Prof Richard C. Hartley he/him

My research passion centres on developing small molecule probes to investigate redox signalling and oxidative stress, particularly within mitochondria. My group has pioneered the creation of mitochondria-targeted compounds to both detect and manipulate reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to breakthroughs in understanding ageing, inflammation, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Notable innovations include MitoB, a probe for mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide, and MitoParaquat, which selectively increases mitochondrial superoxide.

My group serves as the chemical core of interdisciplinary, multi-centre collaborations, working with biologists, clinicians, and ecologists. These partnerships have led to impactful discoveries, such as elucidating the role of succinate in heart attack damage and the anti-inflammatory properties of itaconate. My collaborations span institutions like the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Trinity College Dublin, and University College London, and have included industrial partners like GSK.

My approach to PhD supervision is deeply collegial and student-focused. With a 95% completion rate, 35 PhD students (16 female) have graduated from my group. I emphasise timely completion, career development, and adaptability e.g. switching focus to computer modelling during COVID-19 lock downs to ensure research continuity. I have also taken over supervision mid-project to support students’ goals. My former PhD students have gone on to successful careers in industry, academia, and public service with the vast majority staying in science.

I have extensive leadership experience in postgraduate education, having served as Dean of Graduate Studies for the College of Science and Engineering and Head of Section. I have championed equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through pioneering initiatives such as the James McCune Smith Scholarship Scheme for Black UK domiciled students. Overall I love the science we do and am constantly educated by my students. It is a joy and privilege to supervise PhD students and then to watch them progress in their chosen careers.