James Murray is renowned for his range and depth in applications of mathematical modelling. James’s many contributions include work in fluid dynamics and chemical engineering, though James is best known for research on biomedical phenomena. His recent work on brain tumour growth is enabling medical professionals to estimate life expectancy and effectiveness of possible treatments before they are used.

James’s research is characterised by its interdisciplinary and often collaborative nature. He has addressed many topics through modelling, including rabies epidemics, breathalyser accuracy and scar formation, as well as predicting divorce rates and possible species extinction resulting from climate change. James is also the author of a highly regarded textbook, Mathematical Biology (third edition, 2002).

He works to communicate the excitement and practical use of scientific research through public lectures and media appearances. James helped found the European Society for Mathematical and Theoretical Biology and was its first President. He was elected a Foreign Member of the Académie des sciences, and the James D. Murray Chair of Applied Mathematics in Neuropathology was established in his honour.