Personal statement

I am the LGC Professor in Measurement Science for Health and lead the Centre for Advanced Measurement Science and Health Translation - a joint initiative with the National Measurement Laboratory (NML) at the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC), the University of Stathclyde and NHS Lanarkshire. The aim of the centre is to develop cutting edge interdisciplinary projects which drive new healthcare and measurement science R&D in Scotland. The University is a Tier 1 member of CAMS-UK and because of this, my role is part supported by funding derived through CAMS-UK and the Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund.

Using core expertise in electrochemical sensing, analytical chemistry and device fabrication my research aims to develop improved diagnostic tests for clinically important conditions such as, drug resistant bacterial infections, respiratory viruses, sepsis, cancer, cardiovascular disease and liver disease.  In the group, we work on device fabrication, surface functionalisation, bioconjugation, sample handling, measurement techniques and assay development for a range of sensor systems, from high value microfabricated arrays, to wearables and through to low cost devices for use in resource limited settings.

In addition to academic research, translational activity is an important aspect of the group's work because we are keen to ensure that developments from the lab ultimately find real world application.  As a result of this, I am the founding Director and Chief Scientific Officer of Aureum Diagnostics, a company developing a low-cost electrochemical diagnostic assay platform. I am also a co-founder of and Chief Technology Officer for Microplate Dx, a company developing a novel method for selecting the best antibiotic to treat an infection. In recognition of the work done on translation and company formation, I was awarded Academic Entrepreneur of the Year for 2023 at the Praxis Auril Knowledge Exchange Awards. 

My work is often highly interdisciplinary and has involved many industrial partners (e.g. GSK, National Nuclear Laboratory, AstraZeneca, Lifescan, Aptamer Group, FlexMedical Solutions, Biotangents and other SMEs) and projects rely on close collaboration with other academics, including: clinicians, experts in fluidics/sample handling, microbiologists, neuroscientists, electrical engineers and chemists.

I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC). I co-chair the Measurement Science Institute for the Community of Analytical Measurement Science - UK (CAMS-UK), am a panel member of the UKRI Interdisciplinary Assessment College, sit on the National Physical Laboratory Industrial Committee on Biosensors and am an academic member of the Scottish Pandemic Sciences Partnership Oversight Board.