Professor Anthony Davis, Professor of Supramolecular Chemistry, has received the honour for his work on glucose-binding molecules. Professor Davis’ work focuses on designing molecules which can perform specific tasks, acting like mini-machines.
Inspired by nature
Since living systems rely on highly evolved molecular machinery, Scientists often look to biology for inspiration. Carbohydrates such as glucose are central to many of these natural processes, and the molecules that can recognise and attach to them play a vital role.
Professor Davis’ laboratory at the University of Bristol has been trying to mimic these natural molecules, partly to help understand how they work, but also to provide tools which can moderate biological processes.
The group chose to focus on glucose because of its key role in diabetes – a condition that affects over half a billion people worldwide. They set out to design a glucose sensor that could one day be built into systems to support safer diabetes management.
Their early designs struggled to bind strongly to glucose while avoiding interference from other molecules. However, after many years of research, the team succeeded in developing GluHUT – a synthetic glucose receptor that overcomes these challenges and shows excellent performance in both strength and selectivity.
Professor Davis said:
“I’m delighted that our work has been recognised, and very grateful to all who contributed to three decades of research in Dublin and Bristol. I’m also pleased to receive the award as an applied scientist. It is especially satisfying that work which began as curiosity-driven, with little hope of application, eventually produced results of real practical benefit.”
Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said:
“The recipients of this year’s medals and awards have all made outstanding contributions to science and its applications for the benefit of humanity.
“They have done so through by furthering our understanding of the processes that govern the world around us, changing the practices of academia to build a more robust and inclusive research environment, and engaging new audiences.
“Celebrating these diverse contributions is core to the Society’s mission and I offer my congratulations to all the 2025 recipients.”
Commercial success; the creation of spin-outs Ziylo and Carbometrics
This work led to the creation of two companies. The first, Ziylo, was founded in 2014, and acquired in 2018 by global healthcare company Novo Nordisk in a deal worth up to $800m.
The second, Carbometrics, was founded following the acquisition of Ziylo and is using the glucose-binding molecules originally developed in Professor Davis’ lab to improve sensors for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, used to manage diabetes. The research also led to Science Creates – a pioneering deep tech ecosystem, which opened its first Bristol-based incubator in 2017 to provide lab space for Ziylo and which is still home to Carbometrics.
The University of Bristol has produced over 90 active spin-out companies with strengths from quantum to biotech, which places it sixth among UK institutions (Spotlight on Spinouts 2025). Many of these businesses have chosen to stay in the Bristol city-region, which is supported by two Science Creates incubators and the award-winning SETsquared Bristol, Engine Shed and Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre. This dynamic environment will receive a significant boost in 2026, with the opening of the Bristol Innovations Zone at the heart of the University’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and of a third Science Creates incubator.
A new film created by the University of Bristol charts the decades-long journey of Professor Davis’ research, from initial discoveries and setbacks, to eureka moments and commercial success, which helped provide a catalyst for Bristol’s thriving deep tech ecosystem.
The film features in-depth interviews with Professor Davis, Dr Harry Destecroix, Founder of Ziylo and Science Creates and Dr Andy Chapman, CEO of Carbometrics.