Richard Luxton

Richard Luxton first studied clinical chemistry in the National Health Service for thirteen years at the Bristol Royal Infirmary before moving to the Institute of Neurology in London to study for a PhD in neuro-immunology, investigating antibody affinity in the CSF of patients with multiple sclerosis.

At the University of the West of England he focused his research in the area of developing new rapid detection technologies for point of care diagnostics, environmental analysis, food safety and homeland defence applications. One area of research that has been particularly successful is the development of magnetic detection technology for use in immunoassays. Using this technology a magnetic-biosensor has been developed that will perform an assay in three minutes or less. Other areas of research include the rapid detection of change in cell systems using impedance spectroscopy and novel data interpretation algorithms.In 2008 he launched the Institute of Bio-Sensing Technology, which seeks to develop new collaborations between industry and academia through inter-disciplinary research. Following the successful launch of IBST he launched the successful International Conference for Bio-sensing Technology in 2009, in conjunction with Elsevier.In 2011 he was successful in launching the South West Biomedical Innovation Network which supports the commercialisation of innovation in small and medium enterprises in the South West of England. In 2014, together with Professor Janice Kiely, he launched a European funded Business Technology Centre to develop cell monitoring technology and supporting companies develop their products by enabling access to cutting edge technologies. From this a new Health Technology Hub was opened in 2018 at the University of the West of England which has cutting edge laboratories and workshops that support research and development of bio-sensing technology, health-tech and devices for assisted living.In 2012 he was responsible for launching Medilink South West, a networking organisation for the Health and Life Science sector in the South West of England and is currently the company chairman.Richard has led many large multi-partner projects to develop new technology for the rapid detection of analytes in food and water and is currently leading a NIHR funded programme to develop a rapid detection technology for bacteria in urine

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