Educated at Birmingham University (BSc, PhD, DSc), he lectured chemistry at the Universities of Aberdeen (1963-70) and Leicester (1971-2004).  He became Professor and Head of Chemistry (1987-96), Director of Physical Sciences and Dean (1997-99), Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor (1999-2003). 

A world authority on fluorine and noble-gas chemistry, he has published more than 270 research papers and one book.  He has held many public appointments in UK chemical science and education. Committed to bringing science, especially chemistry, to the public, he lectures widely and has made films and video demonstrations for The OU, Teachers’ TV and other providers.  His popular demonstration lectures have reached more than 300,000 people. 

He is currently a member of The-BA’s Council, Executive and Audit Committees.  He was awarded an OBE for services to Chemistry and Education in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2000 and the Silver Medal of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2002.