ProfessorJulian Jones

Julian Jones is a Professor of Biomaterials in the Department of Materials and Associate Dean for the Research Excellence Framework for the Faculty of Engineering. He joined the Department to carry out his PhD with the late Professor Larry Hench, the inventor of Bioglass. He joined the academic staff on a Royal Academy of Engineering/ EPSRC Research Fellowship (2004). He leads a team of around 20 researchers, working in the areas of advanced materials for regenerative medicine and biomass derived materials. His team includes multidisciplinary materials scientists, clinicians and dentists. Highlights include: 

- the first porous bioactive glass scaffolds;
- tough inorganic organic hybrid materials termed “BOUNCY BIOGLASS” with unique properties (self-healing, bioactivity, biodegradability);
- improved toothpaste formulations containing Bioglass, in collaboration with GSK;
- amorphous bioactive glasses for wound healing;
-“drug free” nanoparticles that kill cancer cells but not other cells;
- 3D printable and spinnable polymers and hybrid materials derived from biomass.

Our patented Bouncy Bioglass has self healing properties and when 3D printed, it can guide bone marrow stem cells to produce high quality articular cartilage. Cartilage and bone Bouncy Bioglass devices are in pre-clinical trials.

Julian Jones' "Review of bioactive glass: From Hench to hybrids" is the highest cited paper in Acta Biomaterialia's history. The team’s work has featured in the media, including BBC TV's Operation Ouch, BBC Radio 4, The Discovery Channel, the UN International Year of Glass 2022 and National Geographic (February 2024). The group's work is explained in Julian Jones' INAUGURAL LECTURE (see below).