Ash Toye is a Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Bristol, where is director of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Red Cell Products. His scientific work centers on understanding and manipulating the production of red blood cells, particularly using synthetic biology to explore novel therapeutic applications. This includes pioneering research on lab-grown blood for transfusion, with the goal of addressing blood shortages. In 2022, he co-founded Scarlet Therapeutics, a spinout from the University of Bristol, where he serves as Chief Scientific Officer. Scarlet focuses on developing new technologies for blood-based therapeutics, further advancing his vision for engineered red blood cells in medical applications​Beyond his research, Toye is active in public engagement, regularly communicating his work through the media. His research into lab-grown blood, particularly for clinical trials, has garnered significant public interest, and he frequently participates in discussions aimed at making complex scientific advances accessible to a broader audience​