People

Matthew Meselson, Director

Trained in chemistry and physics, Prof Meselson has conducted research mainly in the field of molecular genetics. He invented an important method for analyzing the densities of giant molecules and employed it to demonstrate how DNA replicates in dividing cells. He later showed that genetic recombination results from the splicing of DNA molecules. He also demonstrated the enzymatic basis of a process by which cells recognize and destroy foreign DNA, and discovered methyl-directed mismatch repair, which enables cells to repair mistakes in DNA. At present, he conducts research in molecular genetics and evolution.

Paul Nightingale, Professor of Strategy and Associate Dean of Research

Alexander Ghionis, Research Fellow in Chemical and Biological Security

Alexander's interests relate to the chemical and biological weapons prohibition regimes, in particular the work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). His doctoral research looked at change and continuity in the OPCW, with focus on the cultures and identities of its Technical Secretariat. The research developed understandings of how change has unfolded within the OPCW by interpreting organisational developments through an interdisciplinary assessment of international relations, policy studies, and theories of culture and management. He is also a research associate with the CBWNet project based in Germany.

Joshua Moon, Research Fellow in Health and Research Policy

Joshua Moon is Research Fellow at SPRU. The focus of his research is knowledge dynamics and global health emergencies. In 2019 he completed his PhD at SPRU which examined how knowledge is accumulated during major disease outbreaks and the methods by which that knowledge is then passed on. He recently co-authored a paper on the role of reports in investigations of alleged use. Joshua is currently engaged on a project evaluating Covid-19 testing systems.

Richard Guthrie, Independent Expert and Editor at CBW Events

Dr Richard Guthrie is the CBW Events Co-ordinating Editor. Richard has worked in and with the non-governmental, governmental and inter-governmental sectors. He was previously Project Leader of the Chemical and Biological Warfare Project of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) (2003-06). He was involved in a long-term collaboration with the Harvard Sussex Program (1988-2003), where he was responsible for production of The CBW Conventions Bulletin and for managing certain data resources. He also edited or co-edited seven volumes of the VERTIC yearbook (1991–97) and the VERTIC newsletter Trust and Verify (1992–97). He was responsible for production of the PPNN Newsbrief (1989–2001). He also worked part-time in the House of Commons for sixteen years.

Outside activities include membership of the Pugwash Study Group on the Implementation of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions (as well as being Chair of the British Pugwash Trust and a member of the Executive Committee of the British Pugwash Group) and being an elected Trustee, and Chair of the Finance Committee, for the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution.

Ioannis Valiakos, Research Assistant

Ioannis Valiakos is a Research Assistant with SPRU on the Harvard Sussex Program (HSP) since May 2016. He is currently working towards the completion of his PhD in Law at the University of Sussex. His thesis focuses on emerging artificially intelligent and lethal autonomous weapons systems through the lenses of International Humanitarian and International Criminal Law, exploring the question of a potential gap of legal responsibility that may emerge by the use of AI-based and autonomous lethal weapons systems during the conduct of hostilities.