Richard’s research interests are focused on microstructure/macrostructure property relationships of materials, setting reactions, sensors, degradation processes, water transport mechanisms, polymeric and ceramic materials for 3D printing, conservation materials, photocatalytic coatings and materials for improving the indoor air quality of buildings.

He is currently co-investigator on the EPSRC research grants ‘Aerial Additive Building Manufacturing: Distributed Unmanned Aerial Systems for in-situ manufacturing of the built environment’, and 'Resilient Materials for Life (RM4L)'.  In addition he was principal investigator on the EPSRC grants ‘An Electrochemical Approach to Study Carbonation of Novel Lime Based Materials’ and ‘Experimentally verified atomistic modelling of lime in construction materials’, and co-investigator on the grant 'Healthy housing for the Displaced'.  He has recieved funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Council, and the Royal Society.