Dr. Andrew Moran | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Andrew Moran, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
Dr. Andrew William Moran is a Research Associate at the University of Liverpool, UK, specializing in gastrointestinal physiology and nutrient sensing. With over two decades of research experience, his work has contributed significantly to understanding sugar sensing mechanisms and their implications for animal and human health. He holds dual honours in Biochemistry and Biological & Medicinal Chemistry from Keele University and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Liverpool. Dr. Moran has played key roles in industry-funded projects, notably with ADM International and Pancosma SA, contributing to patented innovations in sweetener technology. His cutting-edge research on intestinal transporters, gut hormones, and enteric nervous system function has led to over 20 peer-reviewed publications. His interdisciplinary collaborations span veterinary, nutritional, and molecular biology fields, making him a valuable asset in translational gastrointestinal science. His REF-submitted research underscores the real-world impact of his scientific contributions.
Publication Profile:
✅ Strengths for the Award:
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Robust Academic Foundation:
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Dual honours in Biochemistry and Biological & Medicinal Chemistry (Keele University)
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PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (University of Liverpool)
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Research Excellence & Impact:
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Specializes in intestinal glucose transport, nutrient sensing, and gut-brain axis—key areas in both basic and applied science.
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Authored 24 publications in Web of Science and 20 on PubMed, with an H-index of 15, indicating consistent impact.
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Translational & Applied Innovation:
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Co-inventor on two international patents (WO2014033218A1 & WO2024121704A1) tied to sweetener additives—bridging lab discoveries with industrial application.
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Projects funded by ADM International and Pancosma SA, highlighting industry trust.
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Collaborative Leadership:
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Current research partnership with Dr. Ellen Roelfsema (Utrecht University) on metabolic syndrome in ponies—an example of cross-disciplinary collaboration.
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Contribution to REF2021 and REF2024, showing national-level research evaluation engagement.
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Model Innovation:
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Use of intestinal enteroids (mini-guts) in research, reflecting cutting-edge methodologies in gut physiology.
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🧭 Areas for Improvement:
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Editorial Leadership: There is no mention of editorial board roles or peer-review positions. Gaining visibility in editorial circles could amplify academic leadership.
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Public Science Communication: While the research is strong, broader science communication (e.g., public outreach, open-access workshops, webinars) would further elevate his profile.
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International Presence: While collaborations exist, a more visible presence through invited talks at global conferences or consortia could enhance reputation internationally.
🎓 Education:
Dr. Moran began his academic career with a BSc (Dual Honours) in Biochemistry and Biological & Medicinal Chemistry at Keele University from 1999 to 2002. He then pursued a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Liverpool, completed in 2006. His doctoral work focused on molecular mechanisms governing intestinal function, laying the foundation for his future studies in gut nutrient sensing and transporter regulation. He has continually expanded his knowledge through postdoctoral training and research in gastrointestinal physiology. This includes both in vivo and in vitro experimental methodologies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to investigating intestinal health. His educational background supports a wide range of expertise—from fundamental biochemistry to applied animal nutrition and enteric neuroscience. His solid academic training is a core strength underpinning his contribution to translational and industry-focused research.
🧪 Experience:
Dr. Moran’s research experience spans over 20 years, with expertise in molecular physiology of the gastrointestinal system. Post-PhD, his early work investigated the regulation of intestinal SGLT1 transporters, combining cell-based and whole-organism experiments. From 2019 to 2022, he led a project exploring the adaptive responses of the gut to diet and development. His more recent work (2022–2024) focuses on sweetener additive development in swine, incorporating pig-specific intestinal enteroids. He is currently funded by ADM International and has previously collaborated with Pancosma SA, contributing to two international patents. Dr. Moran is also engaged in veterinary research, partnering with Utrecht University to study equine metabolic syndrome. He has served as both an academic researcher and a consultant on gut sensing and nutrient absorption. This blend of industry and academic experience strengthens his application for recognition as a leading researcher in the field of digestive sciences.
🔬 Research Focus:
Dr. Moran’s primary research interests lie in intestinal sugar and amino acid sensing, glucose transporter regulation, and the gut-brain axis. He uses both traditional and novel model systems, including intestinal enteroids (mini-guts), to explore physiological responses to dietary changes. His research particularly targets SGLT1 and GLUT2 transporters, sweet taste receptors (T1R2-T1R3), and enteroendocrine pathways, aiming to enhance feed efficiency and gut health in livestock. His focus on sweetener bioactivity has direct applications in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Additionally, Dr. Moran investigates how gut nutrient sensing influences systemic responses, including metabolic disorders like equine metabolic syndrome. By integrating biochemistry, molecular biology, and animal physiology, his research contributes to the development of functional feeds and dietary interventions. His work is highly translational, bridging laboratory research with field application, and has resulted in two patents, several international collaborations, and over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, with research submitted for REF2021 and REF2024.
📚 Publications Top Notes:
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📄 Luminal Sweet Sensing and Enteric Nervous System Participate in Regulation of Intestinal Glucose Transporter, GLUT2
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📄 Nutrient sensing of gut luminal environment (Symposium: Proceedings of the Nutrition Society)
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📄 Non-nutritive sweetener activation of the pig sweet taste receptor T1R2-T1R3 in vitro mirrors gut expression
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📄 Toll-like receptor 9 in intestinal enteroendocrine cells induces cholecystokinin secretion
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📄 High-Intensity Sweetener Enhances Intestinal SGLT1 and Improves Enteric Disorders in Rabbits
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📄 Effect of Milk Replacer Composition on Intestinal Microbiota of Pre-ruminant Dairy Calves
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📄 Host selectively shapes intestinal microbiota of carnivorous and omnivorous fish
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📄 GLP-2 and Enteric Nervous System Regulate Intestinal Na+/Glucose Co-transport
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📄 Deregulation of transcription factors in morbidly obese affects enteroendocrine cells
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📄 Composition and diversity of pig gastrointestinal mucosa-associated microbiota under dietary influence
📝 Conclusion:
Dr. Andrew William Moran presents a strong and diverse research portfolio with a notable balance between fundamental science and industrial relevance. His innovation in nutrient sensing and gut physiology, coupled with active collaborations and patentable outputs, makes him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With minor expansion in academic leadership and public engagement, Dr. Moran is poised to become a prominent figure in translational biosciences globally.