Q and A

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2020. How does your research relate to that?

Much of my research is industry funded, which ensures that it remains both nationally and globally relevant to my profession and by extension, to society nationally and internationally. At the same time it has always been important that my research contributes to the development of a more sustainable society, primarily through the develop of more efficient technologies. I have taken care to collaborate both nationally and internationally to achieve these goals most efficiently and to maximise the broader impact of my work.

Please give us your impression of the role that research and innovation can play in the betterment of society?

As was so eloquently stated in Our Common Future, “Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. The main role of research and innovation should be to help achieve this.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support researchers?

Researchers always need more time, good postdocs and more funding!

What do you enjoy most about your job and what are the aspects that you find challenging?

Having a positive impact on the development of undergraduates, postgraduates and colleagues. Sadly there is never enough time to do the job as well as I would like.

What is the biggest piece of advice that you would give early-career researchers?

In one word: Collaborate.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the way we work. What, from your point of view, is the most pertinent change and how will this affect your work in the future?

Research in my discipline needs face to face interaction – difficult research problems are hard to solve through online meetings. Achieving efficient and meaningful interaction with students and colleagues has been a huge challenge and clearly will remain so for some time to come.

What do you do for fun (apart from research!)

I’m a rock climber – and rock climbing largely defines who I am.