Join us to learn about journeys into Chemistry and Chemical Engineering as part of the 2026 British Science Festival!

Dave is a European and Chartered UK Patent Attorney in the Chemistry group at Definition IP, an intellectual property firm based in Newcastle upon Tyne. His career path brings together academic research and private-sector experience, giving him a strong technical and commercial foundation for his work in the patent profession.

Dave began his career journey at the University of Manchester, where he studied Chemistry with Forensic Science before completing a PhD in Synthetic Chemistry. His doctoral research explored the role of inositol phosphate in natural iron chelation through the synthesis of biological inositol phosphates and novel diagnostic analogues.

Dave then held a Postdoctoral Research Associate position investigating the application of natural and engineered biocatalysts in the biosynthesis of industrially relevant chemicals. He later moved to the private sector where he worked on the development of antibody-drug conjugate therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. It was in the private sector that Dave gained experience managing the patent portfolio of an emerging biotechnology company, which ultimately led to a shift in career as Dave entered the patent profession to pursue qualification as European and Chartered UK Patent Attorney.

Location:

Lecture theatre 1, Building 27 (Chemistry and Chemical Engineering), University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ

Description supplied by the event organiser.