I studied chemistry at the University of Glasgow (BSc Hons, 1st class 1982) and subsequently obtained my PhD from the University for studies on the thermal degradation of thermoplastics in the presence of metal-ion complexes, supervised by Dr Ian McNeill.

Following post-doctoral research on permo-selective polymer membranes at Heriot-Watt University with Dr Jim Cameron and Dr Ian Soutar, I spent six years with ICI (subsequently Zeneca) at Wilton and Billingham on Teesside where I studied the melt processability of high temperature thermoplastics 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 Reader in Physical Chemistry. My research group has a major research interests across a wide spectrum of polymer chemistry, physics and technology, including adhesion, crystallisation behaviour, physical ageing, nanocomposite technology and polymer processing. One major focus is the elucidation of the mechanistic organic chemistry of polymer degradation processes, particularly in relationship to polymer durability, processing and fire response. Although a mature field, polymer degradation science is undergoing something of a renaissance, with the field being driven forward by issues such as waste polymer recycling, the need for new biodegradable polymers to meet biomedical applications or to address environmental issues, and the requirement for a new generation of fire-retarded polymers avoiding the use of toxic additives.

The polymer group prides itself on its industrial focus, and particularly its long term relationship with SME's through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme. Current research includes a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with local company Taylor Bowls an MPhil programme with Stylemark and PhD programmes with DuPont Teijin Films.

A major analytical tool in the group is Thermal Volatilisation Analysis (TVA) a versatile, yet nowadays little known, technique capable of analysing (in real time) the evolution of volatile species from an analyte, cryogenically collecting evolved volatiles and characterising the individual components by mass spectrometry. In our most recent work TVA has been re-visited, updated and re-applied to new applications and now has become an indispensable tool for the study of various aspects of volatiles evolution analysis and characterisation, particularly in relation to our work on polymer flammability.

Recognising the value of synergistic partnerships, I work closely with colleagues within the University, particularly Prof Richard Pethrick, Dr len Berlouis and Dr Nick Hudson from Pure and Applied Chemistry, Prof Carl Schaschke, Dr Simon Shilton, Dr Martin Sweatman and Dr Jan Sefcik (Chemical and Process Engineering), Dr Avril Thomson (Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management) and Prof James Thomason (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 £4 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 current partnership with DuPont Teijin Films (currently supporting 3 PhD students) 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. Since 2004 I have managed or otherwise been involved in a technical capacity with programmes with Carron Phoenix (including the first short KTP in Scotland), Thomas Taylor Bowls (x2), Stylemark (Polaroid Eyewear), Caledonian Ferguson Timpson and Scottoiler. Three of these programmes were shortlisted for KTP Scotland Awards.