BNFM Functional Connections: Light and Human Biology — From Research to Clinical Application
Join us on Thursday April 30th - 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Join the British Network for Functional Medicine (BNFM) for an evening exploring the emerging science of light biology and its impact on human health. Featuring insights from Professor Glen Jeffrey and discussion led by Dr Steve James, this event will explore how light interacts with mitochondria, metabolism, ageing, and the modern environment.
The Functional Connections series from the British Network for Functional Medicine brings together clinicians, researchers and health professionals to explore cutting-edge developments in functional and integrative medicine.
This event will explore the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of light and human biology.
Research at the intersection of physics, biology and mitochondrial science is revealing how light influences fundamental processes in the body. This work forms part of the growing field of quantum biology and has significant implications for metabolic health, ageing, circadian biology and clinical practice. A central focus of this emerging research is how different wavelengths of light interact with mitochondria, influencing energy production and cellular health. These insights are also shedding light on the consequences of modern environments — including reduced exposure to natural broad-spectrum light and increased exposure to artificial lighting such as LEDs.
During this evening event, featuring bowl food, drinks and presentations:
The Functional Connections series from the British Network for Functional Medicine brings together clinicians, researchers and health professionals to explore cutting-edge developments in functional and integrative medicine.
This event will explore the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of light and human biology.
Research at the intersection of physics, biology and mitochondrial science is revealing how light influences fundamental processes in the body. This work forms part of the growing field of quantum biology and has significant implications for metabolic health, ageing, circadian biology and clinical practice. A central focus of this emerging research is how different wavelengths of light interact with mitochondria, influencing energy production and cellular health. These insights are also shedding light on the consequences of modern environments — including reduced exposure to natural broad-spectrum light and increased exposure to artificial lighting such as LEDs.
During this evening event, featuring bowl food, drinks and presentations:
- Professor Glen Jeffrey will share key insights from his pioneering research into photobiology and mitochondrial function.
- Dr Steve James will explore how these discoveries translate into clinical application and functional medicine practice.
- The session will conclude with an interactive discussion and audience Q&A. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from a leading researcher and a practising clinician working at the forefront of this emerging field.#
Location
The Kings Fund,
No.11 Cavendish Square, Cavendish Square, London, UK
No.11 Cavendish Square, Cavendish Square, London, UK
Date & Time
April 30, 2026, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Speakers
We're incredibly excited to welcome speakers Professor Glen Jeffrey and Dr Steve James.
Professor Glen Jeffrey
Professor of Neuroscience, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology
Professor Glen Jeffrey studied Experimental Psychology at Sussex University before completing a doctorate in Neuroscience at Oxford University. He has held postdoctoral research positions at UCL, the University of Chicago and Oxford before continuing his career at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.
His research focuses on the development and ageing of the retina and visual brain in both normal and pathological conditions. The retina contains the highest concentration of mitochondria in the body, making it a powerful model for studying mitochondrial function and ageing.
Professor Jeffrey’s work has demonstrated that mitochondrial function responds to specific wavelengths of light, opening the possibility of influencing ageing, disease processes and metabolic health through light exposure. His research spans from laboratory models to human applications and increasingly involves collaborations with atmospheric physicists, optical engineers and architects exploring how built environments influence human biology
His research focuses on the development and ageing of the retina and visual brain in both normal and pathological conditions. The retina contains the highest concentration of mitochondria in the body, making it a powerful model for studying mitochondrial function and ageing.
Professor Jeffrey’s work has demonstrated that mitochondrial function responds to specific wavelengths of light, opening the possibility of influencing ageing, disease processes and metabolic health through light exposure. His research spans from laboratory models to human applications and increasingly involves collaborations with atmospheric physicists, optical engineers and architects exploring how built environments influence human biology
Dr Steve James
Consultant in Critical Care and Functional Medicine
Dr Steve James is a Consultant in Critical Care at King’s College Hospital in London and holds an honorary consultant post in Metabolic Health for Stroke at UCL. His training spans multiple disciplines including sleep medicine, exercise physiology, functional medicine, metabolic health, medicinal mushrooms and men’s health. Beyond conventional medicine he has worked extensively with psychological and contemplative practices for over 30 years. Dr James has taught meditation for 25 years, trained as a breathwork facilitator, and is trained in Compassionate Inquiry. He has supported psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy programmes and participated in numerous retreats and personal development modalities. His current focus is on light biology and the facilitation of whole-human health.
Schedule
6:30PM - Connect
Arrival Drinks, Bowl Food and Networking
The evening will begin with a relaxed arrival and networking reception, giving guests the opportunity to connect with fellow practitioners, clinicians and health professionals before the talks begin.
