Terry K Smith

Prof Terry K Smith is a Professor and Director of the Biomedical Sciences Research Complex at the University of St Andrews. His primary research focuses on lipid biosynthesis in protozoan parasites such as Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania. He leads a multidisciplinary team investigating GPI anchor biosynthesis, enzymatic pathways, and drug discovery for neglected tropical diseases. His work combines lipidomics, molecular parasitology, and chemical synthesis to identify therapeutic targets.

Prof Smith holds editorial roles in multiple journals, including Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology and IUBMB Life. He has secured grants from Wellcome Trust, BBSRC, and MRC, totaling over £13 million. His labs are equipped with advanced instrumentation, including a 4000 Q-trap mass spectrometer.

Key achievements include the discovery of antiparasitic compounds targeting lipid metabolism and contributions to understanding SARS-CoV-2 inactivation mechanisms. He was awarded a CBE in 2024 for services to science.