Keith Buckler gained a degree in biochemistry in 1979 at Kings College London and then in 1988 a PhD from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He subsequently came to Oxford as a postdoctoral research assistant in the laboratory of Prof R.D. Vaughan-Jones before becoming an MRC Senior Research Fellow and a Junior Research Fellow of Queens college in 1993. In 2001 he was appointed to a Tutorial Fellowship at Trinity College and a University Lectureship in the department of Physiology (commencing 2003).

Keith Buckler’s research interests are in the areas of peripheral chemoreception and the effects of hypoxia, acidosis & ischemia on neuronal function. Peripheral chemoreceptors are specialised oxygen and acid sensors that play a vital role in controlling both ventilation and the cardiovascular system. His research in this area is focussed primarily upon trying to elucidate the primary cellular mechanisms of sensory transduction for both oxygen and acid. He is also currently engaged in research into the effects of hypoxia and acidosis upon peripheral neuron function with particular reference to the effects of myocardial ischemia upon autonomic regulation in the heart. Under ischemic conditions sympathetic neurons release large quantities of noradrenaline into the myocardium an event that is potentially extremely deleterious. The mechanisms responsible for this release are however poorly understood. These research projects encompass wide ranging areas of cellular physiology and biochemistry including ion channel regulation and electrical signalling, cell calcium regulation, cell pH regulation, basic metabolism and oxygen sensing pathways.

Further information can be found at Buckler Research