Guests will be welcomed with a selection of delicious bowl food, alongside a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This informal setting creates the perfect environment to meet others working across functional, integrative and lifestyle medicine, exchange ideas, and build meaningful professional connections.
The Functional Connections series is designed not only to share leading-edge science, but also to bring together a community of practitioners who are passionate about advancing health and medicine. Whether you are meeting colleagues for the first time or reconnecting with familiar faces, the reception offers a valuable space for conversation, collaboration and new relationships to emerge.
Guests will be welcomed with a selection of delicious bowl food, alongside a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This informal setting creates the perfect environment to meet others working across functional, integrative and lifestyle medicine, exchange ideas, and build meaningful professional connections.
The Functional Connections series is designed not only to share leading-edge science, but also to bring together a community of practitioners who are passionate about advancing health and medicine. Whether you are meeting colleagues for the first time or reconnecting with familiar faces, the reception offers a valuable space for conversation, collaboration and new relationships to emerge.
7:30PM - learn
Presentation from Professor Glen Jeffrey: Light and Human Biology
Our understanding of how light interacts with human biology is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Emerging research at the intersection of neuroscience, physics and cellular biology is revealing that light plays a far more fundamental role in human health than previously understood.
In this fascinating presentation, Professor Glen Jeffrey will explore how different wavelengths of light influence the function of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within our cells. Because mitochondria play a central role in metabolism, ageing and disease processes, these discoveries have significant implications for areas such as metabolic health, blood glucose regulation, circadian biology and longevity.
Professor Jeffrey will also examine how the modern lighting environment has changed dramatically in recent decades. Reduced exposure to natural broad-spectrum daylight and increased exposure to artificial lighting — particularly LEDs — may have important consequences for human physiology and wellbeing.
Drawing on years of pioneering research from laboratory studies through to human applications, this talk will illuminate how light can influence biological systems from the cellular level upwards, and how these insights are beginning to shape thinking in healthcare, architecture and the design of our built environments.
In this fascinating presentation, Professor Glen Jeffrey will explore how different wavelengths of light influence the function of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within our cells. Because mitochondria play a central role in metabolism, ageing and disease processes, these discoveries have significant implications for areas such as metabolic health, blood glucose regulation, circadian biology and longevity.
Professor Jeffrey will also examine how the modern lighting environment has changed dramatically in recent decades. Reduced exposure to natural broad-spectrum daylight and increased exposure to artificial lighting — particularly LEDs — may have important consequences for human physiology and wellbeing.
Drawing on years of pioneering research from laboratory studies through to human applications, this talk will illuminate how light can influence biological systems from the cellular level upwards, and how these insights are beginning to shape thinking in healthcare, architecture and the design of our built environments.
8:30PM - apply
Clinical Application Discussion led by Dr Steve James
The presentation will be followed by a discussion led by Dr Steve James, exploring the clinical implications of light biology and how these emerging insights may translate into practical approaches within functional and integrative medicine. The audience will be invited to participate in a Q and A session.
9:15PM - gratitude
Closing Remarks & Sponsor Thanks
The evening will conclude with brief closing reflections from the BNFM team, highlighting key insights from the discussion and sharing upcoming initiatives and events within the Functional Connections series.
We will also hear short presentations from our event sponsors, whose organisations are supporting innovation and education within the functional and integrative health space. These presentations provide an opportunity to learn about the work they are doing to advance practitioner education, clinical tools and patient outcomes.
9.30pm: ENDS
We will also hear short presentations from our event sponsors, whose organisations are supporting innovation and education within the functional and integrative health space. These presentations provide an opportunity to learn about the work they are doing to advance practitioner education, clinical tools and patient outcomes.
9.30pm: ENDS
We are deeply grateful to the organisations that support the BNFM Functional Connections series. Their partnership helps make it possible for us to bring together clinicians, researchers and practitioners to share emerging science, clinical insight and meaningful professional connection.
By supporting these events, our sponsors contribute to the growth of education, collaboration and innovation within the functional and integrative health community. Their commitment enables us to create high-quality events that foster dialogue, inspire new thinking and strengthen the network of professionals dedicated to advancing patient care.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors for their ongoing support of the British Network for Functional Medicine and the wider community we serve. Their contribution plays an important role in helping us continue to develop events that inform, connect and inspire.
By supporting these events, our sponsors contribute to the growth of education, collaboration and innovation within the functional and integrative health community. Their commitment enables us to create high-quality events that foster dialogue, inspire new thinking and strengthen the network of professionals dedicated to advancing patient care.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors for their ongoing support of the British Network for Functional Medicine and the wider community we serve. Their contribution plays an important role in helping us continue to develop events that inform, connect and inspire.
