Phil Biggin

Professor Philip Biggin is a leading figure in computational biochemistry, known for using powerful computer simulations to understand how proteins work and how medicines interact with them. His research helps reveal the tiny molecular motions that control processes such as nerve signalling, receptor activation and drug binding—insights that are important for designing safer and more effective therapeutics.

Phil’s group is especially recognised for developing and applying advanced binding free-energy methods, which allow scientists to make accurate predictions about how strongly a potential drug will bind to its target. These tools are now used widely in academic labs and in the pharmaceutical industry, where they help guide drug-discovery projects.

Beyond his research, Phil has played a major role in shaping the wider computational-modelling community. He served for over ten years as Chair of the Molecular Graphics and Modelling Society (MGMS), helping to organise conferences, support early-career scientists and promote new approaches across the field. He also leads the IBM Computational Discovery PhD Programme, which trains the next generation of computational chemists and biologists in partnership with industry.

Phil is strongly committed to building collaborative, interdisciplinary science. He works closely with experimental groups, medicinal chemists and biotechnology partners, ensuring that computational insights lead to real-world impact. He also contributes to national research strategy through leadership roles in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Bringing together scientific innovation, community leadership and a passion for training young researchers, Phil continues to push forward the frontiers of molecular simulation and its applications in biology and medicine.