Simon John Powis

Dr Simon John Powis is a Reader in the School of Medicine at the University of St Andrews, affiliated with the Cellular Medicine Division, Centre for Biophotonics, and the Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences. His research focuses on the function of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules, particularly their roles in antigen presentation via exosomes/extracellular vesicles and the association of HLA-B27 with ankylosing spondylitis. He leads projects funded by the Wellcome Trust and Tenovus Scotland, emphasizing translational immunology and biophotonics.

Research interests include MHC class I assembly, immunopeptidomics in health/disease, and the immunological activity of exosomal HLA-I molecules. His work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation.

Key collaborations include the EULAR study group on MHC-I-opathy mechanisms. Grants include leadership on ISSF Funding and a Tenovus scholarship for studying extracellular vesicles in lung cancer. He is involved in editorial roles (e.g., Journal of Biological Chemistry) and external PhD examinations.

Labs/teams: Active in the Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and St Andrews Bioinformatics Unit.