Richard Johnston
Swansea University
Welsh Crucible 2013
Richard is a senior lecturer in the Materials Research Centre, Swansea University. Embracing a multidisciplinary approach, Richard’s research has taken him from artificial intelligence in manufacturing, through gas turbine materials (abradables, nickel superalloys, ceramic matrix composites), and on to X-ray microtomography. He has recently set up the new X-ray Imaging and Characterisation Laboratory (XIChaL) at Swansea, with a multidisciplinary group that finds excitement in applying materials science to varied fields. Current projects include working with tephrochronologists, Egyptologists, biomechanists, among others. Richard is eager to explore new collaborations, and a recent project on biomimicry and bioinspiration has great potential for collaboration with biological sciences. Richard also devised the #ResearchAsArt awards, and is keen to enhance the profile and understanding of research with the public, and to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Richard has been promoted to Professor in the College of Engineering at Swansea University.