Dr. Jon Dawson

Biography

Professor Jon Dawson is the Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southampton and serves as Deputy Head of the School for Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise in Human Development and Health. He is also the Director of the Centre for Human Development and Stem Cells, leading a hub for translational research in regenerative medicine. With decades of experience in stem cell biology and biomaterials, Jon is recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of material science and regenerative therapies. He has held successive personal fellowships from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), focusing on the application of clay nanoparticles in regenerative medicine. His current research revolves around the unique surface and colloidal properties of clay nanoparticles, specifically in polymer-clay nanocomposites and protein-clay self-assembling systems. His materials have led to innovative drug delivery methods and advanced cell delivery technologies, with a particular interest in harnessing clay-protein interactions for safe and effective delivery of growth factors such as BMP2 for spinal fusion. Jon is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Renovos, a spin-out company translating his research into clinically impactful solutions. He leads a dynamic research group of six principal investigators and 20-30 early career researchers, working in close collaboration with Southampton General Hospital to utilize state-of-the-art biomedical material science facilities.

Research Interests

Experience