Derek obtained his Bachelor degree in biochemistry at Kings College London University before studying for his PhD in biochemistry at the Institute of Neurology in London. He carried out postdoctoral studies at the world-famous MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology before moving to establish his own independent research career. He has led research teams at the University of Southampton (1994-2006) and at Newcastle University (2006-present) where he established and leads the Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group which has a mission to illuminate the biology of fibrosis and to unlock new drug targets and biomarkers in chronic disease. 

He has published 171 research papers which according to Scopus have attracted 8408 citations (h index = 77). Derek is considered a world expert and opinion leader in liver diseases with particular expertise in the biology of liver inflammation, fibrosis and cancer. 

He is currently Professor of Hepatology and Dean of Research & Innovation in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University.

In recognition of his important contributions to medical research, Derek was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2016.