Simon Duckett

Simon Duckett is a Professor and Director of the Centre for Hyperpolarisation in Magnetic Resonance at the University of York. His academic career spans over three decades, including roles as Lecturer (1993-2001), Reader (2002-2005), and Professor (2005-present). He pioneered hyperpolarization techniques to enhance NMR and MRI sensitivity, with research focusing on parahydrogen-induced polarization, molecular symmetry in NMR, catalytic activity probing, photochemical reactivity studies, and biomedical hyperpolarization applications.

• Director, Centre for Hyperpolarisation in Magnetic Resonance (2010-present)
• Director, Centre for Magnetic Resonance (2008-2011)
• Principal Investigator for multiple funded projects (EPSRC, European Commission)

His work bridges inorganic chemistry and biomedical applications through:

• Design of novel inorganic complexes with NMR-active isotopes (¹³C, ¹⁵N)
• Development of hyperpolarization methods for disease diagnosis
• Investigation of catalysis mechanisms via photolysis-NMR coupling

Recent publications highlight advancements in:

• Hyperpolarized MRI for metabolic imaging
• Catalytic hydrogenation of alkanes
• Biocompatible SABRE applications
• Dynamic nuclear polarization techniques

Scientific recognition includes the 2020 Günther Laukien Prize.