Dr. Tom Ellis

Professor

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Biography

Tom Ellis leads a research team in synthetic genome engineering and synthetic biology at the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London. He has a track record in synthetic biology with over 60 publications in prestigious journals such as Science, Cell, Nature Methods, Nature Biotechnology, and PNAS. He has led the UK-funded project to build a synthetic yeast chromosome as part of the international synthetic yeast project (Sc2.0), pioneering the field of Engineered Living Materials. In addition to his research, he co-leads the teaching of the synthetic biology undergraduate module at Imperial and has won multiple awards for his teaching and supervision of iGEM teams. His research focuses on developing foundational tools for design-led synthetic genomics and synthetic biology, particularly in yeast (S. cerevisiae), and aims to grow new functional biomaterials. Prior to joining Imperial in 2009, Ellis obtained his PhD from the University of Cambridge in 2004 and worked in academia and biotech, investigating drug interactions with gene regulatory networks and their applications in biofuel and beer production.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

Imperial College London • London, UK

Leading research in synthetic genome engineering and synthetic biology.

Biotech Researcher

— Present

Spirogen • UK

Developed biological screening unit and high-throughput assays for drug interactions.

Researcher

— Present

Boston University • USA

Investigated synthetic biology and engineered gene regulatory networks.

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.