Professor Paul Roach

Professor Paul Roach is Professor of Biomaterials and Interface Science in the Department of Chemistry at Loughborough University, where he leads interdisciplinary research into biological material interactions across molecular, cellular, and tissue scales. His work focuses on understanding and controlling protein and cell behaviour at surfaces to develop advanced biomaterials, neural engineering systems, and diagnostic technologies, including brain-on-a-chip platforms and spectroscopy-based approaches for healthcare applications.

His research integrates chemistry, surface science, bioscience, and engineering, and involves collaborations with clinicians, mathematicians, computer scientists, physicists, stem cell scientists, geographers and industry partners to translate fundamental discoveries into real-world impact. This includes work on neural circuit modelling, regenerative medicine, vibrational spectroscopy for early-stage disease detection, and aspects of materials/surface science in understanding microplastic interactions.

Professor Roach has a strong track record of leading large multidisciplinary projects, including EU-funded and UKRI-supported programmes, and contributes to national and international research strategy through roles in biomaterials societies and doctoral training centres.

He is happy to speak to the media on topics including biomaterials innovation, brain inspired technologies, regenerative medicine, emerging diagnostic techniques, and interdisciplinary science addressing healthcare and societal challenges.