Dr. Jon Ashley | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award
Liverpool John Moores University | United Kingdom
Dr. Jon Ashley is a distinguished Senior Lecturer in Analytical and Forensic Science at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. With a robust background in analytical chemistry, molecular recognition, and biosensor development, his career spans academia and research institutions across Europe and Asia. Driven by innovation, Dr. Ashley focuses on advancing biosensing technologies for healthcare and environmental applications.
Professional profile👤
Strengths for the Awards✨
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Outstanding Research Record:
Dr. Ashley has an extensive research portfolio, focusing primarily on analytical chemistry, biosensors, molecular recognition, aptamer development, and nanomaterials. His publication list includes high-impact journals like Angewandte Chemie, Advanced Materials, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Nucleic Acids Research, and Biomaterials, demonstrating a strong contribution to scientific advancement. -
International Experience:
His research career spans multiple prestigious institutions across the UK, Denmark, Portugal, Switzerland, and Singapore, indicating international recognition and collaboration. -
Grant Success:
He has secured significant funding as a principal investigator (PI), including the Villum Experiment Grant (1.5 million DKK) and a Discovery Grant for a spinout company (150,000 DKK), showing leadership in research innovation and commercialization. -
Academic Service and Leadership:
Dr. Ashley holds leadership roles as a senior lecturer and module leader at Liverpool John Moores University, along with serving as a topic editor for Chemosensors and Biosensors journals. He also contributes actively to scientific communities through committees (e.g., RSC Liverpool Local Section) and public outreach (e.g., Shotgun Science events). -
Awards and Honors:
Achieving Chartered Chemist (CChem) status and being recognized twice as a Top Reviewer in Chemistry reflects peer recognition of his academic excellence and service.
🎓 Education
Dr. Ashley completed his PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the National University of Singapore (2009–2013), where he developed protein-binding aptamers using capillary electrophoresis. Prior to that, he earned a PGCE with QTS in Secondary Science Education from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (2005–2006) and an MChem (Honours) in Chemistry with Industrial Experience (2:i) from the University of Manchester (2000–2004). His educational journey highlights a blend of deep scientific inquiry and a commitment to teaching excellence.
🏢 Experience
Dr. Ashley’s professional journey is marked by dynamic academic and research roles. Currently, he is a Senior Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University (2022–Present). Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at Denmark Technical University (2019–2022), a Marie Curie Co-Fund Research Fellow at INL, Portugal (2018–2019), and a Postdoctoral Researcher at DTU Nanotech (2016–2018). His earlier research roles at Cranfield University (2014–2016) and University Hospital Basel (2013–2014) provided rich experience in biosensor development and molecular neuroscience.
🔬 Research Interest On Biotechnology
Dr. Ashley’s research interests focus on molecular recognition, biosensor design, aptamer development, and nanomaterials for healthcare diagnostics. He has a strong focus on developing next-generation biosensors using enzyme-generated aptamers and has expanded his expertise into areas such as environmental sensing and nanomedicine for cancer therapy.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Dr. Ashley’s accolades include the Chartered Chemist Status (CChem) from the Royal Society of Chemistry (2018–Present) and multiple editorial roles at Chemosensors and Biosensors journals. He has been recognized as a Top Reviewer in Chemistry by Publons in 2018 and 2019, won the NUS Teaching Excellence Award in 2011, and recently received the LJMU Faculty Education Award in Digital Education (2025).
📚 Publications
Dr. Ashley has an impressive list of publications in prestigious journals:
1
Title: Molecularly imprinted polymers for sample preparation and biosensing in food analysis: Progress and perspectives
Authors: J Ashley, MA Shahbazi, K Kant, VA Chidambara, A Wolff, DD Bang, Y Sun
Year: 2017
Citations: 372
2
Title: Biodegradable poly (γ-glutamic acid)@ glucose oxidase@ carbon dot nanoparticles for simultaneous multimodal imaging and synergetic cancer therapy
Authors: M Zhang, W Wang, F Wu, T Zheng, J Ashley, M Mohammadniaei, …
Year: 2020
Citations: 128
3
Title: Quantitative detection of trace level cloxacillin in food samples using magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer extraction and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy nanopillars
Authors: J Ashley, K Wu, MF Hansen, MS Schmidt, A Boisen, Y Sun
Year: 2017
Citations: 93
4
Title: Synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles for α-Casein detection using surface plasmon resonance as a milk allergen sensor
Authors: J Ashley, Y Shukor, R D’Aurelio, L Trinh, TL Rodgers, J Temblay, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 91
5
Title: An SPR based sensor for allergens detection
Authors: J Ashley, M Piekarska, C Segers, L Trinh, T Rodgers, R Willey, IE Tothill
Year: 2017
Citations: 90
6
Title: Upregulating aggregation‐induced‐emission nanoparticles with blood–tumor‐barrier permeability for precise photothermal eradication of brain tumors and induction of local immune response
Authors: M Zhang, W Wang, M Mohammadniaei, T Zheng, Q Zhang, J Ashley, …
Year: 2021
Citations: 86
7
Title: Fluorometric determination of doxycycline based on the use of carbon quantum dots incorporated into a molecularly imprinted polymer
Authors: X Feng, J Ashley, T Zhou, Y Sun
Year: 2018
Citations: 82
8
Title: One-pot green synthesis of biocompatible graphene quantum dots and their cell uptake studies
Authors: A Halder, M Godoy-Gallardo, J Ashley, X Feng, T Zhou, L Hosta-Rigau, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 77
9
Title: Development of a β-Lactoglobulin sensor based on SPR for milk allergens detection
Authors: J Ashley, R D’Aurelio, M Piekarska, J Temblay, M Pleasants, L Trinh, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 75
10
Title: A multifunctional molecularly imprinted polymer-based biosensor for direct detection of doxycycline in food samples
Authors: J Ashley, XT Feng, Y Sun
Year: 2018
Citations: 72
🧩 Conclusion
✨ Dr. Jon Ashley exemplifies a modern scientific leader whose work bridges the gap between fundamental analytical chemistry and impactful biosensor innovation. His career trajectory, distinguished by international research, prolific publication, and academic contributions, highlights his role as a pioneer in developing next-generation diagnostic technologies for both clinical and environmental applications.