Prof. Richard Blackburn

Professor of Sustainable Materials

University of Leeds

Richard Blackburn is the Professor of Sustainable Materials at The University of Leeds. His key areas of research focus around the principles of sustainability and how these principles can be applied in the fields of materials science, coloration technology and cosmetics. His research is important in terms of the contribution to basic research, fundamental discoveries, and influence on the direction of the field, making a significant contribution to the scientific community. His research also has significant impact in its application in terms of providing more sustainable products and processes for industry and society. Professor Blackburn is a co-founder and director of spin-out company Keracol Limited and its cosmetics brand Dr. Craft.

In 2013 Professor Blackburn was made a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Dyers of The City of London, and was given The Freedom of The City of London.  In 2016 he was awarded the Silver Medal of the Society of Dyers and Colourists for Prolonged contributions to education and academic research and in 2017 the Fellowship of the Society. In both 2018 and 2019 he was awarded The Society of Dyers and Colourists Centenary Medal for best paper in the journal Coloration Technology, becoming the first author in history to win the award in two consecutive years.