Norman Ratcliffe

Professor Norman Ratcliffe is a leading academic in Material and Sensor Sciences at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), specifically within the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS). His work spans academic, industrial, and clinical collaborations globally, including partnerships with institutions in Bangladesh, Ireland, Spain, Austria, and numerous EU projects. He specializes in volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis for disease diagnosis, sensor technology development, and environmental cleanup solutions.

Norman holds a BSc and PhD and has over 170 publications. His research focuses on applying VOC analysis to medical diagnostics (e.g., bladder cancer, UTIs, IBS), food quality monitoring, and fuel additive safety. Notable innovations include the world’s first automated electronic nose for food quality control and VOC-based systems for gastrointestinal and urological disease detection. He also develops nano-magnetic particles for environmental remediation and jet fuel oxygen sensors.

His collaborations include the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (software decision-making), Airbus (fuel systems), and the International Association for Breath Research. Research interests include biomarker prospecting, electronic nose technologies, and interdisciplinary projects blending chemistry, engineering, and medicine. While no specific awards are listed, his prolific output and industry partnerships highlight his impactful contributions to applied sciences.

Grants and funding are implied through EU projects and industrial partnerships. He advises on sensor technology commercialization and has pioneered translational research from lab to market. His work extends to pediatric diabetes biomarker research at Children’s Hospital Bristol and neonatal care collaborations with Birmingham Hospital.