Tom is Professor of Haemoglobinopathy Research at Imperial College, London. He is also the Head of the Human Genetics Group at the Programme. He qualified in Medicine from Westminster Medical School in London before completing specialist training in Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases. He completed his PhD in molecular parasitology in Oxford University and has subsequently worked in research directed at red cell genetic defects for more than 30 years. He has been based full time in Kilifi since 2000 while also holding positions in Oxford University and Imperial College London, UK.