I studied chemistry at the University of Glasgow and graduated with my PhD in 1988 for studies on the thermal degradation of thermoplastics in the presence of metal-ion complexes.

Following post-doctoral research at Heriot-Watt University, I spent six years with ICI (latterly Zeneca) on Teesside where I studied the melt processability of advanced materials such as PEEK and PPS, and the biodegradable polymer BIOPOL, with a particular interest in crystallisation behaviour and plasticisation.

In 1994, I joined the University of Strathclyde, where I am now Professor in Polymer Science and Technology.  Although a mature field, polymer science is undergoing something of a renaissance, with the field being driven forward by issues such as sustainability.  My research group has interests across a wide spectrum of polymer chemistry, physics and technology, including adhesion, crystallisation behaviour, physical ageing, nanocomposite technology and polymer processing.   Recent projects include the development and characterisation of gelatin coatings for vascular grafts, the evaluation of new composite materials for heart valves, analytical routes for the assessment  of self-heating in biomass and a programme on the nucleation behaviour of polyhydroxyalkanoates for packaging applications.

I have a strong interest in supporting industrial innovation and much of my research is at higher TRL levels, in collaboration with businesses sized from micro to multinational. In particular, I have been involved with Knowledge Transfer Partnerships since 2005,  most recently leading programmes with Terumo Aortic, RUA Medical, Rumbol Ltd and AH Knight.

Recognising the value of multi-disciplinary partnerships in supporting industry-focussed research, I work closely with colleagues across the University from Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chemical and Process Engineering, Centre for Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation, Marketing and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

From the outset, I have taken the strategic step of working with industrial partners wherever possible, fostering knowledge exchange and ensuring that his research retains a commercial focus close to the customer interface.  Of the approximately £5 million of funding that I have has brought to the university, as principal or co-investigator, only 30% has had no direct industrial involvement.  Many of these industrial partnerships are long term, for example my partnership with DuPont Teijin Films began in 2000.  This emphasis on industrially funded research comes on the back of my own experience in industry, and my understanding and direct experience of commercial imperatives is almost unique amongst my chemistry colleagues.  The ability to relate to industrial collaborators and respond to fast-paced and challenging (and often changing) objectives and deadlines has been crucial to the success with these partnerships.   

Of particular note is my extensive involvement with Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programmes.  In the past ten years, I have been awarded as Principal Investigator seven such programmes, including two with Rumbol Products Ltd.

Based on my experience in knowledge exchange activities, I devised and currently lead the new Departmentally-based Knowledge Exchange Placement (better known as the Chemistry Clinic).  Designed for Year 4 MChem students, providing a structured training in knowledge exchange processes, business skills and entrepreneurship, the student-led Chemistry Clinic also provides opportunities for SMEs and larger companies to access chemistry consultancy services or facilities as an enhancement of existing Departmental KE activities. Many potential SME partnerships come to the university through the intermediary of the Interface Networks in the form of very short (< 3 month) projects.  Even engagements with larger companies can involve short-term problem solving.  However, such short-term projects can be problematic for departments, often being resource intensive, particularly in academic time and technician use relative to the more traditional longer term research projects.  This presents a serious barrier to increased academic engagement with SMEs and reduces uptake of potential projects.  The Chemistry Clinic reduces these barriers and encourages broader academic participation in SME-led programmes.

BSc University of Glasgow 1982

PhD University of Glasgow 1988

Fellow, Chartered Chemist, Royal Society of Chemistry; Chartered Scientist

Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry, Chartered Chemist, Chartered Scientist

Fellow, Higher Education Academy