Led by Professor Steve Rannard, the research group James belongs to investigates novel material approaches to overcoming current limitations in poorly water soluble drug therapies, particularly focused on antiretroviral therapies.
From idea to funded research project
James has benefitted from the University’s research-related contracts design, which clearly outlines the percentage of time available to core activities including research, working hours, personal and professional development.
“As part of my research contract I was able to develop and submit my own grant application to the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, supported by Professor Steve Rannard and Professor Andrew Owen,” said James. “This was successfully funded (£14,750) and a portion of the funding was allocated to buy back my research time from my group research project, to allow me to spend time focused on my own idea. This was done with the full support and guidance of my Principal Investigator (PI) and was a specific effort to help me develop my own ideas, gain experience of grant writing, manage all aspects of a small project, and to enhance my CV.”
This project involved nanoformulation of front line antiretroviral drugs dolutegravir (DTG) and rilpivirine (RPV), enabling smaller doses and making it easier for patients with HIV to adhere to their treatment regimen.
James has also recently had a paper published in the high impact journal Nature Communications.
Exploring different career possibilities
Since joining the University, James says he has been encouraged and supported by his PI to explore career avenues outside of their specific research project. He has achieved professional recognition for teaching development through engaging with The Academy’s specific, accredited route for PDRAs and associated roles, and Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) recognition with regard to the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF), a nationally-recognised framework for benchmarking success within HE teaching and learning support.
James said: “After completing the Academy’s Teaching for Researchers programme (now known as Foundations in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education) I am currently instructing on a Careers and Employability skills module for third year MChem students in Department of Chemistry.
James has been successful in making funding and grant applications and enhancing the impact and transferability of his research on an international scale.
“I’ve attended conferences and international workshops to develop networks and come into contact with new institutes, for example I was granted time away from my usual research activities to attend a British Council-funded workshop on advanced biomaterials held in the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar. This workshop gave me an excellent platform to interact with early career researchers from many institutions in the UK and India.
“I am active in the British Society for Nanomedicine as both a founding member and member of the executive group.”
Working with industry
Following his participation in Making an Impact 2018, James has further enhanced his research impact in relation to development activities linked to enterprise, entrepreneurship and impact.
James also cites the University’s links with industry as beneficial to his research career. He said: “As part of my current EPSRC-funded PDRA project there is a significant amount of work to be organised with external commercial companies. This is allowing me the opportunity to work directly with manufacturers to directly translate my research into a product which can be licensed for human trials in healthy volunteers.”
The University provides high quality development opportunities to empower every individual to foster their potential. You can learn more about The Academy’s staff development offering here.
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