Dr Alexander Gould FMedSci FRS

Alex Gould is a developmental biologist working in the field of developmental metabolism. He has combined innovative metabolic profiling and imaging methods with genetic analysis in order to identify how animals respond to environmental stresses during early life.


Alex’s research has shown how exposure to mild metabolic stresses during development can lead to substantial increases in longevity. He has also identified key metabolic processes that selectively protect neural stem cells in the developing brain from starvation and hypoxia. Alex’s work has shown at the cellular and molecular level how organisms adapt, within their lifetime, to an adverse environment.


Alex is a principal group leader at the Francis Crick Institute and a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. He is a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization and a recipient of the Hooke Medal.

Professional position

  • Senior Group Leader, Physiology and Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute

Subject groups

  • Cell Biology

    Developmental biology, Genetics (excluding population genetics)

  • Multicellular Organisms

    Physiology incl biophysics of cells (non-clinical)

Committees Participated Role
Research Appointment Panel B(ii) January 2023 - December 2025 Member