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Prof Jonathan Ashmore
Bernard Katz Professor of Biophysics
Neuro, Physiology & Pharmacology
Div of Biosciences
- Joined UCL
- 1st Aug 1996
Research summary
My work addresses a variety of cellular mechanisms of hearing. Using a variety of biophysical techniques I work on the mechanisms of electromotility in cochlear outer hair cells. Using confocal imaging I have been working on the mechanisms of synaptic release at the ribbon synapse of the inner hair cells, combining electrophysiology and multiphoton imaging. Using large scale computational models I work on the patterning of electrical current flow in the cochlea during stimulation by sound. I have an interest in potassium channel function in early auditory processing and the nature and origin of tinnitus and have published in the area.
A further recent research activity is an investigation of the signalling mechanisms in cancer with a collaboration with groups outside UCL. The research links in to a long standing interest in calcium mechanisms and cellular imaging
Teaching summary
I have lectured at undergraduate and graduate levels most of my academic career on wide range of physiological topics, not just on sensory neuroscience.
I am currently co-organiser of a 3rd year module, the Cellular Basis of Brain Function, but also lecture on MSc Neuroscience, on the Principles of Biology and to Audiology Students.
I have lectured internationally, in France, in Italy and most recently in India (2019) and in Iran (2019). I have been a Faculty member of the biannual Woods Hole MBL course, The Biology of the Inner Ear (2007-present).
Education
- University College London
- Other higher degree, Master of Science | 1974
- Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
- Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 1971
- Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
- Other Postgraduate qualification (including professional), Diploma of the Imperial College | 1969
- University of Sussex
- First Degree, Bachelor of Science | 1968
Biography
Originally trained as theoretical physicist (PhD supervisor Tom Kibble), I became a laboratory scientist after a short postdoctoral fellowship with Abdus Salam at ICTP Trieste. I have worked on synaptic mechanisms in the retina in the Dept of Biophysics, UCL and at UCSF, but I have been researching hearing mechanisms since 1980, first at the University of Sussex and then at Bristol University, where I was promeoted to professor in 1993. I moved to UCL in 1996.
I was a founder member of CoMPLEX (UCL's Centre for Mathematics and Physics in the Life and Experimental Sciences). I was also a founder member of the UCL Ear Institute (in 2001).
I have been President of the Physiological Society (2012-2014) and I am currently Director of the London Interdiscplinary Doctoral Programme (LIDo-DTP).