Dr Tom Bassindale

Forensics and analytical science lecturer Tom studied for his PhD in the UK's only World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory, and is currently leading a team from the University's Biomolecular Research Centre (BMRC) in using state-of-the-art analytical techniques to tackle a growing issue in sport – failed doping tests due to contaminated supplements. 

After receiving his PhD, he worked as a forensic toxicologist both in the UK and most recently in New Zealand, testing human samples for drugs using analytical technologies.

Expertise:

• Forensic science
• Forensic toxicology
• Drug analysis
• Hair testing
• Analytical chemistry
• Anti-doping science

Notable media coverage:

• Victoria Derbyshire Show [May 2016]
  Discussion on anti-doping
• USA Today [29 April 2016]
  No clear answers on Meldonium
• New York Times [6 April 2016]
  Meldonium is the suspect as Russia loses athletes
• BBC Radio 5 Live [9 March 2016]
  Interview on meldonium
• BBC Sport [8 March 2016]
  Maria Sharapova: What is meldonium & will its use be widespread?
• Media Centre Features and Comment [8 March 2016]
  Dr Tom Bassindale: How meldonium came to be a banned drug 
• Yorkshire Post [July 2014]
  Defeating the dopers...a victory that can only be won if we beat the desire to cheat
• BBC [July 2014]
  Doping life bans 'not legal' says Wada president Sir Craig Reedie
• ITV [27 February 2013]
  Sport drug testing to 'step up' following cricketer's death
• NZ Lawyer [25 Mar 2011]
  Having a bad hair day
• 3 News (New Zealand) [15 Feb 2011]
  Two-month-old P addicts in drug houses
• New Zealand Herald [15 Feb 2011]
  P house children's exposure similar to users - study

Tom also writes regularly on the topic of forensic science on his We Are Forensic blog.