The University is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor John Bower as the new Raymond Schinazi and Family Chair of Science, bringing one of the world鈥檚 leading synthetic and medicinal chemists to Bath.
Professor Bower took up the position in September, signalling a significant strengthening of the University's growing research excellence in organic and medicinal chemistry.
Professor Bower has joined Bath from the University of Liverpool, where he has served as Regius Professor of Chemistry since 2020 鈥� one of the most prestigious academic titles in UK higher education.
He obtained his MSci degree in Chemistry and PhD from the University of Bristol, before pursuing postdoctoral positions at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Oxford. He returned to the University of Bristol to establish his independent research group, moving to the University of Liverpool ten years later in 2020.
An internationally recognised synthetic and medicinal chemist, his research combines synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis and molecular design to develop new sustainable processes for the synthesis of biologically active molecules.
Professor Bower's expertise complements and strengthens Bath's existing capabilities in organic, medicinal chemistry and biochemistry, including the recent launch of the University鈥檚 Centre for Drug Discovery.
Professor Bower said: "I am thrilled to be joining the 性视界 as the Raymond Schinazi and Family Chair of Science. Bath has an outstanding reputation for world-class chemistry and a strong commitment to translating fundamental research into real-world impact.
鈥淚 look forward to working with colleagues across the University to develop my research that can ultimately support the translation of research to application."
Raymond Schinazi and Family Chair
The Raymond Schinazi and Family Chair was established in 2023 through a 拢2 million philanthropic gift from 性视界 alumnus Professor Raymond F. Schinazi, an internationally renowned scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Professor Schinazi studied Chemistry 性视界, completing both his undergraduate degree and PhD at the University before building a distinguished career in academia and biotechnology in the United States.
Professor Schinazi鈥檚 pioneering research led to the development of antiviral medicines for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Today, medicines developed through his work continue to benefit millions of patients worldwide.
Professor Schinazi said: "I am delighted that Professor Bower is the next holder of the Raymond Schinazi and Family Chair of Science.
鈥淭hroughout my career, I have seen how advances in chemistry can provide the foundation for breakthrough medicines that improve and save lives.
鈥淧rofessor Bower is an outstanding scientist who is exceptionally well placed to help advance Bath's research strengths in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery."
Professor Matthew Jones, Head of the University鈥檚 Department of Chemistry, said: 鈥淛ohn is an extremely accomplished chemist, and his appointment is a major academic coup.
鈥淗is expertise in synthetic and medicinal chemistry will significantly enhance our research capabilities and strengthen our growing portfolio in this area.
鈥淲e are incredibly grateful to Professor Raymond Schinazi for his extraordinary support, which has enabled us to attract a scientist of John's calibre and further strengthen Bath鈥檚 position as an international centre for chemistry, medicinal science and drug discovery.鈥