PhD in reproductive biology from the University of Cambridge. Following post-doctoral positions in Edinburgh and Bordeaux and WHO in Geneva, returned to Edinburgh to join the MRC Reproductive Biology Unit and establish a research program with clinical outreach into male infertility. Formerly Chair of Biological Sciences, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Health and Medicine - University of Newcastle. He is currently the Distinguished Emeritus Laureate Professor of Biological Sciences.