Professor John Sumpter
Professor

Summary

I head a research group focussed on chemicals in the aquatic environment, and their effects on fish. I discovered endocrine disruption in fish, caused by estrogenic chemicals entering rivers in effluents from sewage treatment works. My research group currently consists of 3 post-doctoral fellows and four Ph.D. students. Our main focus has broadened from just estrogenic chemicals, and now includes other human pharmaceuticals present in rivers, such as beta-blockers, other steroid hormones (e.g. progestogens, glucocorticoids), and anti-cancer drugs. Our research ranges from detailed molecular studies of the mechanisms of action of these chemicals through to ecological studies on fish populations.

Qualifications

• 1973: First-class Honours Degree in Zoology/Marine Zoology from University College of North Wales, Bangor.
• 1977: PhD from University College of North Wales, Bangor.
• 1987: Elected Fellow of the Institute of Biology.
• 1991: Awarded DSc from University of Wales
• 2004: Made ‘Distinguished Professor’ of Brunel University

Career

• 1976-78: Post-doctoral Fellow at University College of North Wales, Bangor.
• 1978-87: Lecturer in Applied Biology, Brunel University.
• 1987-91: Reader in Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Brunel University.
• 1991-2005: Professor in Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Brunel University, and Head of the Ecotoxicology Research Group.
• 2001-03: Head of Department of Biological Sciences, Brunel University
• 2004: Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, Brunel University
• 2005-present: Professor in Institute for the Environment, Brunel University
• 2007-2011: Head of Institute for the Environment, Brunel University.