Professor Jon Dawson is Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southampton, where he also serves as Deputy Head of School (Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise) for Human Development and Health. He was former Director of the Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, a leading hub for translational research in regenerative medicine.
With nearly two decades of experience in stem cell biology and biomaterials, Jon is recognised for his pioneering work at the intersection of material science and regenerative therapies. He has held two 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 centres on the unique surface and colloidal properties of clay nanoparticles, particularly within polymer-clay nanocomposites and protein-clay self-assembling systems. These materials are being developed for innovative drug and antimicrobial delivery methods, as well as advanced cell delivery technologies. He has a particular interest in harnessing clay-protein interactions to spatially control and stabilise growth factors, with a primary focus on the safe and effective delivery of BMP2 for spinal fusion.
Jon is also co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Renovos, a spin-out company translating his research into clinically impactful solutions. He co-leads a dynamic research group of six PIs and 20–30 early career researchers, working within a highly translational environment that maintains close collaboration with Southampton General Hospital and access to state-of-the-art biomedical and material science facilities.
