre for Biophysics and Catalysis), and the Future BRH hub. Collaborations span global institutions like Tsinghua University and VISTEC, Thailand.

Scrutton’s teaching emphasizes integrating chemical principles into biological studies, addressing topics like enzymatic mechanisms and quantum effects. Outreach activities include public lectures on biofuels and catalysis, delivered at venues like the Royal Institution.