“The Sunsure device provides unique information to the individual in terms of taking the necessary steps to avoid clinically relevant sunburn. Correct and responsible use of the Sunsure device can lead to subjects spending a shorter time exposed to the sun, which is an important component of the Sunsmart campaign which is aimed at provoking a lifestyle that is associated with a decreased susceptibility and incidence of skin cancer"

Mark Birch-Machin
Senior Lecturer in Molecular Dermatology, University of Newcastle.

Previous appointments have been Senior INSERM Scientist, Hospital Necker, Paris, France; Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Newcastle; Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Neurosciences, University of Newcastle, and University of Oregon, USA.

I have received over £1 million in research grants. Since receiving my PhD in Biochemistry in 1987, I have published 85 times in scientific journals and books including 56 full papers including Nature Genetics and The Lancet. I am presently one of the leading researchers in the UK and Europe on the effects of UV on skin and its relation to skin cancer. I was made treasurer of the British Society of Investigative Dermatology in 2000. My expertise is in mitochondrial DNA and its use in diagnosing skin cancer. I have significant media experience and my work has been featured on international TV including ITN news and The Discovery Health Channel but also many national newspapers (including Sunday Telegraph, Independent, Daily Mail) and radio stations (most BBC networks and independent radio) as well as popular magazines including Company, SHE, NOW and Readers Digest.