| Authorised form of name | Gilbert; Harry John (1953-2025); biochemist |
| Dates | 1953-2025 |
| Nationality | British |
| Place of birth | United Kingdom |
| Date of birth | 13 July 1953 |
| Date of death | 20 September 2025 |
| Occupation | Biochemist |
| Research field | Nutrition |
| Environmental sciences |
| Earth Science |
| Virology |
| Bacteriology |
| Cell biology |
| Structural biology |
| Biophysics |
| Molecular Biology |
| Biochemistry |
| Activity | Education:
King Alfred School, Golders Green, North London; University of Southampton BSc 1975; PhD 1978
Career:
Lecturer, Newcastle University, UK (1985); Professor of Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, UK; Eminent Scholar in Bioenergy at the University of Georgia, USA (2008-2010).
Memberships:
FMedSci |
| Membership category | Fellow |
| Date of election | 28/04/2016 |
| Age at election | 62 |
| OtherInfo | His research focussed on enzymes, primarily glycoside hydrolases, which attack complex carbohydrates. These enzymes are of considerable biological and industrial importance. Harry used structure-function studies to dissect the contribution of non-catalytic carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs) in targeting enzymes to complex insoluble structures exemplified by the plant cell wall, thereby overcoming the access problem.
Eextended his studies on CBMs to explore how glycoside hydrolases are able to select specific substrates and modes of action. Using structure-based strategies, Harry exploited this fundamental understanding of enzyme specificity to engineer novel catalytic functions into these biological catalysts.
Dissected the mechanisms of glycans utilization by human gut bacteria, the microbiota. His work has led to the presentation of a selfish model for the metabolism of highly complex carbohydrates by members of this ecosystem. Harry's work had implications on resource allocation within the human microbiota, which could impact on dietary strategies that maximise the impact of this microbial ecosystem on health. |
| Source | The Royal Society Fellows Directory, Professor Harry Gilbert FMedSci FRS, [URL: https://royalsociety.org/people/harry-gilbert-12868/; last accessed: 21/10/2025] |
| Code | NA10056 |
Archives associated with this Fellow
| RefNo | Title | Date |
| EC/2016/22 | Gilbert, Harry John: certificate of election to the Royal Society | 28 April 2016 |
| IM/007791 | Gilbert, Harry J | 2016 |