Researcher Academy Faculty Leads (RAFLs) are senior academics who act as a key interface with postgraduates and early career researchers as well as other stakeholders.

Ifty Ahmed (Faculty of Engineering)

I am an Associate Professor within the Faculty of Engineering’s, Advanced Materials Research group. My research interests span Biomaterials, Bioglasses, Biocomposites and my research group mainly work on Phosphate-Based Glasses. These materials have been investigated for biomedical applications where the temporary presence of an implant is required, consequently negating the need for implant removal. More recently, I have developed a unique processing method for manufacturing dense and highly porous microspheres from a range of inorganic materials.

In my role as Researcher Academy Faculty Lead (RAFL) for Engineering, I work with an excellent group of research fellows from varying research groups, as well as with staff in the Researcher Academy and Engineering Research Office to support the training and development of the Faculty’s researcher community.

Rachel Louise Gomes (Faculty of Engineering)

I am Professor of Water & Resource Processing in the Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering and I am a member of, and lead the Faculty of Engineering’s Food Water Waste Research Group. My research focuses on sustainable and circular resources, with a passion for water. Taking an interdisciplinary and systems approach, I look at understanding and developing solutions to more intelligently use and reuse water and interconnected resources, without depreciating the environment. I lead the University of Nottingham’s Interdisciplinary Research Cluster, Water Works comprising >140 academics, which actively supports Nottingham to become the UK’s first carbon neutral city and features in the Carbon Neutral Nottingham 2028 Action Plan.

I am the Director for Researchers and Postgraduate Researchers for the Faculty of Engineering where I champion researchers to develop ownership and make informed choices that enhance their PhD experience and/or postdoctoral research career. As one of the two Researcher Academy Faculty Leads (RAFL) for the Faculty, I interact with and support PGRs and researchers across our diverse research groups, ensuring they each make the most of their time with us and have access to the support, facilities, environment, and training to help them realise and achieve their full potential.

Rachel's University of Nottingham profile

Alex's University of Nottingham profile

Alexander Tarr (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)

I am an Assistant Professor in Molecular Virology in the School of Life Sciences. My research investigates mechanisms of virus entry and immune responses to chronic and acute viral infections. I am particularly interested in hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus and, more recently, SARS-CoV-2. This research contributes to development of novel antiviral therapies and informs vaccine design.

I previously represented research staff within the University as the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences representative on the Research Staff Group. I have also represented the University at the UK Research Staff Association. In my role as Deputy Researcher Academy Faculty Lead for Medicine and Health Sciences I am representing the interests of all research staff in the Faculty, working with the Researcher Academy and individual schools to support research staff in their career development.

Aditi Borkar (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)

I am an Assistant Professor in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. My research primarily delves into exploring the 3D structure and molecular dynamics of RNAs and their relevance to cellular health and disease. While our main focus is on HIV pathogenesis as a model, our projects also encompass other RNA viruses like Arenaviruses and RNA misfolding diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy. We employ a range of techniques, including integrated biophysics, cryo-Electron Microscopy, Mass Spectroscopy, and computer simulations, and often engage in innovative method development for RNA structure analysis.

In my role as the Deputy RAFL for MHS, I collaborate with Alex Tarr to support the professional growth and development of research staff within our Faculty across various stages of their career journey. My own career path has been deeply rooted in research, complemented by a history of holding multiple fellowships. This personal experience particularly makes me passionate about addressing the unique challenges faced by Postdoctoral Fellows (PDFs) and Early Career Researchers (ECRs).

I am situated at the Vet School on the Sutton Bonington Campus, and I'm always open to a friendly chat over coffee if you'd like to connect.

Aditi's University of Nottingham profile

Alex Gibbs (Faculty of Science)

I am an Assistant Professor in Agriculture and the Environment in the School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science. My research centres on plant physiology, particularly understanding the critical role of crop canopy architecture in maximising light interception and photosynthesis. I drive innovation in plant phenotyping by integrating cutting-edge technologies: computer vision, AI, and mathematical modelling. This quantitative approach allows me to dissect complex plant-environment interactions. My interests extend to pioneering alternative cropping systems, including agroforestry, intercropping, and vertical farming, with a futuristic focus on farming for astronauts on space missions.

Having experienced the research journey at Nottingham across all stages, from a PhD student, postdoc, independent Fellow to an Academic member of staff, I am deeply invested in our community. After three years as the Researcher Champion for the School of Biosciences, I am now stepping into the RAFL role for the Faculty of Science. My goal is simple: to ensure an equitable and supportive infrastructure that empowers all researchers to thrive.

I'm primarily based at Sutton Bonington Campus but frequently teach at University Park (UP). I’m always open to connecting for a friendly chat and a coffee!

Alexandra Gibbs

Alex's University of Nottingham profile

Andrew Goffey

Andrew Goffey's University of Nottingham profile

Andrew Goffey (Faculty of Arts)

I am an Associate Professor in Critical Theory and Cultural Studies in the Faculty of Arts. My research is interdisciplinary, even transdisciplinary in nature. I work on the grey areas between media, philosophy, science and technology studies and politics. My interests include: the role of digital technologies, and more specifically, software, in shaping contemporary culture; changing forms of media and cultural practice; methods and forms of cultural analysis, micropolitics, untranslateability, and the philosophy of technology. I am particularly interested in exploring the experimental use of theory and do work as a translator too (primarily of philosophical texts, from French to English). 

Andrew Mumford (Faculty of Social Sciences)

I am a Professor of War Studies in the School of Politics and International Relations. I have been at the university since 2011. My research revolves around the political management of conflict. As RAFL for the Social Sciences I hope to work closely with the faculty’s PGR body and its research staff. I see the RAFL role as being a lynchpin in the rather complex ecosystem in which researcher training and development exists. I want to harness the views and concerns of PGRs in the seven schools across our Faculty, whilst getting them to feel part of a wider PGR community, whilst also fostering greater awareness within the RA of the needs of social scientists.

Andrew's University of Nottingham profile