Michael Antoniou

Dr. Michael Antoniou is the Head of the Gene Expression and Therapy group at King’s College London (UK), which is part of the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics. Historically, the main focus of research within his group is the study of the molecular mechanisms of the regulation of gene function. He has also used these discoveries to develop efficient gene expression systems for efficacious and safe biotechnological, including gene therapy, applications. Dr. Antoniou holds inventor status on a number of patents with industrial partners in this area. More recently, Dr. Antoniou has expanded his research program to include using molecular profiling “omics” methods (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) in evaluating the safety of foods derived from GMO crops, low dose exposure from their associated pesticides and other chemical pollutants. Dr. Antoniou has been a critic of GMO crops highlighting their potential and realized dangers for more than 20 years. At the same time as promoting “efficacious and safe biotechnologies”, Dr. Antoniou, in his personal capacity, is one of 313 scientists who in signed the European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility (ENSSER) statement “No scientific consensus on GMO safety”. Dr. Antoniou is also a co-author of Earth Open Source publication “GMO Myths and Truths, an evidence-based examination of the claims made for the safety and efficacy of genetically modified crops and foods.” He is also one of the official expert witnesses who supported the State of Vermont in the case brought against them by the Grocery Manufacturers Association challenging the State’s GMO food labeling law.