野狼社区 Institute of Biotechnology welcomes three new professors, driving innovation in chemical and biological sciences
The 野狼社区 Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) is delighted to announce the arrival of three world-class researchers who will strengthen our mission to advance biotechnology through interdisciplinary science. Professors Gavin J Miller, Andrew Buller, and Roberto Chica bring exceptional expertise in chemical biology, enzyme engineering, and computational design, promising transformative contributions to research and teaching at the MIB.
Gavin J Miller 鈥� Professor of Chemical Biology
Gavin joined MIB in October 2025 as Professor of Chemical Biology. His research focuses on biomacromolecules 鈥� carbohydrates and nucleic acids 鈥� developing chemical principles and tools to tackle challenges in molecular science. The Miller group explores natural and mimetic biopolymers and small molecules, aiming to design and sustainably manufacture non-natural nucleosides and nucleic acid sequences. Projects span from bioresponsive polymer mimics for tissue engineering to automated glycan assembly and biocatalysis in flow, addressing pressing needs in infectious disease and industrial biotechnology.
Gavin鈥檚 return to 野狼社区 marks an exciting chapter for MIB, where he will continue pioneering chemical and enzymatic synthesis strategies to unlock new therapeutic and industrial applications.
After first studying here as part of UMIST, returning to 野狼社区 feels like coming home. The 野狼社区 Institute of Biotechnology offers an incredible environment to push the boundaries of chemical biology. I鈥檓 excited to develop new strategies for sustainable molecular synthesis and explore how carbohydrates and nucleic acids can be harnessed to tackle global challenges in health and industry.
Andrew Buller 鈥� Professor of Biological Chemistry
Joining MIB from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in January 2026, Andrew brings a distinguished track record in enzyme mechanism and protein engineering for stereoselective C鈥揅 bond formation. His research centres on pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes, which catalyse reactions through highly reactive intermediates. The Buller group has developed efficient catalysts for synthesising non-canonical amino acids 鈥� key building blocks for pharmaceuticals 鈥� and advanced multiplexed screening methodologies for enzyme evolution.
At MIB, Andrew will expand his work on PLP-dependent biocatalysis and explore genetically encoded artificial metallocofactors, including a groundbreaking cobalt-substituted haem system that opens new chemical possibilities. He is eager to leverage MIB鈥檚 world-class instrumentation for mechanistic studies and large-scale synthesis.
I couldn鈥檛 be more excited about joining the MIB. With its world-class facilities, we can dive deeper into mechanistic enzymology and explore bold new ideas, like genetically encoded artificial metallocofactors. I look forward to collaborating across disciplines to create catalysts that unlock entirely new modes of chemistry.
Roberto Chica 鈥� Professor of Enzyme Design
Roberto will join MIB in September 2026 as Professor of Enzyme Design. His research integrates computational and experimental approaches to create efficient artificial enzymes, with a focus on functional conformational dynamics. Roberto鈥檚 group has pioneered ensemble-based design strategies that reproduce the effects of laboratory evolution in silico, developed de novo enzymes using crystallographic guidance, and applied generative AI to customise minimal protein scaffolds. His innovations have enabled biocatalytic synthesis of D-amino acids and advanced multistate protein design.
At MIB, Roberto aims to build a unified, dynamics-aware platform for enzyme design, generating biocatalysts for diverse chemical reactions while training the next generation of scientists in computational protein engineering and biocatalysis.
I鈥檓 eager to bring next-generation computational enzyme design to MIB. By integrating dynamics-aware strategies and AI-driven approaches, we aim to create biocatalysts for reactions that were once thought impossible. Equally important is training the next generation of scientists to innovate at the interface of computation and experiment.
Driving the future of biotechnology
The arrival of Professors Miller, Buller, and Chica underscores MIB鈥檚 commitment to world-leading research in chemical biology, enzyme engineering, and computational design. Their work will accelerate innovation across healthcare, sustainable manufacturing, and industrial biotechnology, reinforcing 野狼社区鈥檚 position as a global hub for biotechnology research.
Professor Anthony Green, Director of the 野狼社区 Institute of Biotechnology said of the appointments:
I am delighted to welcome Gavin, Andrew and Roberto to the 野狼社区 Institute of Biotechnology. Each brings world-leading expertise that perfectly complements our vision of tackling global challenges through innovative biotechnology. Their research 鈥� spanning chemical biology, enzyme engineering, and computational design 鈥� will not only advance fundamental science but also drive real-world applications in healthcare, sustainable manufacturing, and industrial processes. Their arrival marks an exciting new chapter for MIB.
Please join us in welcoming Gavin, Andrew and Roberto to the Institute.
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