Dr. Paul Freemont

Professor

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Biography

Paul Freemont is a Professor and Head of the Structural Synthetic Biology Section in the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of human disease and infection through integrated structural biology tools. His work includes notable research programs in synthetic biology, emphasizing automation, cell-free systems, microbiome engineering, and 3D printing. Freemont co-founded the Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology and co-directs the UK National Innovation Knowledge Centre. He is also the Director of the London Biofoundry. His research interests lie in developing foundational tools for synthetic biology, including biofoundries and applications in biosensing, metabolic engineering, and synthetic cells. He has authored over 300 scientific publications and has received numerous accolades, including being elected a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization and a Fellow of multiple prestigious institutions. As a leading voice in the field, he participates in various councils and groups, including the Engineering Biology Research Consortium and the UK government's Engineering Biology Steering Group, and advocates for the commercialization of engineering biology.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor, Head Section Structural Synthetic Biology

2019-06-01 — Present

Imperial College London • London, United Kingdom

Leading research and development in the field of structural synthetic biology.

Professor, Head Section Structural Biology

2014-06-01 — 2019-06-01

Imperial College London • London, United Kingdom

Oversaw research within the section, focusing on structural biology pertinent to infectious diseases.

Co-Director

2013-01-01 — Present

UK National Innovation Knowledge Centre Synthetic Biology • United Kingdom

Contributing to the development and innovation in synthetic biology across the UK.

Director

2019-11-01 — Present

London Biofoundry • United Kingdom

Managing operations and strategic direction of the biofoundry.

Head Division

2005-01-01 — 2012-12-01

Imperial College London • United Kingdom

Led the division focused on molecular biosciences.

Head Centre Structural Biology

2000-01-01 — 2005-01-01

Imperial College London • United Kingdom

Directed the center's research and collaborations.

Principal Scientist

1994-01-01 — 1999-12-01

Imperial Cancer Research Fund • London, United Kingdom

Conducted pivotal research in cancer biology.

Research Scientist

1989-01-01 — 1994-01-01

Imperial Cancer Research Fund • London, United Kingdom

Focused on cancer research initiatives.

Postdoctoral Fellow (Mike Crumpton Lab)

1987-12-01 — 1989-12-01

Imperial Cancer Research Fund • London, United Kingdom

Investigated structural biology in cancer research.

Postdoctoral Fellow (Tom Steitz Lab)

1984-01-01 — 1987-12-01

Yale University • New Haven, United States

Engaged in advanced studies in molecular biophysics and biochemistry.

Requirements for Imperial College London

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125
Prerequisites
Materials Science Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering Physics Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Personal statement
  • CV/resume
  • Official university transcripts
  • Two academic or professional references
  • Application fee (£90)
Specialization Notes

Specialisms available in Materials for the Energy Transition or Theory and Simulation of Materials.