Personal statement

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.