Professor Keith Gull CBE FMedSci FRS

Keith Gull is a biologist who has made particular contributions to our understanding of eukaryotic microorganisms, or protists — tiny organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other specialised functional machinery enclosed within membranes. His research focuses on fungi, slime moulds and trypanosomes, parasites that cause sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis in humans.

His work has provided important insights into how cells construct their cytoskeleton, a fibrous network that maintains the physical structure of the cell. In particular, he has revealed interesting insights into how tiny microtubule proteins act. He also discovered the mode of action of the antifungal drug griseofulvin, leading to advances in fungicides and treatments for infection with parasitic worms.

Keith is Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the University of Oxford where his research group works on integrated aspects of biology from an evolutionary and health perspective. He was appointed a CBE in 2004 for his services to microbiology and is a Member of Cancer Research UK.

Subject groups

  • Molecules of Life

    Cell biology (incl molecular cell biology), Biochemistry and molecular biology, Molecular microbiology

  • Cell Biology

    General microbiology (incl bacteriology and virology)

Professor Keith Gull CBE FMedSci FRS
Elected 2003
Committees Participated Role
Sectional Committee 7: Cell Biology November 2019 - October 2021 Chair
Sectional Committee 7: Cell Biology November 2018 - October 2019 Member
Sectional Committee 7: Cell Biology December 2010 - November 2013 Member
Biological Sciences Awards Committee January 2010 - December 2012 Member
Leverhulme - Royal Society Africa Award Committee May 2009 - April 2015 Member
Royal Society Research Grants Scheme - Board E April 2004 - March 2005 Chair
Sectional Committee 6: Molecules of Life December 2003 - November 2006 Chair