Stephen Mann

Stephen Mann is Professor of Chemistry at the University of Bristol, UK, where he serves as co-Director of the Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Director of the Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, and Director of the Centre for Protolife Research. He previously served as Principal of the Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials and as Professor in Chemistry at the University of Bath (1990-1998). His academic journey began with a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Oxford in 1982.

• Member of Academia Europaea (2020)
• Fellow of the Royal Society (2003)
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (1996)

Professor Mann's research focuses on the chemical synthesis, characterization and emergence of complex forms of organized matter, particularly in the areas of biomimetic materials chemistry, biomineralization, and protocell research. His work bridges chemistry, biology, and materials science to explore the transition from non-living to living matter. He has pioneered approaches in solvent-free liquid proteins, protocell design, and the self-assembly of nanoscale objects for modeling biological systems and exploring the origins of life.

His publication record is exceptional, with over 550 scientific papers, an h-index of 135, and more than 73,000 citations. His work has been recognized by Research.com (2023) as ranking 102nd globally in Chemistry (4th in the UK) and 130th globally in Materials (6th in the UK). His research themes demonstrate a consistent focus on the interface between proto-life research and synthetic biology, with significant contributions to understanding how complex inorganic structures can be synthesized and organized through biomimetic principles.

• Davy Medal, Royal Society (2016)
• RSC Nyholm Medal (2018)
• Bauerman Medal, Imperial College London (2016)
• de Gennes Prize and Medal (2011)
• European Research Council Advanced Grant (2011-2016; 2017-2023)

Professor Mann has mentored over 100 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to successful careers globally in academia and industry. His research has been supported by numerous prestigious grants including the ERC Advanced Grant and Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award. He has served on editorial boards for major journals including Advanced Materials, Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Nature Communications.

His leadership extends to directing two major research centers at Bristol: the Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry and the Centre for Protolife Research. These centers bring together interdisciplinary teams exploring the fundamental principles of chemical organization and the emergence of life-like properties in synthetic systems.