2016 - Royal Society Industry Fellow University of York 2011 - Senior Lecturer University of York 2005 - 2011 Lecturer University of York 2005 - 2006 BYEF Fellow University of York 2003 - 2005 David Phillips Fellow University of York 2000 - 2003 David Phillips Fellow University of Bath 1997 - 2000 HFSP Fellowship Cold Spring Harbor Lab EMBO Fellowship New York 1996 PhD ICRF 1992 BSc University of Manchester

Methanogenic archaea are an increasingly economically important group of microorganisms. A series of unique biochemical pathways means that these microbes are able to synthesise methane, the flammable component of natural gas, from basic components such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen. On a global scale, methanogens are responsible for the synthesis of approximately a billion tonnes of methane per year. However, in addition to their potential to contribute to climate change, methanogens are also a key component in the decomposition of organic matter via anaerobic digestion (AD). Under controlled conditions, AD has the potential to produce substantial quantities of renewable energy from waste.