Personal statement
My current position is Professor in Drug Delivery within the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland. In 1998 I gained my PhD from the University of London investigating the role of liposomes for DNA vaccines and drug delivery. I then worked within a newly established Drug Delivery Company (Lipoxen Technologies Ltd) for two years, developing their liposome drug delivery platform technology prior to moving into Academia to set up my own research group. I joined Aston University in 2000 and was appointed Professor in Drug Delivery in 2007. In 2016, I moved to the University of Strathclyde as Professor in Drug Delivery as part of the Global Talent Appointment Programme where I continue to develop and advance my research strategies. I am currently Associate Dean (Research) within the Faculty of Science. Previously roles I have effectively delivered in include Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching, Director of the Medicines Research Unit, and Head of Pharmacy.
My research is multi-disciplinary and is focused on the development of drug delivery systems to facilitate the delivery of drugs and vaccines, thus providing practical solutions for current healthcare problems. I am an internationally recognised expert in the field of liposomes and particulate drug delivery research with a strong track-record of high impact publications, with approximately 130 peer reviewed manuscripts plus 5 textbooks. To ensure an effective knowledge exchange and application of my research, to date I have translated my research into 6 patents. My laboratory is fully equipped for the manufacture and analysis of a wide range of nanoparticles including a suite of microfluidics systems which will provide the underpinning support for this project. I maintain a steady funding stream to support my research team through a range of sources including Government Research Councils, European Framework Funding, Industrial Partners and Charities. I have supervised 31 PhD students to successful completion, all of whom are now further developing their careers in either Academic or Industrial positions.
My research and academic leadership has been recognised via a range of fellowships and awards including the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Harrison Memorial Medal (2019), 50th Anniversary Chair in Drug Delivery (2016), membership of the Controlled Release Society College of Fellows (2015), Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2014), Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2012), Eminent Fellow of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2012), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Pharmaceutical Scientist of the Year (2012), the British Science Festival Collaboration in Formulation Award (2011) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Science Conference Medal (2007).