Dr Lund graduated from Cambridge in Natural Sciences (specialising in Genetics), and subsequently worked both in academia and industry. His PhD research on analysis of bacteriophage Mu transposition was done at the University of Sussex, where he also worked as a post-doctoral research fellow. He then moved to Bristol University, where he worked on the regulation of bacterial gene expression by mercuric ions, developing a model explaining how the MerR protein could work both as a repressor and an activator. A subsequent move to California followed, to work in one of the first agri-biotechnology companies, Advanced Genetic Sciences. Here he worked on a range of projects including expression of chitinases and fish antifreeze proteins in plants. This gave him an insight into the commercial application of molecular biology techniques, and developed his interest in the interface between science and society and the ways in which GM technologies are regulated.
He returned to the UK to a lectureship at the University of Birmingham in 1990 and worked here until 2020, apart from a spell as a visiting senior research fellow at the University of Melbourne, Australia. His research interests in Birmingham have centred around stress responses in bacteria and archaea; in particular, the roles of molecular chaperones, and the impact of low pH on gene expression. In addition he had responsibility for developing and managing several modules and degree programmes.
His interests in regulation of GM technologies have led to membership of several national advisory committees for the FSA, HSE, and DEFRA. He retired with an Emeritus Chair position at the end of 2020 but continues to run an active research laboratory and supervise several PhD students, as well as chairing a European COST Action and acting as cross-committee member on two GM regulatory committees.