John Girkin (1979)

Professor of Biophysics at Durham University, Director of Research in Department of Physics, Chair of EPSRC Strategic Advisory Team  

After my undergraduate degree I undertook a PhD in very pure physics, using lasers to measure the energy levels in a hydrogen atom at Southampton. I then moved to a start-up company in the Cambridge area (11th employee) and designed opto-mechanical products that are still sold today. I then moved to a large company in Windsor making ophthalmic instrumentation including the puff tonometer (for measuring the pressure in the eye) and the world's first laser diode retinal photo coagulator. While here it was realised that I could also speak with customers (mainly clinicians) and so developed a new role as the Product Manager as well as running the development program for these new products.  

I then drifted back into academia originally at Strathclyde, at the then newly formed Institute of Photonics, developing research in BioPhotonics and working closely with industry and clinicians. I led the development of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance in the Physics and Life Sciences giving me experience of working with senior management in large organisations, the Scottish Government and local funding agencies.  

I moved to Durham to lead the newly formed Biophysical Sciences Institute and served as its director for seven years. During this time, I developed a strong partnership between the University and P&G, securing over £34 million in funding over 10 years. I was on the 2021 REF physics panel and now chair an advisory board for EPSRC, one of the main funders of research in the UK. I thus have experience in both academia and industry, having worked at all levels within organisations of varying sizes.  

Outside of work I enjoy choral singing and used to be an active cricketer and hockey player.