I am a Founder Member and Chief Scientific Officer for Peptimatrix

My group use stem cells to investigate the relationships between glycosaminoglycan (GAG) structure and function. To better understand the role of GAGs in cell-matrix interactions we have developed hydrogel-based 3D model systems that can be tailored to mimic specific tissue environments. Within the University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), I lead the Interdisciplinary and Translational Network and work to create a productive, creative and supportive research environment with the BDI directorate. I am also on the board of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) which reflects my passion for improving the human relevance of assays used in drug development.

I am a visiting Professor at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Sweden

The research focus of our group is the improved understanding of how glycosaminoglycans direct (stem) cell behaviour in vivo and in vitro. We are developing improved tools for in vivo analysis and for the functionalisation of biomaterials with glycosaminoglycan sugars for tissue-realistic 3D cell culture.

Working with Professor John Gallagher as part of the proteoglycan research group in Medical Oncology.