Richard Baker

Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Research at Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans

Dr Richard Baker is a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Materials Science at the University of St Andrews, where he has worked since 2005.1 2 He holds a BSc in Chemistry from Durham and a PhD in Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology from Imperial College.1 2 Dr Baker is a Chartered Chemist, Member of the Institute of Physics (MInsP), and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in 2016.1 2

His research focuses on functional materials, particularly:

Ionically- and electronically-conducting materials for fuel cells and electrochemical reactors
Heterogeneous catalysts for pollution abatement and fuel cells
Electro-Active Polymers for actuator devices2

Dr Baker teaches courses across various levels, including physical chemistry, solid state chemistry, materials characterization, semiconductor science, fuel cell technology, renewable energy, heterogeneous catalysis, and electron microscopy.1 2 He contributes to undergraduate programs in Chemistry and Materials Science, as well as courses on Energy Supply and Use for the Sustainable Development degree.1 2

Throughout his career, Dr Baker has supervised 8 Masters and 10 PhD students, published 70 research articles, and made over 25 keynote or invited presentations.1 2 He has also held leadership roles, including being one of six founder members of the EPSRC Supergen Fuel Cell Consortium and serving as Editor, Secretary/Treasurer, and Chair of the Electron Microscopy and Analysis Group of the Institute of Physics.1 2