Professor Paul Matts is a leading authority in skin biology, photoprotection and dermatological innovation, bringing over 36 years of global industry experience to Hull York Medical School. As R&D Vice President and Victor Mills Research Fellow at Procter & Gamble, he pioneered advances in skin measurement, appearance science and sun protection standards. At HYMS, he leads research and industry collaboration within the Skin Research Centre (SRC), advancing the Global Digital Skin Centre initiative — a programme to create the world’s largest molecular digital twin for skin to transform dermatological research and care. He is deeply committed to mentoring scientists and building academic-industry partnerships that translate cutting-edge skin science into health and commercial impact.
Professor Paul Matts is an internationally-recognised expert in skin biology, photoprotection and dermatological innovation. Formerly R&D Vice President and Victor Mills Research Fellow at Procter & Gamble, he has over 36 years’ industrial experience, over 65 peer-reviewed publications and 28 patents. He now leads the development of the Global Digital Skin Centre, advancing translational skin research and global skin-health innovation at Hull York Medical School.
Area of Expertise
Professor Paul Matts specialises in skin biology, photoprotection and dermatological innovation, with particular expertise in non-invasive skin analysis, chromophore mapping and digital approaches to dermatology. His work bridges academic research and industry application, focusing on skin ageing, barrier function and sun protection science. He has also led efforts in developing digital skin models and global standards for sunscreen performance, advancing translational research and innovation in skin health worldwide. He has also re-applied his expertise to resource-poor settings, as co-founder of an Ethiopian NGO to help treat and restore to health 1.5 million sufferers with Podoconiosis (endemic, lower-leg, non-filarial lymphoedema).
Professor Matts brings governance discipline, commercial translation and global networks to the SRC.
Professor Paul Matts’ current research focuses on advancing digital dermatology, photoprotection and translational skin science. His focus is on the Global Digital Skin Centre initiative, developing the world’s largest molecular digital twin for skin to transform diagnosis and treatment, to democratise skin research data. Building on decades of innovation in skin optics, non-invasive imaging and sun protection, his current work integrates AI, molecular biology and clinical collaboration to accelerate breakthroughs in skin health and global dermatological research.
Professor Paul Matts collaborates extensively across academia, industry and healthcare to translate skin research into real-world impact. At Hull York Medical School, he works with the Skin Research Centre, VISFO, NHS partners and international collaborators to advance digital dermatology and data-driven innovation. Through the SRC–VISFO partnership, he is co-developing AI-enabled platforms and analytical frameworks that integrate scientific, clinical, and commercial insight - accelerating discovery, enhancing translational relevance and positioning York and VISFO at the forefront of connected, data-led skin research.
Professor Paul Matts has held influential external roles across science, industry and public health.
He is a past Chairman of the Cosmetics Europe (CE; European Trade Association) Sun Protection Measurement Task Force and CE Sun Protection Strategic Advisory Group, developing European SPF and UVA test methods for labelling. He has served as the UK Expert to the ISO (International Standards) TC217/WG5 Sun Protection team, leading to the development and deployment of 4 SPF and UVA international standards.
Professor Matts has taught for most of his career and is Visiting Professor to the London College of Fashion, where he has been an Associate Lecturer on Cosmetic Science degree and masters courses since 1993. He is past Visiting Professor to the London School of Pharmacy. He is also a registered speaker with Speakers for Schools.
Professor Matts is the organiser of the biennial London Sun Conference, recognised as the leading regular forum for sun protection science globally.
He founded the UK charity Skin Health for All and co-founded the Ethiopian NGO “Action on Podoconiosis Association”, with an aim to treat and eradicate Podoconiosis in Ethiopia. He is a member of the Advisory Board for “Footwork - The International Podoconiosis Initiative”.
Professor Matts is Strategic Advisor to the MedX Health Corporation, advancing the early detection of skin cancer at scale using its DermSecure® platform, coupled with MedX’s imaging technology (SIAcopy®).
Professor Paul Matts has received multiple international honours for his contributions to skin science and innovation.
Among these, he is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Royal Society of Arts.
He is a recipient of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists’ Medal Award and the Hans A. Schaeffer Award for scientific innovation.
He was appointed Visiting Professor to the London School of Pharmacy in 2007 and Visiting Professor to the London College of Fashion in 2010.
In July 2025, Professor Matts was recognised with an Honorary Doctorate by the University of the Arts London, for his outstanding contributions to the creative industries.